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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 29 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Chris Schalkx

With their golden roofs and incense-swirled spires, Bangkok’s 400-or-so wats (temples) aren’t just a pretty backdrop for box-ticking tourists, but a cornerstone of Thai society. Thais from all walks of life come here to make merit and ask Buddhist deities for good for-tune at work or in their relationships, while many young men stay as temporary monks as a rite of passage towards adulthood.

The city’s oldest temples, such as the 16th century Wat Pho, bedazzle with their jewel-studded opulence, but more recent builds, such as Wat Samphran with a giant dragon coiling around its tower, are equally impressive.

Shrine gilded with flowers
Experience

Erawan Shrine

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

The Erawan Shrine is the most important religious symbol in Bangkok – despite it actually being a Hindu rather than Buddhist shrine. Each day, there’s a constant stream of locals offering flowers or carved wooden elephants in the hope of having wishes (mostly financial) granted.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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External view of the temple with columns
Experience

Wat Arun

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

One of Bangkok’s most photographed temples, Wat Arun is beautifully decorated with colourful porcelain pieces. Situated in a sublime location on the Chao Phraya river, it was renamed Wat Chaeng by King Taksin, who arrived here at dawn having escaped the Burmese during the Ayutthaya siege.

Best for ages: 13+ | £2

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Head of giant reclining Buddha
Experience

Wat Pho

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

A colossal gold reclining Buddha with auspicious symbols on the soles of his feet is the main attraction at Wat Pho. The temple complex is also home to Thailand’s largest collection of glittering gold Buddha images, while the temple’s monastery across the road is a known for some of the best Thai massages in town.

Best for ages: 13+ | £2

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Wat Phra Kaew
Experience

Wat Phra Kaew

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

This eye-popping temple, decorated in shimmering mosaics and vivid murals, is the centrepiece of the Grand Palace. It’s also home to the famous Emerald Buddha statue that stands 66cm tall and was carved from a single jade stone in the 14th century.

Best for ages: 13+ | £12

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

All the temples are open for visitors to en-ter and stroll around at leisure. If you’re not planning on hiring a guide, take a guidebook as there’s often little public information on-site. Also take a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.

Dress modestly out of respect. Don’t wear revealing or tight clothes. No shorts, short skirts or beachwear. Some temples may re-fuse you entry while others will point you to a place to rent a sarong to cover up.

When to do it

Most temples open very early and close to the public after 6pm.

Bangkok’s temples are a photographer’s delight. First thing in the morning or late in the afternoon offer better light and cooler temperatures, and a smaller chance of big crowds.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Bangkok’s Inspiring Buddhist temples

Bangkok’s Inspiring Buddhist temples

Bangkok

With hundreds of temples within its city borders, one cannot see all of them. Carefully chosen from importance to just simply stunning, our ...

$42 | Rating 4.31 / 5 [19 ratings]

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Small-Group Bangkok Temples Tour at Wat Arun, Wat Phoa and Wat Saket

Small-Group Bangkok Temples Tour at Wat Arun, Wat Phoa and Wat Saket

Bangkok

● Snap colorful photos at the most Instagrammable places in Bangkok on this Bangkok Temple Tour ● Explore the most important and impressive ...

$85 | Rating 5 / 5 [23 ratings]

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Royal Grand Palace and Bangkok Temples: Half Day Tour

Royal Grand Palace and Bangkok Temples: Half Day Tour

Bangkok

Uncover the royal and spiritual riches of Bangkok with this cultural half-day guided tour that will give you the possibility to admire the a...

€91 | Rating 4.31 / 5 [97 ratings]

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Private Tour: Temples Tour of Bangkok

Private Tour: Temples Tour of Bangkok

Bangkok

Discover some of Bangkok’s top attractions on this private temple tour. Visit the 3 most distinguished temples; Wat Traimit (Temple of Golde...

$114 | Rating 4.77 / 5 [31 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

ASAI Bangkok Chinatown

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

A hyper-smart design hotel on the fringe of Chinatown, within walking distance of legendary street eats and kaleidoscopic temples, but out of earshot from roaring tuk-tuks and rowdy market vendors.

Official star rating:

Ad Lib Bangkok

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

A garden-clad oasis in the heart of Bangkok with a lovely rooftop pool, fitness centre and easy access to the Phloen Chit BTS skytrain station.

Official star rating:

Ariyasom Villas

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

Beautiful, intimate boutique hotel in a 1940s villa surrounded by tranquil, lush gardens with a relaxing spa. Excellent location for sightseeing nd shopping.

Official star rating:

CHANN

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

A lovely riverside retreat, away from the hubbub, to immerse in local life along the river. Most of Bangkok’s postcard sights are a 15-minute boat ride away.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bangkok

Central Thailand, Thailand

From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions, and one of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities.

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