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Last updated: 25 June, 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.

Erawan Shrine

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

Shrine gilded with flowers

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+

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Wat Arun

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

External view of the temple with columns

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.

Adult price: £2

Best for ages 13+

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Wat Pho

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

Head of giant reclining Buddha

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.

Adult price: £2

Best for ages 13+

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Wat Phra Kaew

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew

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.

Adult price: £12

Best for ages 13+

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Wat Saket

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

View of temple at dusk

Set within the Wat Saket temple complex, Phu Khao Thong (the Golden Mount) boasts a 58m gleaming golden chedi. Most visitors climb the 318 steps to savour the views over Bangkok, which are particularly spectacular at sunset.

Adult price: £1

Best for ages 13+

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Wat Samphran

Nakhom Pathom, Central Thailand, Thailand

Wat Samphran

Shaped like a giant dragon coiled around a concrete skyscraper, off-the-beaten-track Wat Samphran proves that not every temple is a riot of glitter and gold. A steep pathway through the dragon’s belly leads to the rooftop shrine with spectacular views over the countryside some 40km from Bangkok. It’s an extraordinary creation – and worth making the effort to go see it for yourself.

Best for ages 13+

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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

Bangkok’s Inspiring Buddhist temples
With hundreds of temples within its city borders, one cannot see all of them. Carefully chosen from importance to just simply stunning, our tour among the Buddhist landmarks in Bangkok does include a quick but good view of the local vibe of the capital. • Admire the amazing 5,5 ton weighing gilded Buddha statue at Wat Traimit; • Get the perfect shot when entering the religious building of the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho; • Walk respectfully over the grounds of the Marble temple; • Watch how Bangkok is a beehive of activity with traditions • Mingle with the locals during their daily prayers

Price: $58

Min age: 0

Rating 4.38 / 5 [21 ratings]

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

Bangkok

Small-Group Bangkok Temples Tour at Wat Arun, Wat Phoa and Wat Saket
● Snap colorful photos at the most Instagrammable places in Bangkok on this Bangkok Temple Tour ● Explore the most important and impressive monuments in the city on this small group excursion ● Get the quintessential Wat Pho Instagram shot with the enormous Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho ● Board a riverboat to mesmerising Wat Arun ● Journey to Wat Saket, one of Bangkok's oldest shrines built on a hillside

Price: $85

Min age: 6

Rating 4.84 / 5 [25 ratings]

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Royal Grand Palace and Bangkok Temples: Half Day Tour

Bangkok

Royal Grand Palace and Bangkok Temples: Half Day Tour
Uncover the royal and spiritual riches of Bangkok with this cultural half-day guided tour that will give you the possibility to admire the architectural masterpiece of the Grand Palace and the wonderful Wat Pho and Wat Traimit temples. Join this small group tour led by a professional local guide that start at 8.00 am.

Price: €91

Min age: 5

Rating 4.43 / 5 [138 ratings]

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Private Tour: Temples Tour of Bangkok

Bangkok

Private Tour: Temples Tour of Bangkok
Discover some of Bangkok’s top attractions on this private temple tour. Visit the 3 most distinguished temples; Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) on the Chao Phraya River. On this 5-hour tour you will explore the beauty and history of these famous sights with an expert guide.

Price: $114

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [31 ratings]

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Bangkok Temples Tour

Bangkok

Bangkok Temples Tour
On this historical tour around the most impressive temples of Bangkok your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in the morning. The first to visit temple on this day is Wat traimit temple. The 5 ton pure golden Buddha statue in this temple was once lost but by accident recovered again. Then continue to big reclining Buddha at Wat Pho where you will see the first Thai massage school and university in Thailand. If you like you can also get a 30 minute massage here (pay extra on spot). then time for lunch at one of the nice and local restaurants nearby the river.  After lunch you'll visit the Grand Palace and the temple with the emerald Buddha statue that is so much revered by all Thai people. The last temple today will be Golden Mount and Wat Suthat temple for stunning views over the city.

Price: $171

Min age: 1

Rating 4.99 / 5 [213 ratings]

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Private Tour of Bangkok's Temples Including Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

Bangkok

Private Tour of Bangkok's Temples Including Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist country with around 95% of Thai's practicing the Theravada discipline of Buddhism. As you wander the streets of Bangkok it is not unusual to see monks adorned in their maroon and yellow colors walking along the road and it should come as no surprise as Thailand has over 26,000 Wat's (the local name for temple).

Price: T2,100

Min age: 0

Rating 4.19 / 5 [294 ratings]

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Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food by Tuk-Tuk

Bangkok

Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food by Tuk-Tuk
This night tour was awarded TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice "No. 1 Experience in Thailand" in 2018, 2020 & 2023, and for good reason. Exploring at night and by the iconic tuk tuk is a great way to discover Bangkok and learn about the local culture. On this 4-hour tour you will: • Whizz around Bangkok in a tuk tuk • Visit The Flower Market, the grounds of Wat Arun, and Chinatown • Explore the historic part of Bangkok, and see famous temples and sights illuminated at night • Enjoy snacks, dinner and a dessert! This is considered a cultural tour with food. However, it should not be considered an in-depth food tour. This tour is available in 2 options: • Small group join in tour with maximum 12 guests (available daily except Mondays) • Private Tour for just yourself (suitable for families with young children).

Price: T2,430

Min age: 10

Rating 4.85 / 5 [1999 ratings]

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Discover Bangkok's Temples and Travel by Longtail Boat on River of Kings

Bangkok

Discover Bangkok's Temples and Travel by Longtail Boat on River of Kings
Feel like a king on the River of Kings, gliding through the waters of the Chao Phraya River on a longtail boat. Experience famous sights and hidden gems through the eyes of a local. Prepare to be wowed by Bangkok’s Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho. Marvel at the dazzling Grand Palace and revered Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew. Discover secret Thai communities that live amongst the ‘khlongs’ or canals.

Price: T2,550

Min age: 6

Rating 4.59 / 5 [132 ratings]

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Three BEST Temples Bangkok City Tour "Must Visit"

Bangkok

Three BEST Temples Bangkok City Tour "Must Visit"
Bangkok is known by its abbreviated name to Thais - Krung Thep. The full name happens to give it the distinction of being the city with the longest name in the world! This four hour city tour takes you to three of the most prominent temples in the city, The Golden Temple, Temple of Dawn & The Temple of the Reclining Buddha. - Three Bangkok Temples: Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Wat Trimit - 5.5-ton solid gold Buddha statue at historic Wat Trimitr - Wat Pho's famed Reclining Buddha - Wat Arun stands majestically over the water - Insight into living Thai traditions & rich cultural heritage - Seeing various city landmarks and significant locations - Enjoy the Scenic Boat Ride over Chaophraya River

Price: T3,000

Min age: 0

Rating 4.54 / 5 [301 ratings]

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bangkok

Central Thailand, Thailand

Man walking through golden Buddha road

From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions that beffudles the senses. One of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities, home to the glittering Grand Palace.