Bucket list experience:
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand
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.
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Destination Guide >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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
