Also, when google maps tells you itll take 10 minutes, it actually means 20. USD - $ The temples are generally open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Others are open up to 6 p.m. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The best part? It has a very traditional style, with the orange tiled roof and white columns at the entrance. The, PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS: MASTERING MANUAL SETTINGS The Wat Traimit temple is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and visitors can spend as long as they like exploring the various levels and admiring the intricate details of the temples architecture. Learn how your comment data is processed. If you are interested in learning about Buddhism and meditation or looking for unique souvenirs, Wat Mahathat is an excellent place to visit in Bangkok. Its also one of the largest temples in Bangkok, with the complex filled with colourful stupas and grand halls. Theres an interesting combination of Thai and European design influences in the compound. To see this page as it is meant to appear, please enable your Javascript! Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The entrance fee for Wat Suthat is 100 THB, and opening hours are from 8:30 am to 9 pm. jQuery('#imageicon').attr('src','https://madmonkeyhostels.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Chat-icon.png'); And for the ultimate luxury, I would recommend going across the river to the beautiful Peninsula Bangkok. Sri Lankan wildlife minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi told local media Thailand had been "adamant" in demanding that Muthu Raja be returned after its ambassador in Sri Lanka found it to be in poor health during a visit last year. Although the origins of the statue are unclear, the most widely accepted story is that it was discovered in the 15th century, hidden inside a larger stucco Buddha statue. It went under construction again later in 1788, and much of the temple reflects Ayutthaya-style architecture. At some of the best local temples in Bangkok, not as richly adorned as the famous ones, the spirituality is highlighted even more, with fewer visual distractions. Thus, make sure you have these items in your backpack: sunblock, a summer hat, shades, and a water bottle, (There are water refilling stations in most of the temples). From Wat Phra Kaew, walk toward the palace which is the kings residence. We only recommend blogs that we read and use ourselves, as well. The temple was built in the mid-19th century during the reign of King Rama IV. While originally from Florida, I discovered my love for travel during the 6 years I was living abroad in Italy. Wat Phra Kaew: Temple of the Emerald Buddha 2. As another of the the ten first class temples in Bangkok, its very important, although personally I dont think its as visually striking as some of the others. The sprawling temple complex has several sections worth seeing, starting with the large main hall that features a famous golden Buddha statue that originally came from the ancient capital of Sukhothai, as well as many murals and traditional Thai crafts. And don't be surprised, there are over 400 of these beautiful temples in Bangkok, which is truly incredible! 17 Must Visit Temples in Bangkok - 2023 Guide - Thailand Nomads It was built in 1846 during the reign of King Rama III. The temple was made from marble exported all the way from Italy in 1899. Mad Monkey tip: For those of you wanting to get an even more unique perspective of Wat Arun, Arun Residence is a delicious restaurant in which to visit and watch the sun go down over the majestic temple, as well. Theme by 17th Avenue. The Chao Phraya River, which is some 230 miles in length, is adorned with interesting and cultural finds all along its banks. 7 Bangkok Temples You Must Visit While in Thailand Drawing upon Sri Lankan and Indian roots are the temple of Wat Ratchanatdaram. Visiting Bangkoks temples is also an excellent activity for solo female travelers, and is one of the safest things inBangkok for womento explore while feeling safe. The temples central 229-foot spire, decorated with intricate patterns of tiny pieces of glass and porcelain, is especially stunning at sunset. jQuery("document").ready(function () { Unlike some of the other temples in Bangkok, Loha Prasat has fewer tourists, making it an excellent spot to visit after a busy day exploring the citys streets. The three must-see temples in Bangkok are Wat Phra Kaew, (located inside the Grand Palace), its neighbor Wat Pho, and finally Wat Arun. A wide steep staircase leads up to the primary building at Wat Traimit, opened in 2010 to house the main attraction the Golden Buddha. You can also explore the ordination hall and admire the Buddhist paintings. Whether youre a spiritual person or not, Wat Saket is a must-visit temple in Bangkok for its incredible views from the golden chedi and beautiful temple grounds. Bangkok had demanded the return of the animal after claims it was tortured while kept at a Buddhist temple. It is a mound that has been built to hold the relics of someone important. Situated on the grounds of Wat Ratchanatdaram, it is also known as the Metal Castle and is considered one of the rare temples with a roof made of bronze tiles. The level of variety among Bangkok temples is staggering, but there are those that are unique for one reason or another, boast a higher level of cultural significance, or are just plain interesting. There are stalls with animals, floating candles, statues and other ways to donate money. Enter your email address and well send you a link to reset it. [] If you only have a few days in Bangkok and cant decide on which temples to visit, follow this guide 5 Temples in 1 Day, A DIY Travel Guide [], Your email address will not be published. All Rights Reserved. There are a few things to see at Wat Chakrawat, but theres one that everyone comes for the crocodiles. Location: On Tri Mit Road in Chinatown Sri Lanka's prime minister said he had formally apologised to the Thai king. Wat Pho is the second most popular temple and home to the largest, golden reclining Buddha in Thailand. There are more than 40,000 wats, or temples, in Thailand. Youll get a lot more out of your visits if you have a guide, and I would recommend this great guided tour of Bangkoks temples. It is home to the giant reclining Buddha, which is why it is referred to as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Located on Rattanakosin Island within Bangkoks old city walls, Wat Bowon Niwet is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in the city, as well as an important site for Thais due to its ties with the Thai royal court. Lanterns hang throughout, incense sticks create a slightly hazy atmosphere, and there are lots of stalls for people to make merit. This remarkable piece of art is more than three metres tall, made of solid gold ,and weighs 5.5 tons (its valued at about US$250 million). From Wat Arun drop in at a nearby temple called Wat Kalayanamitr, again you can walk there, but if its too hot ride a tuk-tuk or a cab (always negotiate fares with tuk tuk drivers). In addition to the giant Buddha, the temple is also home to one of the old massage schools in Bangkok. There is no entrance fee to visit Wat Prayoon, and the hours are 9 am to 6 pm. Visitors can climb the spires steep, twisting steps for a breathtaking view of the river, Wat Pho, and the eastern bank. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The Bangkok temples are merely countless. My name is Alex and Im here to help you have the outdoors adventure of a lifetime! Want more information on Thailand? In addition to the Reclining Buddha statue, Wat Pho has 1,000 Buddha images and 91 chedis, including four impressive chedis dedicated to the four Chakri kings. If you would like a local insight, I would recommend this great tour that also includes Wat Arun. Buddhism is an important part of Thailand culture. Wat Pho was built on the site of a dilapidated temple by King Rama I when he founded Bangkok here, making it one of the oldest temples in the city. This ancient temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and used for royal ceremonies due to its strategic location between the Grand Palace and the Royal Palace. Read about our approach to external linking. Dont forget to add these Bangkok temples to your list when you visit Thailand! When I visit Wat Phra Kaew (also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in the complex of the Grand Palace, its the grandeur of its interior that first captures my attention, dark murals covering the walls and the small emerald Buddha at the end. paula bronstein/getty images You know a Bangkok temple is special if its image is on Thai currency, in this case. For Bangkok temples to visit that are on the underrated side, Wat Prayoon is our top pick. The site used to be a coffee plantation, before its transformation during the reign of King Rama III. Your email address will not be published. The temple sits atop an artificial hill and is known for its massive golden chedi, called the Golden Mount, which rises high above the rest of the temple grounds. Its usually used in the official name. Visitors are welcome to admire the beauty of these statues and pay their respects to the Buddha. The gold coins, however, hung some 15 metres in the air, and it was almost impossible to reach them. Wat Benchamabophit is also known as the Marble Temple. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told his parliament in June that he had conveyed his regret to the Thai king Maha Vajiralongkorn over Muthu Raja's alleged abuse and was able to "re-establish trust between the two countries". The Khmer-style Buddhist temple was also known as both Wat Chaeng and Wat Makok before being dubbed its final name of Wat Arun by General Taksin. I stayed in Khaosan and the closest was Phra Athit Pier just 10 minutes away by foot. Wat Pho. Iza Sanchez is a freelance ESL Teacher, adventurer, and moderator of Take The Travel. 14 Best Temples in Bangkok | PlanetWare Fees: 20 (about $0.60) Hence, its a good place to observe and appreciate local religious customs. and because it was going to be a full day of exploring, I had a quick but heavy breakfast, you should too. Visitors can join in prayers and make offerings. Wat Traimit feels a bit different than the other temples Ive so far mentioned because, on a busy intersection in the Chinatown area, it doesnt have the serenity you find behind the large walls of the bigger complexes. Entering Loha Prasat from the bottom level, youll be confronted with a grid of passageways between columns that can be a bit disorienting. The gold hidden underneath was only revealed by accident in 1955, making the discovery of the golden Buddha one of the most exciting events in Thai history. Either way, with so many things to do in Bangkok, its nice to find some time for temples even if its just to escape from the chaos of the streets. The temple is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Some are famous and attract thousands of tourists every day, while others are smaller, less well-known, or simple structures that blend in without the colorful decorations that visitors crave. Hours:Daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The temple is less crowded than other major wats in the city, providing visitors with a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Finally, swing by Wat Benchamabophit known as the Marble Temple. It is located on the east side of the Chao Phraya river. For those who require assistance, an elevator is available for seniors and those who are disabled. Most of what is visible today at Wat Arun was built in the 1800s, although the temple was founded at least 100 years earlier. This is also a small temple located right opposite the famous Khao San Road. Yes, send me all the promos, discounts & travel info from Mad Monkey. Mad Monkey is Southeast Asias leading hostel operator born in Cambodia with more properties in Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Laos, and the Philippines. These exquisite murals tell the story of Lord Buddha and are considered among Thailands most beautiful, though they are in need of restoration. The Buddhas four-meter-long feet are encrusted with exquisite mother-of-pearl decorations, and visitors can drop coins in the 108 bronze bowls for good luck or have their fortune read, though it will be in Thai. This is where you can sample some of the world-renowned food vendors lining the bustling sois (streets). if ( jQuery(document).width() >= 1054 ) { The Top 8 Temples to Visit in Bangkok Which of the many temples to enjoy first By Greg Rodgers Published on 02/15/19 Silp Satjawattanavimol / Getty Images Choosing among the top temples to visit in Bangkok isn't easy. Even if you arent religious, visiting one of these Bangkok temples can provide you with a spiritual experience unlike any other and is among the bestthings to do in Bangkok. The other main area for accommodation in Bangkok is around Sukhumvit. Your email address will not be published. It houses a 13th-century bronze Buddha image transported from Sukhothai and an elegant chapel with teakwood door panels and beautiful wall murals depicting the different incarnations of Buddha. Although the temples official name is Wat Ratchanatdaram, its normally just called Loha Prasat, which means Iron Castle. This makes it among the best temples in Bangkok for early morning photography. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We pride ourselves in creating meaningful and sustainable travel experiences for our guests, whilst promoting socially responsible tourism. The temple also houses a Buddha image from the Sukothai period and a wihan, or prayer hall, built during King Rama Vs reign. Bangkok temples: 7 of the best wats for tourists | CNN Of that astounding number, hundreds are in Bangkok alone. Why not hop on an e-scooter and explore more of the citys storied landmarks? Aside from its historical significance, Wat Arun is one of the most spectacular temples in Bangkok, with its large spire (known as a prang) rising more than 70 metres into the air. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Be sure to cover your shoulders, chest, and ankles when visiting. Located in Thonburi, not far from the Royal Barges Museum, Wat Suwannaram started life as Wat Thong during the Ayutthaya period but briefly served as an execution site for Burmese prisoners. So, if you can manage to find a tuk tuk driver who agrees to take you to Wat Pho for 10 to 20 Baht, thats a good deal. Hailed as the most sacred of all Bangkok temples, it has borne witness to important religious events for the Royal Family. Make sure to wear full clothing while visiting temples in Bangkok and dont feel offended if asked to cover uplocal people are often asked to as well. Meet Wat Phos famous reclining Buddha, 2. It is situated within the Grand Palace complex and has been home to the countrys most significant statue, the Emerald Buddha, since the 1700s. Temples in Bangkok: the top ones you Should Visit Iza Sanchez is a freelance ESL Teacher, adventurer and moderator of Take The Travel. Keep in mind that while the Thai culture promotes tolerance, it can be conservative when it comes to religion and dress. It doesnt take long to see the sights here but, if youre already visiting nearby Chinatown, you may like to swing by to see the crocodiles. Mad Monkey tip: In addition to the second temple, there is also a quaint coffee shop found on the grounds of Wat Ratchanatdaram. I hear you! Top 5 Must-visit Temples in Bangkok once in a Lifetime! The giant red swing, as its name suggests, stands at over 21 meters tall. To enter the temple and museum, there is an entry fee of 100 THB, which includes the museum, and an additional 40 THB for the golden Buddha. If youve been to Bangkok before and seen the popular temples, perhaps considering seeing a couple of the ones that offer something different. That said, its certainly a must-see while exploring the Old Town district after hours. During the mid-2000s restoration, construction workers found amulets and statues buried underneath the chedi, which are now displayed in a small museum within the temple grounds. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011. When you arrive you must enter through the foreign tourist/visitor entrance. Video, Elton John ends farewell tour after 52 years of 'pure joy', Violent protesters storm Georgia LGBT event, Dutch government collapses over asylum row, Syrian government cancels BBC press accreditation, MP writes to Disney over gravestone dispute, Clashes at Eritrea festival injure 26 German police. Visitors will find many Buddhist paintings, a library, and a chapel on the grounds of this majestic temple. Wandering through them, youll eventually find the staircase that leads up to the higher levels. Become one of WWFs monthly adopters and help to protect some of the worlds most vulnerable animals. Visit Bangkoks Chinatown to see Wat Trimitr, 5. Most people start their day at the Grand Palace and the easiest way to get there is by boat. Its only 66 centimetres tall and is made of jade and covered in clothes made of gold. If a tuk-tuk or taxi driver tells you a temple is closed when you are trying to visit but offer to take you to another attraction. The temples unique architectural identity and historical significance are why it was submitted to UNESCO in 2005 to become a World Heritage Site. Construction of Dusit Palace started in 1897 and two years later, in 1899, Wat Benjamabhopit started to be built next to it. Its hot in Thailand with temperatures ranging from 29C to 36C. Location: Found on Soi Damnoen Klang Tai andMahachai Road The temple buildings are adorned with hand-painted glazed Thai-style ceramics and ornate, gilded door and window frames. The temple is both the oldest and largest one in the city, and visitors simply flock to see what all the hype behind this amazing structure is all about. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Even temples that are not first class (which is the official designation for the most important ones) or majestic in their scale can be interesting. Not to be confused with other temples in Thailand with the same name, Wat Mahathat in Bangkok is one of the citys oldest temples, although its been extensively renovated over the years so looks quite different to how it once would have. The giant Buddha that sits at the temples core sits at about 15 metres high and is 46 metres long, and it is covered in gold leaf. To enter Loha Prasat, visitors must pay a ticket price of 20 THB, and the temple is open from 8 am to 5 pm. During his tenure, he pursued a Western education, studying Latin, English, and astronomy with missionaries and sailors. How to get there? Another excellent way to see the temple is by taking a small local ferry from Wat Pho Temple across the river for stunning views of both temples. The courtyard features 156 Buddha images and is more stunning than the inside of the temple, making it a great photo opportunity for visitors. After the larger statue fell during a storm and became chipped, monks found the Emerald Buddha statue inside. Inside, youll find numerous marble inscriptions on medicine and history meant to impart knowledge to the public. Driving the coast o, 13 Incredible Things to Do on Siargao Island in the Philippines, Georgetown, Penang: A Complete Guide to Malaysias Historical City, Moonscape Overlook in Utah: Your Guide to Visiting this Unique Spot, Canyonlands National Park: The Best Things to Do in Canyonlands, Utah, Goblin Valley State Park, Utah: Everything You Need to Know, Utah Road Trip: Tips for Renting a Camper Van to Explore the National and State Parks, 7 Bangkok Temples You Must Visit in Thailand. Wat Benchamabophit, also known as the Marble Temple, is an exquisite religious building constructed entirely of Italian marble. Ordination Hall: Also called an ubosot or bot, the Ordination Hall is usually the main building in a temple and is where ceremonies are held. Located right on the Chao Praya River, Wat Arun is an iconic Bangkok sight that youll see if youre catching a boat past it at any point (you can also arrive here by boat). This structure is a large complex with gardens and waterfalls, all available on its towering five stories. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Many of the destinations I write about are the homes or sacred areas of Indigenous Peoples of North America. It was late in the afternoon when I went to Wat Benchamabophit. The best part of the temple is the gateway . The Ayutthaya-style white chedi, located at the back of the complex, is the most impressive feature of the temple. The temple was built to match the ornate style of King Chulalongkorns palace, and it is adorned with lacquer and gold details on its walls and ceilings. All have unique stories, ancient Buddha statues, and intrigue. The statue was moved to Wat Phra Kaew permanently 200 years later. The main attraction of Wat Traimit is the 5-meter-high and 5.5-ton solid gold Buddha statue seated inside the temple, which is the largest of its kind in the world. The 29-year-old Muthu Raja arrived in Thailand on Sunday on a 19 million baht (425,000; $540,000) commercial reparation flight. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Part of the experience of visiting the Golden Mount is walking up to the top, along the 320 steps that circle around the hill, offering increasingly better views, as well as a few decorations along the way. 1. One of the most remarkable features of the temple is the 52 Buddha images that surround the assembly hall. Best temples in Bangkok to visit in 2023 - majestic and weird The best temples in Bangkok Thailand From the majestic and famous, to the weird and the local, these are the best temples in Bangkok to visit. With its glimmering exterior worthy of a thousand poems, Wat Trimitr certainly stands out amid the energetic nighttime scene of Chinatown. To get the best view of the temple, you will have to climb the central prang. At this temple, that includes contributing money for the coffins of people whose family cant afford one. At the top, the temple area feels different to others you might have visited its more like an observation level than an ordination hall. Think pavilions, spires, and stones made from jade and gold leaf that look even more dazzling at nighttime. Top 10 Temples in Bangkok, Thailand - 2023 - BANGKOK TOURISM GUIDE If you found this article useful, please like and share it. In fact, Bangkok is home to over 400 jaw-dropping wats (temples). Found on a large artificial hill, visitors must first climb 320 steps to reach the top of the temple, but it is certainly worth the climb. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". You can come here to learn things like Vipassana meditation, with English-speaking monks often helping in the classes. Muthu Raja was in pain and covered in abscesses when removed from the temple last November, AFP reported. And being one of the famous temples in Bangkok, it's definitely worth a visit. The cab fares range from 80 to 100 Baht within the city. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Its name will be obvious when you spot the golden roof of the temple, which is set on top of the only hill in the city. The Sukhothai-style Buddha is about three metres tall and weighs almost six tons. Built by King Rama V in 1869, Wat Ratchabophit is a fascinating temple that blends Thai design styles with colourful tiles on the outside with more European interiors. As for footwear, comfortable, flat shoes are ideal since youll be walking the whole day. By creating an account, I agree to Mad Monkeys Terms&Conditions and Privacy Policy. Just down the road from Wat Traimit, deep in the heart of Bangkoks Chinatown, is Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, the largest Chinese Buddhist temple in the city. The temple itself is raised off the ground, and you walk up some stairs to see inside. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple Of Emerald Buddha) Image Source The palace was built in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I. Its exceptional architecture stands out from the other temples in Bangkok, with high gables, gold and red details, and a marble courtyard. You can also take a look at the King Rama II of Siam Monument, which features the late King Rama surrounded by elephants. Visitors can enter and take a meditation class for free, and the temple is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Buddhist temples in Thailand (orwat) are complexes made up of a number of religious structures and living quarters for monks. The 29-year-old Muthu Raja arrived in Thailand on Sunday on a 19 million baht (425,000; $540,000) commercial reparation flight. Every temple has its own rules, so look out for signs posted relating to footwear and photography. While tuk tuk fares cost usually 100 Baht/person/trip. Set within the citys main royal complex, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is included with a visit to the Grand Palace. Be sure to check these out while you are in the neighbourhood! Four smaller prangs surround the exterior of the main one, and visitors are allowed to meander about the colourful and stunning grounds, most of which were constructed using foliage-inspired mosaic tiles. The temple also houses the first Thai massage school, the Traditional Medical Practitioners Association Center, which is located in a shophouse outside the temple. The most impressive of these images is the Reclining Buddha, a 46-metre-long statue that glimmers with the gold gilding that covers it (its actually made of brick and plaster underneath). Wat Phra Kaew inside the Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful architectural structures you might ever see. Location: Off Chakkraphatdiphong Alley Surrounding the main hall are cloisters that you can walk along to see the other structures and sculptures that have been built within the temples walled area. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The fare only costs 4 Baht. Otherwise, you may be denied entry into a temple. The first is around Silom. AUD - $ There are quite a few smaller temples in Bangkok to visit because of their unique characteristics. 4 Fantastic Beach Destinations Way Cheaper than Boracay, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tour A Travelogue for First Timers. Wat Suthat is a busy temple with both tourists and locals crowding the area, but it is one of the best temples in Bangkok and worth a visit. She writes about solo-backpacking, travel saving tips and other awesome travel resources. The main central prang of the temple stands about 80 metres tall and is dedicated to Phra Phai, the wind god. Inside the compound youll find colorful stupas of all sizes, impressive statues, well manicured gardens, and hundreds of Buddha statues from various eras. Once you go through what looks like a shopfront, a huge temple complex reveals itself with a courtyard of shrines, the main hall flanked by statues of guardians, and then pavilions filled with more activity. At the very top, a final spiral staircase leads up to the small area where a relic of Buddha is kept. For any first-time visitor to the city, I would recommend visiting a few of Bangkoks temples to see this side of daily life for yourself. PHP - The well-known gilded Buddha image in the meditation posture, Phra Buddha Ankhiros, is located inside the temple and rests on a base that contains the ashes of King Rama VII. 14 Must-See Temples in Bangkok - Every Steph Muthu Raja was in pain and covered in abscesses when removed from the temple last November, The surprising benefits of breaking up. The temple is also known as Wat Suthat Thepwararam, and it is found in Bangkoks Old City. Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wat Suthat is one of Bangkoks most memorable temples. Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple of Dawn) 5. Another fascinating highlight is the rock garden with . Amid Bangkoks vibrant markets and contemporary attractions are its remarkably preserved temples that span centuries. The best time to photograph Wat Arun is at dawn, when the temples richly decorated structures reflect the sun, creating a pearly glow. First thing in the morning, it almost appears to glow with the sunrise.