15 Most Beautiful Temples in Bangkok You Have to Visit

Wat Arun

Wat Arun is one of the most iconic temples in Thailand and a must-visit in Bangkok. Also known as the Temple of Dawn, it’s worth setting aside a few hours to explore.

The central prang is the main highlight, covered in intricate details, but don’t overlook the rest of the complex. The entrance statues and surrounding towers are just as impressive, and you can climb partway up for close-up views of the design.

If you’re looking for the best views of Wat Arun, head to the opposite side of the river. Wat Arun Pier (near the Double Goose) is one of my favorite photo spots in Bangkok, especially for sunrise.

Nearby, TYME Restaurant and View ARUN Restaurant & Bar offer fantastic Wat Arun views combined with great food and drinks. You can also enjoy the view from a river cruise along the Chao Phraya.

Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan

Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan is often overlooked, which means it’s usually much quieter than the more popular spots in Bangkok.

One of its highlights is a hidden inner area in the center of the temple, known for its intricate details and golden design. It isn’t always open to visitors, but it’s sometimes accessible during prayer times (around 9 am – 9.30 am and 6 pm – 6.30 pm).

Even if you can’t go inside, the temple itself is worth visiting. The exterior is covered in gold with beautifully detailed architecture, and the surrounding structures are just as impressive.

Take your time walking around! The side ornaments and smaller details are easy to miss, but they add a lot to the overall beauty of the place.

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, also known as the Marble Temple, is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. This was one of the temples that I was impatient to visit, and it didn’t disappoint.

Built with white Italian marble, the temple stands out for its clean architecture, symmetry, and more minimal design compared to many other temples in the city. The main hall features a golden Buddha statue, but the courtyard is my favorite part of the temple.

After a few busy and noisy hours in the city, this feels like a peaceful escape. Take off your shoes, admire the unique details, and enjoy this quiet corner of Bangkok. There is a cafe behind the temple if you are ready for refreshments.

Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworahawihan

Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworahawihan is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. It’s also widely known for the towering red Giant Swing standing at its entrance.

The temple features an elegant prayer hall with sweeping roofs, magnificent murals, and beautifully hand-carved teakwood door panels.

The grounds are very well maintained, filled with greenery, and in some areas, you can even catch reflections of the temple in the pavement.

And you can easily combine it with other temples around like Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan (Loha Prasat), Golden Mount Temple, and Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan.

Wat Che Chin Koh

Wat Che Chin Koh is a lesser-known Chinese temple in Bangkok, located along the Chao Phraya River.

If you travel along the river in Bangkok, you can hardly miss the towering pagoda on the west bank of the Chaophraya River. But seeing the pagoda from the boat or the other side of Bangkok is simply not enough.

The temple stands out for its colorful design, with detailed dragon sculptures, red and gold accents, and traditional Chinese architecture. You should visit the main temple, appreciate the altar, capture the beauty of the pagoda, and head to the riverside to see the arch.

Because it’s not on the typical tourist route, it’s usually quiet and easy to explore without crowds. It’s a quick stop, but a different style compared to the classic Thai temples you’ll find around Bangkok.

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is the largest and most important Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok, located in Chinatown. The temple follows traditional Chinese architecture, with red pillars, lanterns, and detailed roof decorations.

Inside, you will find the Four Heavenly Kings that represent the guardians of the world. Each king holds a different object, which symbolizes a different teaching.

It can feel busy, especially during festivals or weekends, but that’s part of the experience. It’s a good stop if you’re exploring Chinatown and want to see a different side of Bangkok’s temple culture.

Maha Uma Devi Temple

Maha Uma Devi Temple, also known as Sri Mariamman Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the Silom area of Bangkok. The temple is known for its colorful gopuram (entrance tower), covered in detailed carvings of Hindu deities.

Inside, there are multiple shrines dedicated to different gods, with visitors bringing flowers, incense, and offerings. It is possible to visit the temple inside, but you won’t be allowed to take any photos.

Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan

Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan is best known for Loha Prasat, a unique multi-tiered structure with 37 metal spires. Something that you won’t find in other temples in Bangkok.

It is a relatively big complex of temples where you can easily get lost and spend a couple of hours. It offers a wonderful view over the Golden Mount as both of these attractions are nearby.

You can walk inside the structure and climb up through several levels to reach the top, where there are views over the old city area.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is one of the most well-known temples in Bangkok, located just behind the Grand Palace. It’s one of the key stops in Bangkok and is usually included in most itineraries.

The temple is best known for the Reclining Buddha, a large gold-plated statue stretching 46 meters in length. The hall can get crowded, but it’s the main highlight of the complex.

Outside, the temple grounds are extensive, with multiple courtyards, chedis, and detailed structures to explore. It’s easy to spend some time walking around, especially if you move away from the main areas.

Wat Pho is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and there is a massage school on-site.

Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram

This temple is a real hidden gem in Bangkok, and very different from most others you’ll find in the city. Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram is located a bit farther from the main attractions, so it’s often overlooked.

What makes it so special? The temple is covered in crafted statues inspired by cartoons, anime, and pop culture figures, everything from Pokémon to Barack Obama. It’s definitely something you don’t expect to see at a temple.

If you get tired of the more traditional temples, this is a great one to add to your list. Take your time exploring the details and step inside as well.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew, is one of the most important temples in Thailand, located within the Grand Palace complex.

The temple is known for the Emerald Buddha, a small but highly revered statue carved from jade and placed high above the altar. Only the King is allowed to touch the statue during seasonal ceremonies.

The architecture is highly detailed, with gold-covered buildings, intricate murals, and elaborate decorations throughout the complex.

Keep in mind that this is a popular tourist attraction, so it gets crowded. Unless you are visiting during the low season, I suggest you are here at the arrival time. The visit will take you around 2 hours.

Also, make sure you follow the dress code. Men must wear long pants; women must cover their legs to just above the knee. Avoid wearing tight-fitting stretch pants or “revealing” clothing. Don’t wear sleeveless shirts or show shoulders.

💡 Extra Tip! Avoid tuk-tuk drivers who claim that the palace is closed. This is a well-known scam, so they could sell other tours around Bangkok, and you might encounter it at other popular places around Bangkok as well.

Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)

Wat Traimit is located near the entrance to Bangkok’s Chinatown on Yaowarat Road and is best known for the Golden Buddha.

While many temples in Thailand have golden Buddha statues, this one is actually made of solid gold. The statue weighs around 5.5 tons and is estimated to be worth around 250 million USD.

The Golden Buddha is displayed on the top floor of the temple, inside a modern hall. Below it, there are also museum levels worth visiting.

The third floor focuses on the history of the statue and how it ended up at Wat Traimit, while the second floor features 3D exhibits about the history of Chinese traders in Bangkok.

The Golden Mount

The Golden Mount is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya Period. It is 77 meters tall, and at the top reside many Buddhist relics found at the ancient city of Kapilavastu. There are many Buddha images, the temple hall, the pagoda, the scripture hall, and the Sri Maha Bodhi tree.

After 344 steps, you will find one of the best photo spots in Bangkok and some amazing views over the city. I think it gets even better on a clear and sunny day, but unfortunately, I wasn’t so lucky.

On your climb up, make sure you enjoy the unique sculptures and bells that you shouldn’t resist ringing. And don’t get scared, the climb is very easy as the steps are tiny. Once you finish, take a moment to explore the surroundings and gardens.

Wat Hua Lamphong

Wat Hua Lamphong is one of Bangkok’s more underrated temples, located right in the city center near Silom. Unlike the more famous temples, it has a quieter, more local atmosphere. It’s a place where you’ll mostly see Thai visitors coming to make merit.

The temple is best known for its coffin donation foundation, where visitors can contribute to funeral costs for those without family. It’s a meaningful cultural experience and an important part of Thai Buddhist tradition.

Inside, you’ll find richly decorated interiors with detailed murals and golden Buddha statues. It’s impressive, but still feels grounded and authentic. If you’re looking to explore beyond the typical temple route in Bangkok, this is a must visit.

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