15 Most Beautiful Temples in Bangkok That You Should Add To Your Bucket List

Visiting temples in Thailand is a must, but where to find the most beautiful temples in Bangkok? The list is endless, but I am here to help you plan your time and discover the most magnificent places.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and of the best cultural destinations in Asia. An essential part of Thai culture consists of temples that are unique to visitors from other parts of the world. And luckily for you, the options are endless.

This article will cover only the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. Do you prefer ancient temples or do you want to see something that was built in recent years? How about massive tourist attractions? Or do you want to explore the hidden gems of Bangkok instead? Anything from the heart of Bangkok to the remote corners of the Thai Capital.

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The most beautiful temples in Bangkok

Wat Arun

Wat Arun is one of the most iconic temples in Thailand and a must-do in Bangkok. Also known as the Temple of Dawn, it has a lot to offer, so be prepared to spend around an hour here.

The main temple with its magnificent details is not the only sight to admire here. The entrance with its statues and the towers around the temple deserves your attention as well. Don’t forget to climb up and see some of the best close-ups of these beautiful details.

You can have an epic view of the temple from the bar on the other side of the river and it is called View Arun. It is a perfect place where to catch a sunset in Bangkok.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Arun

Location: Wat Arun
Entrance Fee: 200 THB (5.40 EUR).
Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 6.30 pm.

Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan

This temple is often left behind and therefore, not as crowded as other places. Also, the highlight is hidden in the middle of the temple and often is not accessible. But you can still get a sneak peek of the gem hidden from the outside.

Technically, you are allowed to enter the middle section during the time of prayers. This happens every day from 9 am to 9.30 am and from 6 pm to 6.30 pm.

We visited around 9 am, however, at first we found it closed and we were told not to enter. Then we walked around, met another person who was working there and he invited us in. He was happy to see foreigners who are curious about local traditions, so maybe you get lucky and meet someone like him as well.

Golden details on the outside together with this unique spot inside make it one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. Don’t miss it!

Other things to know before visiting Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan

Location: Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan
Entrance Fee: free.
Opening Hours: every day from 6 am to 6 pm.

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram

This was one of the temples that I was impatient to visit and it didn’t disappoint. Also known as the Marble Temple, it is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok and a major tourist attraction.

Somehow, there are not many people around, especially if you visit it later in the afternoon, so you can get the entire place all to yourself.

After a busy day in Bangkok, this will be your peaceful oasis. Remove your shoes, see the beautiful details, and simply enjoy this quiet corner of a big city. On the premises, you can find a small cafe for refreshments if needed.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram

Location: Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram
Entrance Fee: 50 THB (1.35 EUR), cash-only payments.
Opening Hours: every day from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworahawihan

As you can tell, I was fascinated to visit the temples of Bangkok and I visited a lot of them. Wat Suthat Thepwararam is very similar to other popular temples in Bangkok, however, I found it almost empty at the peak hour and could really enjoy the place all to myself. It was a magical experience.

It has an elegant prayer hall with sweeping roofs, magnificent murals, and exquisite hand-carved teakwood door panels. It’s widely known for the towering red Giant Swing standing at its entrance. Also, it is very well maintained. It is filled with plants and you can almost see the reflection of the temple in the pavement around it.  

Other things to know before visiting Wat Suthat Thepwararam

Location: Wat Suthat Thepwararam
Entrance Fee: 100 THB (2.70 EUR).
Opening Hours: every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

Che Chin Khor Temple and Pagoda

Che Chin Khor Temple and Pagoda is another hidden gem in Bangkok and I absolutely loved spending my afternoon here. It is a peaceful little getaway and another beautiful temple where you won’t meet many tourists.

If you travel along the river in Bangkok, you can hardly miss the towering Chinese 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. You should visit the main temple, appreciate the altar, capture the beauty of the pagoda, and head to the riverside to see the arch.

Other things to know before visiting Che Chin Khor Temple and Pagoda

Location: Che Chin Khor Temple and Pagoda
Entrance Fee: free.
Opening Hours: every day from 9 am to 3.30 pm.

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat 

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is located in the heart of Chinatown and it is very different from other beautiful temples around Bangkok. Also, it is the largest Chinese temple in Thailand.

Inside you will find Four Heavenly Kings that represent the guardians of the world. Each king holds a different object, which symbolizes a different teaching. Their teachings explain how to have a good life and a prosperous society. This is a great place to learn more about Buddhism and understand some traditions behind this religion.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Mangkon Kamalawat 

Location: Wat Mangkon Kamalawat 
Entrance Fee: free.
Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 4 pm.

Maha Uma Devi Temple

Maha Uma Devi Temple is the most popular Hindu temple in Bangkok and the oldest and most important in all of Thailand.

The temple is dedicated as a place to worship the Goddess Uma and it will catch your attention for the bright colors and the unique Hindu architecture. It is possible to visit the temple inside, but you won’t be allowed to take any photos.

Other things to know before visiting Maha Uma Devi Temple

Location: Maha Uma Devi Temple
Entrance Fee: free.
Opening Hours: every day from 6 am to 9 pm.

Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan

Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan 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.

Loha Prasat is the main attraction of the complex. It is 36 meters high and has 37 surrounding spires. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else in Bangkok or the rest of the world. You can visit it inside and go up to the last floor. And don’t forget to visit other temples around.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan

Location: Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan
Entrance Fee: free.
Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

Wat Pho

Inside Wat Pho, you will find the 46 meters Reclining Golden Buddha which is a must during your time in Bangkok. Wat Pho is a complex of six temples, each with some amazing details to discover and photograph.

Due to their artistic value, the marble illustrations and inscriptions placed in the temple for public instruction have been recognized by UNESCO. The complex also hosts a school of Thai Medicine. It is known as the birthplace of the famous Thai Massage which is currently practiced at the temple.

While Golden Buddha is still the main attraction of Wat Pho, other parts are worth visiting as well. You can easily wander around and spend a couple of hours here. After all, Wat Pho is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Pho

Location: Wat Pho
Entrance Fee: 200 THB (5.40 EUR).
Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 6.30 pm.

Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram

This temple is a real hidden gem in Bangkok, but very unique compared to other temples that you will find in Bangkok. It is located farther away from other attractions, but it is going to be worth your trip.

What makes it so special? Well, how about a temple covered in crafted statues from famous cartoons, anime, or other famous pop culture artists? Everything from Pokemon to Barack Obama and everything that you can imagine. Pretty unique, isn’t it?

If you get tired of the usual temples, make sure you add Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram to your bucket list. And spend some extra time appreciating the sculptures and visiting inside.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram

Location: Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram
Entrance Fee: free.
Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 3 pm.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha 

Inside the Grand Palace, you will find the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782. It consists of the royal and throne halls, but also a couple of government offices as well as some of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok.

Since this is one of the main tourist attractions in Bangkok, you should start your day early to enjoy the place while it is not so crowded yet. If you have a limited amount of time in Bangkok, make sure you visit the Grand Palace and see the essentials of Thai culture.

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.

Other things to know before visiting the Grand Palace

Location: The Grand Palace
Entrance Fee: 500 THB (13.50 EUR), cards are accepted.
Opening Hours: every day from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.

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 around other popular places around Bangkok.

Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)

Located near the entrance to Bangkok’s Chinatown district on Yaowarat Road, Wat Traimit attracts a lot of tourists because of the Golden Buddha.

But all the temples have Golden Buddha inside, right? Well, this one is actually made of gold and its worth is approximately worth about 250 million USD. That is certainly impressive and worth visiting.

Wat Traimit has a museum on the 3rd floor, where you get to learn about the history of the Golden Buddha. Exhibits also cover the historical background of how it came to be at Wat Traimit.

The 2nd floor exhibits 3D presentations detailing the history of the Chinese traders in Bangkok. Trust me, Wat Traimit is one of the most beautiful places in Bangkok.

Other things to know before visiting Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)

Location: Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)
Entrance Fee: 40 THB (1.10 EUR).
Opening Hours: every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

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 Kapilavastu ancient city. There are many Buddha images, including 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.

Other things to know before visiting The Golden Mount

Location: The Golden Mount
Entrance Fee: 50 THB (1.35 EUR), cash-only payments.
Opening Hours: every day from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.

Further reading for the most beautiful temples in Bangkok

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In conclusion…

This is the end of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok and I am sure that you are impatient to visit most of them by now. As you can see, I was particularly interested in discovering more about temples considering how important is religion in Thai culture and I want to share this passion with you. What was your highlight from this list?

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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