6 Largest temples in Bangkok (2025 edition)
Buddhism is deeply ingrained in Thai culture, profoundly influencing the nation's art, architecture, and daily life. In Bangkok, this influence is evident through the city's numerous temples, or "wats," which serve as centers for spiritual practice and community gatherings. The city's skyline is adorned with ornate temple spires, reflecting the significance of Buddhism in shaping Thailand's cultural and historical identity.
As of March 1, 2025, Thailand is home to 44,195 Buddhist temples, with 311 designated as royal temples.While specific data on the exact number of temples in Bangkok is not readily available, the city is renowned for its rich collection of significant temples. Notable among these are Wat Phra Kaew, housing the revered Emerald Buddha, and Wat Pho, famed for its massive reclining Buddha statue.
#1 The Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s must-visit landmarks. Built in the 18th century by King Rama I, it sits by the Chao Phraya River and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. While the Thai royal family no longer resides here, important ceremonies like coronations are still held, making it a highly significant place for locals.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) takes up about a quarter of the Grand Palace and is one of Thailand’s three most sacred temples. It houses the famous Emerald Buddha, a national treasure carved from a single piece of jade. The temple complex is breathtaking, with golden stupas, intricate carvings, and stunning Buddhist statues, including the Yaksha (demon guardian) statues.
🔥Dress Code Alert! No shorts, short skirts, sleeveless tops, or flip-flops are allowed. Make sure to dress appropriately before you go.
Wat Phra Kaew
Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
How to get there: Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station, then hop on the Chao Phraya Express boat to N9 Tha Chang Pier // Alternatively, take the MRT to Sanam Chai station and walk 15 minutes.
Hours: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Entrance Fee: 500 THB
Official Website: Click here
👉 Recommended tours:
#2 Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Thailand and home to the country’s largest indoor Reclining Buddha statue. The 46-meter-long, 15-meter-high statue is covered in gold leaf with mother-of-pearl inlays on its feet—truly a sight to behold! The temple also has over a thousand Buddha images and stupas, making it a deeply spiritual place.
Don’t miss the fortune bowls! At the back of the Reclining Buddha, you can exchange Thai baht for small coins to drop into 108 bronze bowls for good luck.
🔥 Fun fact: Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage! There’s a famous massage school here where you can get an authentic Thai or foot massage after exploring the temple.
Wat Pho
Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
How to get there: Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station, then take the Chao Phraya Express boat to N8 Tha Tien Pier // Alternatively, take the MRT to Sanam Chai station and walk 5 minutes.
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Entrance Fee: 200 THB
👉 Recommended tours:
#3 Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)
Also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is an iconic Bangkok landmark with a towering 82-meter-high stupa (chedi) from the Ayutthaya period. Its intricate facade is decorated with colorful ceramic tiles, earning it the nickname "Thailand’s Eiffel Tower."
The temple’s elegant white and gold exterior is mesmerizing. Inside, it honors the Hindu god Aruna, symbolizing the rising sun. Climbing to the top of the main stupa gives you a stunning panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River.
Dress Code Reminder! No sleeveless tops, off-shoulder dresses, low-cut outfits, or shorts.
Temple of Dawn
Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok
How to get there: Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station, then take the Chao Phraya Express boat to N8 Tha Tien Pier // Alternatively, take the MRT to Itsaraphap station and walk 12 minutes.
Entrance Fee: 100 THB
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Daily)
👉 Recommended tours:
#4 Erawan Shrine (Four-Faced Buddha)
The Erawan Shrine, or Four-Faced Buddha, is one of Thailand’s most famous and powerful spiritual sites. People come here daily to pray for success in career, family, wealth, and health. It’s believed that if your wish comes true, you must return to show gratitude!
Traditionally, visitors would buy incense and offerings at the shrine, but they no longer provide incense sticks. You can still bring candles and flower garlands for your prayers.
The Four-Faced Buddha originates from Hinduism and represents Brahma, the creator of the universe. Many believe that as long as you pray sincerely, your wishes will be granted.
Worship Procedure for the Four-Faced Buddha
Buy Offerings – You can purchase them at the shrine’s offering stalls.
Place Your Offerings – Put a candle, one flower garland, and three incense sticks in front of the first face of the Buddha at the entrance.
Wash Your Hands – Use the holy water provided to cleanse your hands.
Pray in Order – Start at the first face and worship clockwise, one face at a time.
Final Blessing – After finishing all four faces, lightly sprinkle holy water from head to toe to wash away bad luck.
Four-Faced Buddha
Address: 494 Ratchadamri Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
How to get there: Take the BTS to Chit Lom station (Exit 2) and walk 5 minutes.
Opening Hours: 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Daily)
👉 Recommended tours:
