The temples in Bangkok are one of the main unmissable attractions when you decide to visit Thailand. Majestic, colorful and crowded with tourists from all over the world, the temples are sacred places of worship for the entire Thai population and for the monks living inside the Wat - temple in the Thai language.
Temples: when to go and how to dress
If you decide to visit some of these temples, in the morning they are usually less crowded and especially temperatures are still acceptable. Seeing all the Wats in Bangkok is practically impossible since there are more than 400 in the entire city, but in the following list you will find the ones that shouldn't be missed when you visit the capital city. Most of the temples are situated around the Grand Palace, the royal palace of Bangkok, so it's simple to see them all in one day. Remember to bring a camera and wear long trousers and a shirt covering your shoulders, as a form of respect to enter the temples.
Bangkok's temples
Here are the most important temples of Bangkok.
Wat Phra Kaew
Also known as "the Temple of the Emerald Buddha", this is surely the most important and visited Wat in Bangkok. The name derives from the fact that inside the temple a 66 cm Buddha statue made of emerald jade is situated. This statue was found in Chiang Rai in 1464 before being moved to Laos and then finally to this temple in Bangkok. Besides this statue, you can admire two galleries with paintings representing the Ramayana, the epic story of king Rama.
Wat Pho
The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is one of the most ancient temples in Bangkok and surely one of the most impressive. In the interiors you can admire a statue which is 15 meters high and 43 meters long representing a reclining Buddha. Don't miss it!
Wat Arun
One of the symbols of Bangkok, it's located opposite the Grand Palace. Built on the banks of Chao Praya river, it's also known under the name of Sunrise Temple. Its very characteristical shape is made up of a taller central tower (built in Khmer style), sorrounded by 4 smaller constructions. There are some very steep stairs and you can climb to the top to enjoy amazing views. Wat Arun is really spectacular to watch at sunrise.
Wat Saket
This temple is famous because it offers the opportunity to visit the Golden Mountain. It's located on a hill in Bangkok Old Town and it was built and renovated several times during its history. There are 300 steps to reach the roof terrace.
Other less famous but still interesting temples are Wat Traimit, Wat Mahatat and Wat Suthat.
Other temples in Thailand
These are the other temples worth a visit in the country.
Doi Suthep
It's situated 15 km away from Chiang Mai. It is believed that a Sumana monk in 1371 brought here the relics of Buddha. Inside you can find the 200 steps that lead to the upper storey and Wasuthep statue.
Wat Rong Khun
Also known as white temple, it's a Buddhist- Hindu temple in the northern province of Chiang Rai.Its white color indicates the purity of Buddha.
Wat Phra Singh
It's located in the city of Chiang Mai and its complex contains masterpieces of architecture and the historical Hor Trai library.
