The Must-See Temples in Bangkok

Temples in Bangkok are so much more than mere tourist attractions. For many Thais, these religious sites are woven into the fabric of everyday life – places to pray for hope, good fortune and forgiveness. Here’s a guide to Buddhist temples in Bangkok where you can experience the city’s spiritual side.
Buddhism is an inextricable part of daily life in Bangkok. This is a city where locals feed stray dogs as a way to gain good merit. Where spirit homes are tucked behind homes, shops and alleyways. It’s a place where people go to shrines when they have a big life decision to make, ready to strike a bargain with the gods if necessary. And nowhere is this faithful way of life more obvious than in the capital’s beautifully ornate temples.
Spend an afternoon in Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha
Buddhist Temple

Explore Wat Pho and visit the Reclining Buddha
Buddhist Temple

Head to Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit to practise Vipassana Meditation
Buddhist Temple

Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit is a temple, meditation centre and Buddhist university in one. Established during the Ayutthaya Kingdom, before Bangkok was declared the capital of the Siamese Kingdom, the temple is home to one of the oldest shrines in the capital – but that’s not the only thing that makes it special. The site is also said to be home to a relic of the Buddha. Travellers are welcome to stay in the temple grounds and learn the principles of Vipassana meditation, taught by monks from the Mahanikai School of Buddhism, one of the largest fraternities of Theravada Buddhism.
Catch sunset views of Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn
Buddhist Temple

Climb atop Wat Saket for incredible views of Bangkok
Buddhist Temple

Find the Giant Swing at Wat Suthat
Buddhist Temple

Discover a solid gold 6-tonne Buddha statue inside Wat Traimit
Building

See Wat Ratchanatdaram, a Thai temple inspired by Sri Lankan architecture
Buddhist Temple

This is an updated version of an article originally written by Kelly Iverson.
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