Select Preferred Currency Though it is no longer used today, the swing was once the centrepiece of the Brahman Festival that took place at this temple. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page. Its an Ayutthaya period temple formerlyknown as Wat Salak. Temples are sacred places, and while dressing accordingly is a nice sign of respect, its also mandatory in most of them. Wat Phra Kaew is one of Thailand's most important and famous temples. This is where you can sample some of the world-renowned food vendors lining the bustling sois (streets). We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. Admission: Free, Get a discount of anywhere between 15% and 70% on accommodation in Bangkok -- look for deals here: In fact, only those who know of its existence make the journey to visit it, so its kind of a hidden gem. This list of the most epic temples in the city will help you plan your visit to them, so read on! Most Thais are Buddhist, so there are over 30,000 wats around Thailand, and literally dozens around the capital. At 197 feet tall (60 meters), it has the shape of an upside-down bell and its said to house the relics of Buddha. We do not control the setting of these cookies so please check the websites of these third-parties for more information about their cookies and how to manage them: The Website may contain links to other websites that are operated by third parties. Be sure to cover your shoulders, chest, and ankles when visiting. Once youre done marveling at the main temple, take some time to explore the rest of the complex, which is astoundingly beautiful as well! Wat Bampen Chine Prote is a Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkoks Chinatown previously known as Wat Yong Hok Yi. The temple is a royal temple second class and associated with Thai kings throughout the Chakri dynasty. If you did not already guess it, there is a large golden mount that sits atop this towering temple. GBP - Wat Bowonniwet,built in 1829 is one of Bangkoks most important temples. Wat Benchamabophit is so breathtaking, and although well known, it is quieter to visit in comparison to some other temples. The temple is both the oldest and largest one in the city, and visitors simply flock to see what all the hype behind this amazing structure is all about. It is home to the giant reclining Buddha, which is why it is referred to as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Learn more. No worries, we got you! ), [] not as known as some other temples in Bangkok and off the path of most travelers, so you could very easily avoid the crowds and have it all for []. While the temple was refurbished in 1982, its architectural style still reflects the influences of the Ayutthaya Kingdom on its construction. The 8 Temples In Bangkok You Absolutely Need to See - History Fangirl This is why it wasnt as highly regarded as other Buddha statues in the past, and youll get to see the remaining pieces of the plaster on display at the temple. This temple holds the emerald Buddha, the most sacred and revered Buddha image in Thailand. Thats why Ive written this useful article on the top things to do in Bangkok. BOOK IT HERE, Opening times: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PMEntrance Fee: 40 baht (1 dollar). Under the reign of King Rama VII, the rite was cancelled in 1935 as it resulted in many injuries, and, in some unfortunate cases, deaths. Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. 2. Before going there, checkThailand Temple Etiquette. The worlds largest golden Buddha statue (made from tons of solid gold) can be seen in this ornate temple. This temple has been known by many different names over the years but the current name is Wat Mahathat. It houses the Emerald Buddha, a revered statue of Lord Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. So what are you waiting for? One of the most striking Bangkok temples is Wat Samphran. See the Wat Suthat Visitor's Guide. Therefore it is recommended that you do not disable cookies. It is possible to climb to the top of Loha Prasat and to enjoy the view of surrounding area and the Golden Mount. Be sure to explore the complex fully as a few hidden gems can be found within. Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is regarded as the most important and sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The Ayutthaya Historical Park also has two . Not abiding by the dress code might result in being denied entrance, so you should always remember to cover your shoulders and knees completely when visiting a temple. The temple grounds also house the royal cemetery containing monuments to and remains of both major and minor Thai royalty. The best temples in Bangkok are architecturally stunning with beautiful decoration both inside and out. Believed to have been built during the Ayutthaya Period, sometime between the 15th and 17th centuries, its impressive spires werent added until the early 19th century, commissioned by King Rama II. Koh Kradan is a tiny remote island lying approximately 12 kilometers off the coast of Thailands Trang Province. The Grand Palace in Bangkok - Must-See Bangkok Attraction - Go Guides Wat Phra Dhammakaya is also the largest temple in the world, and it truly is an impressive work of art. The Top 8 Temples to Visit in Bangkok Which of the many temples to enjoy first By Greg Rodgers Published on 02/15/19 Silp Satjawattanavimol / Getty Images Choosing among the top temples to visit in Bangkok isn't easy. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Ayutthaya Ruins, Temples, & Buddha Tree (By Bangkok Thailand) They are adored by locals and loved by visitors, so we at Mad Monkey have compiled the top temples you should visit in Bangkok. The Ayutthaya ruins and temples in Thailand are fascinating, and they're pretty easy to visit on a day trip from Bangkok! Some temples may offer long pants for tourists to wear while visiting the temple, however, it is best to come prepared. In order to provide you with the best online experience this website uses cookies. But you could easily visit 4 or 5 Bangkok temples in one day by simply walking around town. The gold chedi is dressed in a huge red cloth, the pathway to the top is lined with candles and decorated with lots of lanterns. Hours: Daily from 8:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wat Traimit, home to the worlds largest, solid gold Buddha, is also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. The riverside setting is a great place to watch the sunset. Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand with 95% of the population Buddhist. Wat Pho is an easy 10-minute walk from Wat Phra Kaew (The Grand Palace) and isnt quite as busy, though still a very popular attraction. There are more than 400 Thai temples or wats situated all around Bangkok. Pratu Pha, another elephant ambassador sent from Thailand, is seen eating at Wat Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy City in Sri Lanka. A school student stabbed his 19-year-old girlfriend to death in a fit of jealousy before attempting to take his own life by jumping from a housing building in Min Buri district, Bangkok. See & Read More:https://touristbangkok.com/wat-kalayanamit/, Wat Ratchapradit is a very small temple built during the reign of King Rama IV. You'll find it on Soi Charoen Krung 42/1, just a short walk from the Sathorn pier and the Saphan Taksin station of the BTS Skytrain. The temple is a short 5-minute walk from Khao Sarn Road, but you wont find many foreign tourists here. Read our Bangkok Temples guide for the most popular and interesting temples in Bangkok. Ornamented with broken pieces of colorful porcelain, it invites visitors to climb its central prang (tower), through steep steps representing the difficulty of reaching higher levels of existence. It was built during the reign of King Rama III on an old coffee plantation. Opening times: You need to book a tour (free) in advance to visitEntrance Fee: Free. Some of these advertisers may use technology such as cookies and web beacons when they advertise on the Website, which will also send these advertisers (such as Google through the Google AdSense service) information including your IP address, your ISP and the browser you used to visit the Website. Wat Arun is Bangkoks most famous temple. Fees: 100 (approximately $3.10) For more information on Google Analytics cookies, see theGoogle Analytics: Safeguarding Your Data. One of the must see temples in Bangkok is Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha) where 15-meter high, 43-meter long Buddha's statue is placed along with gold leaf and bares 4-meter long feet encrusted with exquisite mother-of-pearl decorations. The reclining Buddha was built in 1848 and is the largest one in the country. Wat Saket, Bangkok. The 17-story structure is surrounded by a giant dragon, climbing the temples circular walls all the way to the top. Whats even crazier is that this golden Buddha statue was discovered by accident when it was being moved and dropped, which cracked the plaster covering it at the time (hiding it from Burmese invaders in the past). Knowing Thailand temple etiquette will help you feel more at ease when visiting temples in Thailand. This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data when you use the Website and the choices you have associated with that data. Here Ive compiled a list of 12 temples in Bangkok that you really should know about. The main attraction is the massive Reclining Buddha. 3 FOR 2 ON SELECTED SOUTH EAST ASIA LOCATIONS NOW OPEN: KOH RONG + HANOI 20% off OPENING PROMO. Skimpy and see-through clothes are also prohibited. The newest addition was built in 2004. The temple features a fascinating gallery that stretches for about 2km. Wat Phra Kaew (from USD 157.0) You can definitely visit the temples on your own, and choose your favorites to plan an itinerary that works for you. Heres What You Need to Know About Koh Ngai! During November when the Thais celebrate Loy Krathong, Wat Saket really comes to life with a huge temple festival. Tight or ripped pants are also frowned upon in most temples, so make sure youre wearing something loose that covers your legs. More than 300 steps surrounding the hill lead to the top of it where you can enjoy views of Bangkok. He named it this because he and his fleet came upon the temple at dawn when they were on their way to fight off Burmese invaders. There is a bit more information about this in the small museum located in the same building. 7 Best Hotels on Koh Lanta, Thailand Dont Miss These! The Must-See Temples in Bangkok - Culture Trip Location: Off Chakkraphatdiphong Alley Fees: 500 (approximately $15.50) 10. Dating from 1807, its found next to the Giant Swing, a landmark built in 1784 for religious ceremonies. Theres also an interesting cemetery at the base of the hill, now overgrown by trees and vines. The temple is also known as Wat Suthat Thepwararam, and it is found in Bangkoks Old City. 13 best temples in Bangkok, Thailand - Rachel's Ruminations Only have 2 weeks in Thailand? Wat Intharawihan is a very old temple pre-dating the founding of the city of Bangkok in 1782. Opening times: Daily from 8.30 AM to 3.30 PMEntrance fee: 500 baht (14 dollars). Hours:Daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Table of Contents It is home to the giant red swing that sits just outside of its grand entrance. Long dresses and skirts are a safe bet for women, while men should be fine using long pants and t-shirts. Fees: 20 (about $0.60) The temple complex features beautiful architecture, intricate sculptures and colorful murals that make it a popular tourist attraction. Its one of Thailands most iconic monuments, and its architectural style is actually unique in the country. 6 Temples of the highest grade of the first class Royal Temples Its in the old city area Ban Mo community and built in the Thonburi era of King Taksin. The relatively small image (its just 60cm, or 2ft, tall), carved out of a single jade, was first discovered in 1464 and had several homes in Thailand and Laos before being placed in its current spot in the late 1700s. Opening Hours: Daily from 6 AM to 6 PM Entrance Fee: Free. You can also have a quick massage lesson there, as the temple is the birthplace of Thai massage and a highly respected massage school since 1955. Four smaller prangs surround the exterior of the main one, and visitors are allowed to meander about the colourful and stunning grounds, most of which were constructed using foliage-inspired mosaic tiles. Getting around the temples of Bangkok is easily done using public transport or as part of an organized tour. Home > What to See and Do > Top 10 Temples. The statue is just about 2 feet tall and is carved from a single block of jade. 17 Must Visit Temples in Bangkok - 2023 Guide - Thailand Nomads Wat Aruns upper level gives an impressive view of the Old Bangkok neighborhood. Thanks to its riverside location, Wat Arun is not only one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok but also one of the best known landmarks of the capital and all Thailand. Welcome! Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) 1.5. It continues to be home to a university founded in 1887, which is Thailands oldest for Buddhist monks (it welcomes visitors). In order to remember your preferences we need to set cookies so that this information can be called whenever you interact with a page is affected by your preferences. Wat Prayoon sits on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya river at the foot of Memorial Bridge. Wat Benchamabophit - The Marble Temple In Bangkok, Thailand The main central prang of the temple stands about 80 metres tall and is dedicated to Phra Phai, the wind god. Wat Traimit - Temple of the Golden Buddha, 7. Following the list is some advice about which to prioritize, and also some general tips about visiting temples in Bangkok and Thailand as a whole. Explore transportation options. Which suits you better? In addition to the giant Buddha, the temple is also home to one of the old massage schools in Bangkok. Getting around the temples of Bangkok is easily done using public transport or as part of an organized tour. This complex is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok (or even the sleeping Buddha at times! While its a very touristic place, to this day its also a pilgrimage destination for Buddhist worshippers coming from all over the world. The temple is made with cast iron fences that, according to the legend, were supposed to be used in the Grand Palace. Probably my favorite temple within Bangkok for it's elegant white marble. The Wat Saket temple is a short cab ride away from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. This temple is also home to Loha Prasat Temple, which is equally if not more stunning than Wat Ratchanatdaram. It is famous for its large collection of Bells some dating back hundreds of years. It was built for King Rama III in the 1840s, and, luckily for visitors, it remains a bit off the beaten path in terms of the top temples in which to visit. It was not housed in Wat Traimit until the 1930s, and it is estimated that the statue is worth more than $250 million. You can prevent the setting of cookies by adjusting the settings on your browser (see your browser Help for how to do this). Wat Arun is located right along the Chao Praya River, and just across the water from the Grand Palace. Wat Arun is around 230 feet (70 meters) tall, and as most Buddhist temples it resembles a mountain. The temple is a tribute to his eldest daughter and is also known as Temple of the Heavenly Daughter. Five Famous Buddhist Temples in Thailand - Thai Holidays Wat Hua Krabeu is one of the lesser-known temples in Bangkok, simply because its not centrally located. This site uses Google Analytics which is one of the most widespread and trusted analytics solutions on the web for helping us to understand how you use the site and ways that we can improve your experience. King donates to Sak Surin rehabilitation - Bangkok Post