The Best Three Temples to Explore in Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, is today a modern metropolis but is also a city steeped in history, culture, and spirituality. 

Among its myriad attractions, the city's temples stand out as must-visit sites and they draw tourists from the world over. But temple burnout is a real thing! The last thing you need on your visit to Bangkok is to be overwhelmed with temples, so here are my three favourites in the city! 

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is undoubtedly Bangkok’s most revered temple. Located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, this temple is a masterpiece of Thai architecture and a pivotal spiritual site for Thai Buddhists. 

The Emerald Buddha, a 26-inch tall statue carved from a single block of jade, is housed in the temple’s main ordination hall (ubosot) and is considered the palladium of Thailand. As you enter the temple complex, you are greeted by a riot of colours and intricate details. 

The exterior walls are adorned with exquisite murals depicting scenes from the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Indian epic Ramayana. The temple grounds also feature various stupas, shrines, and statues that are all meticulously crafted and richly decorated.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is another iconic temple and is best known for housing the magnificent Reclining Buddha. This enormous statue measures 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height, covered in gold leaf and depicting the Buddha in his final nirvana. The soles of the Buddha’s feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious symbols.

The temple complex is vast, with over 1,000 Buddha images collected from various parts of Thailand, making it one of the largest collections in the country. Don’t miss the four great chedis, each dedicated to a different king of the Chakri Dynasty, which are decorated with colourful Chinese porcelain.

Wat Arun

The Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun, is one of Bangkok’s most visually striking temples. The Temple is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Named after Aruna, the Indian god of dawn, this temple is best known for its central prang (spire), which stands over 70 meters tall and is intricately decorated with colourful porcelain and seashells.

Wat Arun is particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the light reflects off the temple’s surface, creating a magical glow. The temple’s central prang is flanked by four smaller prangs, all adorned with statues of mythical figures and intricate floral patterns. The temple grounds also house beautiful pavilions and statues, including the Ordination Hall, which features a Buddha image said to have been designed by King Rama II.