Bangkok is an amazing metropolitan city in Thailand. It is popular for having magnificent old temples and shrines that attract a lot of tourists every year. Most of the temples consist of many buildings and complex structures with beautiful decorations and paintings. They depict the real culture and history of Thailand. Their religion is Buddhism which they follow with dedication and zeal. Thai people live peacefully alongside Muslim communities and other ethnic groups.
Thailand is known as the land of smiles as they are amazing because of their friendly and helpful nature. You will see people smiling on the streets, on the markets everywhere, and feel at home. They are tolerant and down-to-earth where everyone can live freely and practice their religion with complete freedom. They are nice and hospitable to foreigners and try to help them in every possible way. Whether you want to go from one place to another, or go shopping they will put an effort to guide you with your travel plans.
Bangkok is also known as the city of Angels because of its jaw-dropping temples. They are not only tourist attractions but also play a pivotal role in Buddhist traditions. Monks live in the temples and offer prayers and perform their duties, and then collect food and necessities from ordinary people on the streets. Your visit to Bangkok is not complete without visiting at least some of them. Here is a list of some of Bangkok’s best and most visited temples and shrines.
1. Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
2. Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
3. Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)
4. Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
5. Wat Saket (Phu Khao Thong)
6. Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)
7. Wat Suwannaram (Wat Suwan)
8. Sri Mahamariamman Temple (Hindu Temple)
9. Wat Suthat
10. Erawan Shrine: ( Thao Maha Phrom)
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
Wat Pho is one of the ancient and largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok. It is also known as the temple of the Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is a must-see place for any visitor to Bangkok. It is unique as it has a 43 m long reclining Buddha image, covered in gold leaf. It has a great number of Buddha images and 4 impressive stupas dedicated to the Chakri Kings. If you want to have a relaxing experience, Wat Pho is a fantastic place to get a traditional Thai massage. It is also considered the first leading school of massage in Thailand, so you can enjoy the cultural site with massage here. It is one of the most visited temples in Bangkok.
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun is a famous landmark on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is also known as the temple of Dawn. Wat Arun is one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, not only because of its iconic location but also because of its incredible architecture and missile-shaped design. It attracts a lot of tourists because of its majestic architecture. It is decorated with colorful spires and porcelain with intricate patterns and stands majestically over the water. It looks even more gorgeous at sunset, especially when lit up at night. The spectacular craftsmanship and beauty of the architecture make it one of the most visited temples in Bangkok. So you must visit Wat Arun on your vacation.
Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)
Wat Benchamabophit is one of Bangkok’s most beautiful and most visited temples. It is also known as the marble temple or Wat Ben. It is considered the first royal temple built on the orders of the Thai King near Dusit Palace. This temple is an incredible example of the Thai architectural style with its multi-tiered roofs, elegant chofahs at the top end of the roof, and charming gold carvings. The white marble and the golden decorated windows make the ordination hall more appealing. The entrance is beautiful with four impressive marble pillars. It is a big attraction in Bangkok.
Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
Emerald Temple is the spiritual center of Buddhism located in the Grand Palace. It is a holy temple where millions of locals and foreign visitors come to pay respect to the figurines of Buddha. Thai people believe that it brings success and wealth to the nation. The figurine is made from solid green jade, clothed in gold and diamonds. The Emerald Buddha is the main attraction in the Grand Palace. It is 66 cm tall and placed so high on a grand multi-tiered pedestal in the temple. Its architecture is magnificent including the interior and exterior. It is a pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists that’s why the Emerald Temple is one of the most visited temples in Bangkok.
Wat Saket (Phu Khao Thong)
Wat Saket is a landmark located on the hill in Bangkok. It is also known as the temple of the Golden Mount. It is an ancient temple with many Buddha images, the prayer hall, the pagoda, and the Sri Maha Bodhi tree. It is an important temple you should visit when you are in Bangkok. It is visited by worshippers throughout the year but it is most crowded during its annual temple fair in November, during Loy Krathong. It has 320 stairs that take you up to the top for beautiful panoramic views of Rattanakosin Island.
The Golden Mount is a holy pilgrimage site during the fair. You will see colorful lanterns, decorative flags, food vendors, rides, and games there. It is a time of festivity for everyone to come pray and enjoy. It is one of the most visited temples in Bangkok.
Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)
Wat Traimit is a royal temple famous for having a 5.5 tonnes of pure golden Buddha statue. It is beautiful and more than 3 m tall. It is the largest solid gold Buddha in the world. This beautiful temple is located in Chinatown Bangkok. The temple has a museum on the 3rd floor from where you can learn the history of the Golden Buddha. The 2nd floor exhibits a 3D presentation showing the history of the Chinese traders in Bangkok. The locals and tourists visit this temple because of its artistic value and enshrining many unique sacred objects. It is a must-visit temple in Bangkok.
Wat Suwannaram (Wat Suwan)
Wat Suwannaram is a royal monastery and also known as Wat Yai. It has undergone many renovations since the Ayutthaya Period. Lastly, several buildings were built within the temple premises, including the cloister around the ordination hall, the prayer hall, living quarters for monks, the twin pavilions, a dome, and the temple wall with an arched entrance, as well as the pond. It is a revered temple you must visit on your vacation.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple (Hindu Temple)
Sri Mahamariamman Temple is a Hindu Temple in Bangkok built by Tamil immigrants in a south Indian architectural style. The temple is very unique and colorful with many carved images of gods and goddesses in different shapes and sizes. This holy temple initially welcomed Hindus but now it is open to every visitor. You can see flower stalls, souvenir shops, and food stalls outside the temple. This temple is also visited by Thai and Chinese people because they believe that Hindu gods will bring good luck in their business.
Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat is one of the ancient and most magnificent Buddhist temples in Bangkok. It has a beautiful prayer hall with sweeping roofs, majestic sculptures, and elegant hand-carved door panels. The courtyard has almost 156 Buddha images that attract tourists. You must see the famous Giant Swing at Wat Suthat. Its red pillars and beautifully carved crossbar can be seen from far off. It is one of the largest shrines in Bangkok. If you are in Bangkok you must spare some time to visit this temple.
Erawan Shrine: ( Thao Maha Phrom)
Erawan Shrine is an important landmark in Bangkok. Thousands of people from East Asia and China visit this shrine every day. Locals also visit it every day and return with gifts when their wishes have been granted and prayers are accepted.
The shrine has a golden statue of the four-faced god Brahma which is worshiped by Hindus and they pray to him for everything.
There are many flower stalls, and shops selling garlands and wooden elephants to be presented as offerings. It is one of the most visited shrines in bangkok