Temples of Bangkok

About Temples of Bangkok

Bangkok — or **Krung Thep Mahanakhon, as it is formally named in Thai** — is one of the most disorienting cities in the world: a place where gilded temple spires rise above glass skyscrapers, where monks in saffron robes navigate the same congested streets as tuk-tuks and luxury cars, where the smell of incense drifts from street shrines into the air-conditioned lobbies of international hotels. **Founded in 1782 by King Rama I as the new capital of the Chakri dynasty** following the destruction of the former capital Ayutthaya, Bangkok was conceived from the beginning as a city of temples — or wats — each one serving as a neighbourhood religious and community centre as well as a monument to royal patronage and Buddhist devotion. The most sacred site in the city — and arguably in all of Thailand — is **Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha**, located within the walls of the Grand Palace compound on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The Emerald Buddha is a **66-centimetre figure carved from a single block of jade (not emerald, despite the name), dressed in seasonal robes changed three times a year by the King himself**. The temple enclosure surrounding it is a riot of colour and craft: gold-tiled rooftops, walls encrusted with mosaic, guardian demons in lacquered ceramic, and gilded chedis that catch the equatorial sun. Adjacent to Wat Phra Kaew is **Wat Pho, home to a 46-metre reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf** and inlaid mother-of-pearl, and considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Across the river, reachable by a two-baht ferry, is **Wat Arun — the Temple of Dawn — whose distinctive towers are studded with millions of fragments of Chinese porcelain**. Bangkok's temples are best visited **in the early morning, before the heat intensifies and the tour groups arrive**. Modest dress is required at all religious sites — shoulders and knees must be covered, and shoes removed. Beyond the temples, the city rewards explorers: the **Chatuchak Weekend Market**, the elevated walkways of the Silom financial district, the floating markets on the canal system, and the **extraordinary street food scene centred on Yaowarat (Chinatown)** and the Silom night market are essential Bangkok experiences. The best time to visit is **November to February**, during the cool and dry season.

Highlights

• ✦ Vibrant Thai capital with over 400 Buddhist temples
• ✦ Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
• ✦ Floating markets, street food, and ornate skyline

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Bangkok's main temples without a taxi?

The MRT Blue Line's Sanam Chai station puts you within a 10-minute walk of the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, and river ferries running along the Chao Phraya connect directly to the Wat Arun pier, sidestepping Bangkok's frequently gridlocked streets entirely.

How much does it cost to visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew?

A combined ticket for the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha costs around 500 THB, while Wat Pho and Wat Arun charge separate smaller entry fees, typically 100–200 THB each.

What is the dress code for Bangkok's temples?

Shoulders and knees must be covered at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, with no see-through clothing, sandals with straps around the ankle, or flip-flops without heel straps allowed; sarongs can be rented at the entrance if needed, but arriving already dressed appropriately avoids queues.

Can you visit Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace in one day?

Yes, since all three sit close together around Rattanakosin Island, and a river ferry links them quickly; a comfortable day starts at the Grand Palace in the morning, moves to Wat Pho, then crosses the river to Wat Arun for sunset views.

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