Bangkok's Must-see Temples, And Then Some
Bangkok’s Blinged-Out Temples (and a Few Hidden Gems): How to Sweat Your Way to Enlightenment
Guest Contributor: Fabulous Firefly
If you think “temple-hopping” sounds serene and reflective, you haven’t done it in Bangkok, a city where “spiritual journey” meets “personal sauna.”
Still, the temples here are jaw-dropping: gold-tipped, mosaic-covered, incense-scented masterpieces that make you forget (for about 3 seconds) how hot it is.
Here’s your guide to the must-see holy hot spots, plus a few lesser-known gems for when you want to escape the selfie-stick crowds and actually hear your own prayers.
👑 1. The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Mood: “Royal vibes and divine drip.”
This is the Beyoncé of Bangkok temples: everyone wants a piece of it. The Grand Palace is so shiny you’ll need sunglasses, and Wat Phra Kaew houses the Emerald Buddha that was stolen from Laos in 1779, a petite yet powerful icon with three seasonal outfits changed personally by the King.
Yes, this Buddha has a wardrobe rotation, and yes, you’re still in your sweat-stained travel tee. Save up because this is the most expensive temple re entrance fee (500 baht for foreigners at the time of writing, Thais free).
💤 2. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Mood: “Buddha’s got 46 meters of chill.”
Home to the famous Reclining Buddha, this temple proves enlightenment can look like a nap. Admire the gold-covered giant, marvel at his mother-of-pearl inlaid feet, and then reward yourself with a traditional Thai massage because if Wat Pho invented it, you’re practically on sacred ground.
Entrance fee: 300 baht at the time of writing.
🌅 3. Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
Mood: “Early riser? Great. Not an early riser? Sunset’s fine too.”
Wat Arun sparkles with porcelain mosaics like someone bedazzled an entire mountain. It’s Insta-famous for sunrise shots, but honestly, it’s gorgeous all day. Climb the steep steps for a view so good it makes you forget you almost tripped on your sarong halfway up.
Entrance fee: 200 baht at the time of writing.
⛰️ 4. Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
Mood: “Pilgrimage with a cardio bonus.”
You’ll climb 300 steps to reach the top but don’t worry, it’s a gentle spiral shaded by trees and bells. At the summit: a golden stupa, panoramic city views, and a rare Bangkok breeze that feels like divine air-conditioning.
Entrance fee: 100 baht at the time of writing.
🏛️ 5. Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
Mood: “Elegance, symmetry, and marble floors cleaner than your hotel room.”
This temple looks like it was designed for Pinterest with its Italian marble, tranquil courtyards, and monks gliding silently at sunrise. If temples had a skincare routine, this one would be glowing.
Entrance fee: 100 baht at the time of writing.
🌀 6. Wat Suthat & The Giant Swing
Mood: “Big Buddha energy meets questionable old-timey rituals.”
Wat Suthat is serene and often overlooked, making it perfect for quiet reflection. Outside stands the Giant Swing, once used for a dangerous Brahmin ceremony where men swung to grab a bag of gold. They stopped after too many “oops” moments, a wise choice.
Entrance fee: 100 baht at the time of writing.
💎 Now for the Underrated All-Stars
Because Bangkok has over 400 temples, and only visiting the famous six is like going to Italy and only eating pizza.
🙏 7. Wat Intharawihan (Temple of the Standing Buddha)
Mood: “Vertical enlightenment.”
Meet the Standing Buddha, a 32-meter-tall gold-clad figure who towers gracefully above the city. Locals come here to make offerings and escape the crowds. You, meanwhile, will come to admire the sheer size and probably to stand in his shade.
Quite a few of the visitors here were taken by tuk-tuk scammers and will later visit either gem shops or tailors and be professionally milked. Beware.
Entrance fee: 40 baht at the time of writing.
🏯 8. Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat – The Metal Castle)
Mood: “Medieval monastery meets steampunk fantasy.”
Loha Prasat, or “Metal Castle,” is the only one of its kind left in the world. With 37 metal spires representing the virtues toward enlightenment, it’s basically spiritual architecture meets geometry homework.
Climb up for peaceful views of Bangkok and bragging rights for finding one of the coolest hidden temples in the city.
Entrance fee: 20 baht at the time of writing.
🧘 9. Wat Bowonniwet
Mood: “Royal temple with monk prestige.”
This one’s where Thai kings (and future kings) have been ordained, so it’s got serious spiritual street cred. Wat Bowonniwet is calm, elegant, and revered, a place for quiet contemplation rather than TikTok transitions. Dress respectfully, move slowly, and try not to step on a monk’s path (they’re sacred, not side characters).
Admission free.
🌿 10. Wat Mahathat
Mood: “Zen and the art of Bangkok traffic avoidance.”
Nestled near Sanam Luang, this temple is a hub for Buddhist meditation classes and monk-led teachings. It’s less about glamour, more about genuine mindfulness, the kind where your phone is on silent and your brain stops vibrating from caffeine.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to actually meditate instead of just pretending on an app, this is the spot.
Admission free.
☀️ Final Thoughts: Sweat, Sparkle, and Serenity
Whether you’re chasing gold spires or quiet corners, Bangkok’s temples offer a mix of divine design and delightful chaos.
You’ll bow, you’ll climb, you’ll sweat in places you didn’t know could sweat but by the end, you’ll have touched both the sacred and the surreal.
So slip off your shoes, silence your phone, and find your inner calm.
Then find an iced coconut, because enlightenment is exhausting.
Final tip: If you're on a tight budget, just stroll around and visit some lesser known temples. They are everywhere and they are usually free. Donations accepted of course.
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