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Overview

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Bangkok's dazzling temples are the primary tourist attractions. A visit to Bangkok would not be complete without seeing at least 3 of them, viz. Wat Pra Keo, Wat Po and Wat Arun. The architecture is awe-inspiring and the glittering decoration is quite like no other. Imagine thousands of pieces of colored glass and pottery adorned with intricate structures gilded in glaring gold - you're indeed in a City of Angels!

The best time to visit most temples is in the early morning. It's cooler, and generally less crowded. The temples (known as wats) are not just tourist attractions but also play an important part in Buddhist traditions. Monks live in the temple complexes, wake up around 4 AM, attend to prayers and duties and then collect food and necessities from ordinary people on the streets. If you are up very early in Bangkok you will see monks walking around, dressed in saffron colored robes. This daily alms ritual (called 'tam boon') takes place all over Thailand and is part of the Buddhist philosophy of giving and making merit to attain a better life beyond this one.

It's daunting to visit all the temples, so we've listed in the following sections those in the 'must- visit' category, according to their beauty, cultural significance and high regard in Buddhism. Please note that most temples are not open after 6 PM.

Thai temples are sacred places so you must dress appropriately. No shorts or revealing tops, otherwise you won't be allowed in. This applies particularly to Wat Phra Kaew (inside the Grand Palace.)

Wat Amphawan

Wat Amphawan was constructed during the Late Ayutthaya period. This temple houses Ho Trai (a hall for keeping scriptures) which is situated in the middle of a pond. The building was made of wood in magnificent Thai style.

Wat Bang 0l Chang

Wat Bang OI Chang houses a 200-year-old Buddha sole, which was found by Phra Khru Nawa Kam Koson (the first abbot of this monastery) while traveling in Phitsanuloke province during 1986 A.D.

Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)

Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, near Chitralada Palace. this unique marble temple was constructed during the reign of King Chukakongkorn (1868-1910). It employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained glass windows, and contains a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images.

Wat Bowon Niwet

This temple is located on Phra Sumen Road in the Bang Lamphu area. Built in 1829, it is the shrine-hall of Phra Phutthachinnasi, a very beautiful Buddha image which was moulded in about 1357. Wat Bowon Niwet is one of the most important temples of Bangkok, whose one-time chief abbot was King Rama IV before he ascended the throne. Other Chakn kings who had resided here during their monk hood include King Rama IV and King Rama VII, as well as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Wat Chalo

Wat Chalo is assumed to have been constructed during the Sukhothai period as some Buddha images in Sukhothai style were found in front of the bot.

Wat Indravihan

Located in the Bang Khun Phrom area on Wisutkasat Road, this temple is well known for a huge standing Buddha image called Luang Pho To. The image, built in the reign of King Rama IV, is 32 meters tall and 10 meters wide. The top knot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka.

Wat Kaeo Fa

Wat Kaeo Fa is an ancient temple located in an open area next to Khiong Bangkok Noi. According to archaeologists, many buildings and art objects here were constructed in the Ayutthaya style; for example; the Ubosot, the Buddha image, the boundary stones, the boundary wall, the chedi behind the bot and the chedi with 12 cornered indented pillar. The monastery later was renovated during the Rattanakosin period.

Wat Ko

Wat Ko houses an old viharn (chapel) which was registered as an archaeological site.

Wat Mahathat

This old temple was built in the reign of King Rama I. It is located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University. The temple houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners.

The temple complex is open daily from 9.00 AM - 5.00 PM.

Wat Pak Nam

Wat Pak Nam is famous for amulets and is always crowded with a number of people who come to make merit during the weekend.

Wat Paramal Ylkawat

Wat Paramal Ylkawat was constructed in Mon style over 200 years ago. King Rama V commanded to renovate the monastery dedicated to his grandmother and to construct Phra Maha Raman Chedi (a chedi in Mon style) to house Buddha relics. The principal Buddha of the monastery is carved with marble in Mon style, so it is also called "Wat Mon" (Mon Temple).

Wat Phal Lom

Wat Phal Lom is well-known for the magnificent bot (ordination hall) in the Ayutthaya style. Some parts have been changed due to renovation. Behind the bot, there is a chedi in Mon style.

Wat Prasat

Wat Prasat was built during the Late Ayutthaya period. The monastery is well-known for its well-preserved mural painting made by artisans of the Nonthaburi school, and the gable made of carved timber. Visitors who come along by boat have to walk about 2 kilometers through orchards from the pier.

Wat Ratchabophit

The temple is located on Fuang Nakhon Road near Wat Pho. Built by King Rama V in 1869, it was in keeping with tradition that each monarch constructed a temple to mark his reign. The temple is a mixture of local and western styles, showing an awakening interest in new ideas and a desire to experiment with them. The exterior of the chapel is in the That style, but the interior is decorated in the European style.

Wat Ratchanatdaram

Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846. Loha Prasat, the temple's main attraction, standing 36 meters high with 37 surrounding spires, is the only one of its kind left in the world. Next to the temple is the area for welcoming an important foreign guest and a memorial, statue of King Rama III.

Wat Saket and The Golden Mountain

Wat Saket's major feature is the Golden Mount, dating from the 1800s, which overlooks Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The golden chedi houses relics of Lord Buddha and offers a panoramic view of historic Bangkok. Admission to Wat Saket is free except for the final approach to the Golden Mountain summit; which costs 10 Baht.

Wat Sao Thong Thong

Wat Sao Thong Thong houses an old Ayutthaya style chedi and was the first secondary school in Pak Kret.

Wat Si Sudaram or Wat Chi Pakhao

Wat Si Sudaram or Wat Chi Pakhao was built during the Ayutthaya period and was renovated by King Rama I. The temple houses some interesting buildings including Tarn Nak Daeng (a pavilion). Sala Kan Parian (a sermon hall), and the residence of Sunthon Phu (the greatest poet of the Rattanakosin period). Moreover, visitors can enjoy feeding a number of freshwater fish here.

Wat Suthat and 'The Giant Swing

Located on Bamrung Muang Road, this temple is noted for its superb 19^th century murals in the main chapel. The distinctive Giant Swing outside the temple was once used in Brahmanic ceremonies long since discontinued. Nearby shops stock a very comprehensive range of Buddhist religious supplies.

Wat Suwannaram

Wat Suwannaram is a big royal monastery constructed during the reign of King Rama I and was subsequently renovated during the reign of King Rama III. Inside the bot, there are murals depicting the jataka, deities and the Buddha image in Subduing Mara Posture. These works of art of the early Rattanakosin period (1 9th century) are considered as the best surviving mural painting in Bangkok.

Wat Thepthidaram

Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in the reign of King Rama III with a mixture of Chinese architectural styles. Sunthon Phu, one of Thailand's greatest poets, had resided in this temple during his monk hood from 1840-1842. His residence is now open to the public.

Wat Trimit (Temple of the golen Buddha)

Located at the end of Chinatown's Yaowarant Road, near Hualampong Railway Station, this temple houses an ancient solid gold seated Buddha image, three meters in height and weighting five and a half tons. The temple is open every day from 9.00 am - 5.00 pm.

Erawan Shrine

Located on Ratchadamri Road, the shrine devoted to Phra Phrom, a Hindu god, is greatly revered by Thai people. Laced flowers and small wooden elephants as well as Thai dancing performances are always offered to the statue by grateful devotees.