The Top 8 Temples to Visit in Bangkok

Wat Arun

Scenic Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River just across from Wat Pho. Although Wat Arun is obviously a Buddhist temple, the architecture and murals are influenced by Hinduism. Even the name comes from Aruna, the chariot driver of the Hindu sun god.

 

Wat Arun is so appreciated in Bangkok an image of the temple is minted onto 10-baht coins. Following four years of restoration work that finished in 2017, the temple has been returned to its former, glowing glory.

• Location: Wat Arun is located on the west side of the Chao Phraya River, just downriver from the Grand Palace. River taxi is the most enjoyable and inexpensive way to get there. A ferry crosses over from Tha Thien Pier.
• What to Know: The entrance fee at Wat Arun is 50 baht.

ADDRESS:

158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is one of the most popular temples in Bangkok. It is considered to be the world headquarters for studying Thai massage and traditional medicine.

 

The enormous reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho depicts Gautama Buddha’s final moments on earth before succumbing to what is widely believed to be food poisoning. Wat Pho was already standing when Bangkok was made the new capital city in 1782. However, many of the current structures were added years later.

 

Tip: In Thai, the h in ph is silent. Wat Pho is correctly pronounced as “waht poe” not “waht foe" or "wat fuh," as is the delicious Vietnamese noodle soup of the same spelling.

• Location: Wat Pho is just south of the Grand Palace. It is labeled on Google Maps by the official name: Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn.
• What to Know: Hours are from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. No shorts allowed. The entrance fee for foreign visitors was raised to 200 baht in January 2019.

ADDRESS:

2 Thanon Sanam Chai, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand