Bangkok Temples – Best Temples To Visit And Some Hidden Gems

Bangkok temples are a place of beauty and splendor. Its no surprise that millions of tourists visit Bangkok every year to get a glimpse of the golden Chedis and marvel at the intricate gold mosiac work and architecture. If you are planning to visit Bangkok, then here’s a list of best Bangkok temples to visit and some not so well-known temples that are great as well.

Wat Phra Sri RattanaSatsadaram or Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Sri RattanaSatsadram, also known as Wat Phra Kaew is the temple of the Emerald Buddha. This famous temple is located inside the Grand Palace complex. The main attraction is the big golden stupa known as Phra Siratana Chedi. Apart from the Chedi, there are about 30 smaller buildings and structures inside the Grand Palace complex that are noteworthy as well.

Wat Chaeng or Wat Arun

Wat Arun is on the banks of Chao Praya River and can be accessed by a Ferry if you are staying on the other side of the river. The main attraction at Wat Arun is not the temple but the giant spire beside the temple. There are steps to climb the spire and walk around the narrow ledge that wraps around it. There are more steps to get to the top of the spire. Unfortunately, this is closed to the public.

Wat Prachetupon or Wat Pho

At Wat Pho, you’ll find a very large statue of Buddha in a reclining state. It’s so large that it’s difficult to capture a picture of the Buddha Statue in its entriety. On the other side of the Buddha statue, for 20 Baht, you can purchase a bowl of coins. The ritual is to drop these coins into the 108 bowls lined up against the wall. It’s meant to bring you good luck. Other things to note in Wat Pho are the Buddha statues lined up inside another temple just as you enter.

Wat Bowwoniwet Vihara

Compared to the temples listed above, this is a small temple. If you are visiting Bangkok for only a few days then you may skip it. However, if you are here for longer and looking for a reprieve from the crowds then visit this temple. Without the onslaught of tourists, this temple maintains its calm environment. Especially, if you visit the temple during the early hours of the morning, you can hear the monks chanting. It will instantly release all your day to day stresses.
The temple itself is also beautiful with a double Buddha statue.

Wat Chana Songkhram

This is also a small temple located right opposite the famous Khao San Road. Though it is situated near a very busy street, it’s rarely visited by tourists. Just like Wat Bowwoniwet Vihara, if you are craving some peace and calm, you can visit this temple. The best part of the temple is the gateway that overlooks the temple on the other side away from Khao San Road. This gateway is really beautifully with stairs on both sides that lead you to a viewing platform where drums are kept. From the viewing platform, you can see Wat Chana Songkhram on one side and a quite peaceful neighborhood consisting of old houses on the other.