best way to see temples in bangkokbest way to see temples in bangkok

There are so many local food vendors at each destination, I lived off multiple Fried Rice and Pad Thai dishes for the day, it certainly didnt break the bank. Be polite and ask first. The PERFECT 3 Days in Bangkok Itinerary (2023 Guide) - NOMADasaurus And whats more impressive is every one of them has a donators name engraved on it. *When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Bangkok, check prices on Booking.com. Some of the above are affiliate links and I will earn a percentage of the sale if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. There's little rhyme or reason to the location of the buildings and even with a map, chances are you'll have a hard time locating specific ones. Do you enjoy visiting temples? Located just behind the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is another of the must-see temples in Bangkok. With a vibrant street food scene (read about the Best Pad Thai in Bangkok), rich Thai culture, and bustling international business scene, it's a great city to add to your travel bucket list. So without further ado, lets get into it, In no particular order, this section will aim to give you a little overview (and a sneak preview) of each temple you will be discovering in the future. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. To visit Wat Saket, youll need to ascend 300 steps to the top of the entrance. Grab a book or Google the temples you visit. Bangkok's temples are a unique part of the capital's heart and soul. If you are not Thai, you'll have to purchase a ticket to the Grand Palace to visit this temple. As the sun shines the reflection of the colours really comes to life, a setting that you only read about in fairytales. Pro Tip:Climbing up the steep steps of Wat Arun is like doing leg lunges. If you have more time on your hands or you simply enjoy the must-see temples so much you want to explore more, those are the other top Bangkok temples in the Old City area. Some travelers scurry out quickly rather than risk some grave faux pas in a sacred space. Related Article: Where to Stay in Bangkok. Believed to have come to the region centuries ago, Buddhism has played a significant role in Thai society and culture throughout its history. Each temple has something that makes it unique. Our favorite area of Bangkok to stay in is Sukhumvit but check our where to stay in Bangkok guide to see whats best for you. You can pick up more water as you go. Price:200 THB (5.75 USD)Thai massage 30 minutes for 260 THB (7.45 USD)Thai massage 1 hour for 420 THB (12 USD)Foot massage 30 minutes for 280 THB (8 USD)Foot massage 1 hour for 420 THB (12 USD)Guided tour (including Wat Arun) Check hereBest temples tour Check hereOpen:Temple: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PMMassage: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PMSee in Google Maps, See Also: The Best Area to Stay in Bangkok. The place is renowned for being the headquarters for teaching and preserving traditional Thai medicine. We suggest gettingtravel insurance with Safety Wing. Thailand is home to over 30,000 active temples, so youll be able to find one no matter what city you plan on visiting. You may not use any photos or recipes on this site for any personal or commercial use without my express written permission. Price:100 THB ( 2.90 USD)Open:8:30 AM until 9:00 PMSee in Google Maps. The next three Bangkok temples are quite unique and noticeably distinctive from anything else in the city. You can also buy food for animals or pay to release some pigeons free (which will most likely return to their cages later but whatever). If you're already at the Grand Palace, all you need to do is walk south for ~10-minutes and you'll arrive at the entrance for Wat Pho. Have you been to Bangkok? The temple is located just a stones throw away from Chinatown, which means its an easy visit if youre exploring the nearby neighborhoods. Close to the Golden Mount Temple is another unique Bangkok temple - Wat Ratchanatdaram or Loha Prasat which translates as "iron palace". Privacy Policy | All Rights Reserved | Global Castaway 2023, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha), Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (The Dragon Lotus Temple), Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan ( I dare you to say it). It closes earlier than most temples which is why I recommend starting your day here. However, Wat Saket also is known for its crematorium and cemetery. If you are looking to escape the crowds, I highly recommend a visit to Wat Prayun, also known as Wat Prayoon (official name: Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan). Wat Arun is one of the most beautiful and photogenic temples in Bangkok. The best temples in Bangkok Thailand From the majestic and famous, to the weird and the local, these are the best temples in Bangkok to visit. Parts were produced in China before being shipped to Thailand to be assembled. I loved taking a scooter tour which took us to a few temples. I recommend catching a taxi to reach Wat Saket since it's not near a Skytrain or Metro. Since shoes will be taken off before entering the temple, flip-flops and other casual footwear are usually okay. Phone: +66 (0)2 221 1011. River taxi is the most inexpensive and enjoyable way to get to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Many young boys serve as monks for a short period of time in their youth. Wat Prayoon. After serving a set term (often three months) most will come back to society, start careers, and get married. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Bangkok temples are merely countless. To help you get started, I'll share tips for visiting three of Bangkok's most popular temples. 14 Must-See Temples in Bangkok - Every Steph Wat Phra Kaew: Temple of the Emerald Buddha 2. Its dress code is not a suggestion, but a checklist of rules on what clothing is acceptable. Some temples have admission fees while others are free to enter. While some of them have become major tourist attractions, they are all operational and have Buddhist monks living on their compounds and performing their monk duties. Price:FreeOpen:6:00 AM until 11:00 PMSee in Google Maps. Dont believe me? Make sure you have a buddy to help you back down if steep heights make you dizzy or if you have trouble climbing. This 19th centuryBuddhist templecomplex is located on the quieter Thonburi side near theMemorial BridgeinBangkok. As mentioned above, I believe five Bangkok temples are the absolute must-sees. Read all about the Best Pad Thai in Bangkok that I had! The Erawan Shrine is pretty much sandwiched right in the middle of everything in the bustling Chit Lom district. The bot is often for monks only, while visitorstourists includedgo to the viharn (prayer hall) to pray or see images of Buddha. Even more, if you can. Don't turn your back while near the Buddha statues to snap a selfie! And if you snap some pics, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook. Wat Pho is a famous temple located immediately south of the Grand Palace precinct in Bangkok. Of course, you can't miss the amazing food in Thailand. Over 90 percent of Thai people practice Buddhism. 1. Even hugs from a monk's own mother are off limits while he is in monkhood. The experience can be cultural and memorable, particularly if you ask some questions. I typically pack a cute pair of linen pants to change into like these. The structure of the temple is vastly different from other temples in Thailand. 2 Most Instagram-Worthy Markets and Streets in Bangkok. In the main sanctuary, youd find 108 wish-granting bowls. Much of the popular "Sure" and "No Time" brands of clothing sold to backpackers in Thailand depict themes from Buddhism and Hinduism. Explore Chinatown. One of the oldest temples in Bangkok is home to a towering mosaic structure full of vibrant colours that need to be appreciated the closer you get. Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan is one of the more unique temples to visit in Bangkok. Wat Suthat Thepwararam. Although many travelers use Bangkok as the jumping-off point for exploring the islands and countryside, its worth spending a few days visiting some of the citys most beautiful temples. It is believed that some of his ashes rest in the temple complex. From Bangkok to Ayutthaya: 4 Best Ways to Get There Due to its proximity to Khaosan Road, Wat Chana Songkhram is a popular temple that attracts tourists and locals alike. By the way, you'll notice I am wearing shorts and a capsleeve top in the photo above. I did a longtail boat tour just a few hours before I was scheduled to fly out of Bangkok and back to Portland, Oregon, so I was dressed for moving quickly around the city and throughout numerous airports :) .Royal Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen 300 Ratchamongkhon Prasat AlleyPak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Phasi CharoenBangkok 10160, ThailandNo entrance feeOpen daily 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts are ideal, but covering your shoulders with a scarf or shawl is also acceptable. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok: the Complete Guide, Chiang Mai's Wat Chedi Luang: The Complete Guide, 12 Best Things to Do in Sukhothai, Thailand, Asia's 12 Most Amazing Holy Temples and Sacred Pilgrimage Sites. Unfortunately, due to numerous fatalities over the years, using the swing has been prohibited since the mid-1930s. Price:FreeOpen:8:00 AM until 6:00 PMSee in Google Maps, See Also: The Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide. This enables you to see all the small glass pieces embedded in the temple that give it such a colorful appearance! Visiting Bangkok: My Suggested 3-5 Day Itinerary for 2023 According to their beliefs, to symbolize the stability of power, a city pillar needs to be installed upon the establishment of a new city. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. You're in their home and place of work. Wat Benjamabhopit One of the best things about my recent trip to Thailand was visiting all of the amazing, stunning Bangkok temples. All temples and images of Buddha are considered sacred. With such rich history in Thai culture and religious significance, you could spend an entire week visiting all of Bangkok's temples. Wat Saket (Golden Mount) 2. Be sure to double-check it before your visit and dress appropriately or else the palace guards will not let you enter. This is your chance to ask about daily life in a temple, Buddhism, or anything else that interests you. Don't panic! Open daily from 8 am - 5 pm, if you arrive early, you should have the place mostly to yourself. A few rules of temple etiquette should be followed as you enter the main worship area: If you want to hang out (monks really don't mind if you do) the proper way to sit in front of a Buddha image is to have legs tucked underneath you as the worshipers do. Its easy to find the courtyard empty and take an excellent Instagram shot. Evening: Muay Thai & a Night Out. Located within a sprawling temple complex on the grounds of the Grand Palace, many important state and royal ceremonies are held within the Wat Phra Kaew main temple each year. Even if you manage to do it, you wont enjoy it at all. Visiting Bangkok? Bangkok temples: 7 of the best wats for tourists Going in with preconceived expectations could cause you to leave disappointed. 2.4 Ratchada Rot Fai Night Market. They are opulent, they are exotic, and they are just sooo picturesque! This is a great spot to take a break from the city streets and to see a calmer, more peaceful side of Bangkok. Its located in the heart of Bangkok, not far from the infamous Khaosan Road. Midday - Lunch Near Wat Pho. My favorite temples are: Wat Saket - The Golden Mount has an enormous, 100-meter-high, 500-meter wide chedi (mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics). Don't point at a monk or Buddha statue, either with fingers, feet, or something in your hands. The Best Bangkok Souvenirs to Take Home With You, Bangkok off the Beaten Path the Hidden Gems of the Angel City. Assuming they aren't busy or worshipping, some will be fine with you taking a photo. Price: 50 THB ( 1.40 USD)Open: 7:30 AM until 7:00 PMSee in Google Maps. Thailand temples typically have peaceful grounds in a courtyard that house an ordination hall (bot), prayer hall (viharn), stupas (chedi), living residences (kuti), a kitchen, and perhaps even classrooms or administrative buildings. The intricate designs of the buildings are beautiful and you could spend hours appreciating them. Get off and head towards the river to Sathorn Pier. Women should wear pants, skirts, or dresses that fall below the knee. I like taking the ferry since you get a scenic ride on the Chao Phraya on the way to your destination. Unlike in Japan where taking photos of Buddha statues or the worship area is typically frowned upon, doing so is fine in Thailandunless a sign indicates you shouldn't. Bangkok to Ayutthaya: 6 Best Transport Options. A curious temple that gives you a glimpse of Thai peoples beliefs and their way of life. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Whats truly amazing is that it was covered in stucco and colored glass for over 200 years until the plaster coating chipped in 1955, revealing the gold underneath. Wat Phra Kaew is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. In the present day, the Thai monarchy and government are closely interconnected with the Buddhist religion. While quite famous, the temple is situated quite far from the tourist areas and public transport, so its not very crowded. No one will shame you for not donating. Many people also believe that the temple was the original birthplace of Thai massage. As a result of this rich history, Buddhism is deeply rooted into the cultural fabric of Thailand. Its located very close to the Grand Palace, but unlike it, there are barely any tourists to ruin your experience. Must-see Temples in Bangkok 1.1. Be sure to read the full Bangkok Temple FAQ section below before you visit any of these famous temples in Bangkok. Or, do what I did: take one of the canal tours by longtail boat. Copyright 2023 Becky Exploring, all rights reserved. This is often the cheapest and most efficient way to see the temples throughout Bangkok. You can also sign up for a designated temple tour, which can be a walking tour or a van group tour. Spend time visiting the chapels lined with hundreds of gilded Buddha images. Visit the Jim Thompson house and museum. Don't worry, the monks won't try to convert you to Buddhism on the spot. One of the largest temple complexes in Bangkok, Wat Pho (also called Wat Phra Chetupon or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), is home to an impressively HUGE reclining Buddha statue. Price:20 THB (0.57 USD)Open:8:00 AM until 5:00 PMSee in Google Maps. Ayutthaya Temples and River Cruise: If you want to see all the highlights of Ayutthaya from Bangkok in one day, an Ayutthaya Temples Tour with River Cruise from Bangkok is a fantastic option. Nicknamed the Golden Mount, this Buddhist temple is built on top of a steep hill looming over the city of Bangkok. Ayutthaya Temples, Thailand - One of the Best Places to See around Bangkok Adventurous Travels | Adventure Travel | Best Beaches | Off the Beaten Path | Best Countries | Best Mountains Treks Ayutthaya is probably the most popular (and impressive) historical site near Bangkok. A moat stemming from the river flows around the area, an effective defense in the olden days. Disclaimer Privacy policy Contact. To visit the temple, wind your way through the gardens on the hill to reach its summit. Its not among the best temples in Bangkok, but its undoubtedly among the most serene ones. A Brief Guide to Non-Thai Temples and Shrines in Bangkok I wont share a picture of the view, I dont want to ruin it! Talk quietly. Info: According to Wikipedia Wat Pho is one of the largest wats in Bangkok, covering 80,000 square meters. With exotic islands, lush jungles, and chaotic city streets, Thailand is a magnificent country that caters to all types of adventures. I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Bangkok. Pretty much every temple in Thailand has one or more metal donation box. If you haven't dressed correctly - don't worry! I especially recommend Thai New Year or Songkran in mid-April which turns the city into a giant water festival! Tight stretch pants, some athletic wear, and clingy tops may also be considered a little too revealing. As one of the hidden gems in Bangkok, Wat Chana Songkhram is far less crowded compared to many other temples and attractions in the city. As with most Buddhist temples, youll find the main prayer hall, an ordination hall, and even a library. 1. Built by King Mongkut in 1857, this temple used to be surrounded by canals and rice fields. Located very close to Wat Mangkon, this is one of the most unusual temples in Bangkok. Do not raise yourself higher than the image of Buddha (e.g., sitting on the raised platform for a photo). What was your favorite temple you visited? With striking marble pillars, bright red roofs, and shimmering gold rooms, the Wat Benchamabhopit is a jaw-dropping sight to behold. These temples were some of the best things I loved about my recent trip to Thailand. Wat Saket is a little bit different than all other temples in Bangkok. This temple is also spelled Wat Benjamabophit frequently also. Each of these temples offers something so different too, so if you do find yourself lacking the motivation to move on, something different will be there to greet you at the next destination! A curious thing about the statue is that even though its considered to be created around the 13th century, it was only found in 1955. Its situated in Bangkoks historic center, within the premises of the Grand Palace, and its most prominent feature is (as youve probably guessed) a 66cm (26in) emerald Buddha statue. Location: 571 Chakkraphet Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200. You'll either miss out on the views or look really awkward trying to climb those stairs! Its also the most expensive temple in the country, setting you back with 500 THB (16 USD) for an entry ticket. Although many wats in tourist areas have relaxed their standards due to the high volume of visitors, be different! We've picked the top 8 and provided dress code advice to aid your temple tour. Cleverly hidden in an unimpressive coating of plaster, the statue looked just like a thousand other Buddha figures until it was dropped by an incident and forced to reveal its golden core. Linger long enough to catch small details. Don't step or stand on the door threshold going inside. These take you along the canals that flow from the banks of the Chao Phraya river. Temples in Bangkok: the top ones you Should Visit The #1 rule of etiquette for visiting Thai temples is to dress modestly! Wat Naphrameru in Ayutthaya contains an ancient statue depicting Buddha as a prince in worldly attire before enlightenmentsuch images are exceptionally rare. Bangkok is certainly a great place to see some amazing temples. Wat Ratchaburana is a historic temple located in the former royal palace grounds of Ayutthaya, Thailand. One of the best activities during your visit is climbing the central spire of Wat Arun. But now that it is completed, this magnificent Buddha statue stands at over 226 feet tall -- as tall as a 20-story building. Follow their example! Money: For those entry fees, food and plenty of water! Ones who aren't too shy may ask to practice English with you. Wat Phra Kaew / Temple of the Emerald Buddha, How to Plan a Luxurious and Relaxing Babymoon in Bali, 10 Great Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), How We Spent Our First Trip to Florence, Italy, How to Plan a 6-Hour Train Stopover in Pisa, A Gorgeous Hike on the Sentiero Azzurro in Cinque Terre, 2-Week Adventure Itinerary in Northern Thailand & Laos, How to Travel Cheaply from Chiang Rai to Houayxay, Laos, Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for First Timers to Bangkok. Some Thai temples, particularly in Chiang Mai, have scheduled "Monk Chat" times when tourists are allowed to meet with English-speaking monks for free. . Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Its creator King Rama V was so impressed with the European architecture he saw during his trip to the continent, so he decided his new temple is going to have some European vibe. If tired though, it just might be worth it to save your steps for the temples! Wat Prayurawongsawat Other temples worth seeing Where to eat in Bangkok What to do nearby Bangkok hotels More Thailand travel tips About temples in Bangkok, Thailand At night, they are lit up and shine beautifully. 1. Built in 1832, the Reclining Buddha known as Phra Buddhasaiyas is made from brick and plaster covered in gold leaf. HomeTravel LifecycleDestinationResourcesContact. Photography tip: You are not allowed to take any photos of the Emerald Buddha or any other photos inside the temple. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) 1.2. Wat Ratchaburana is a great candidate. Price:FreeOpen:9:00 AM until 5:00 PMSee in Google Maps. Visit the Phra Rabiang to see 400 of the 1,000 on-site statues originally purchased by King Rama I himself. Siukei Cheung Commissioning Editor 26 October 2022 View Temples in Bangkok are so much more than mere tourist attractions. Top Temples to Visit in Bangkok: 8 of the Best Wats Don't disturb monks or anyone else who came to worship. The architecture is awe-inspiring and the glittering decoration like no other. Visitors should wear modest clothing that covers up most of the body. 3.2 SO Sofitel Bangkok. Often rates are as low as $12 a week. Especially in terms of how much of your arms and legs can show. The Best Temples in Bangkok - Self-Guided Bangkok Temple Tour Ideally, look up details (age, purpose, significance, etc) before visiting a templeyou'll appreciate the experience even more. 3.3 Amara Bangkok. Wat Saket (Phu Khao Thong or the Golden Mount) Wat Suthat Thepwararam (& The Giant Swing) Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of The Emerald Buddha) & The Grand Palace Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Please send me the FREE download: Bangkok Temples Map, Checklist & Useful Info The Best Temples In Bangkok - Useful Info The image of Wat Benchamabhopit can be found on the back of every 5-baht coin. Often it turns out it was false information and the temple will be open. If you visit, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! Over 94 percent of Thailand's population follows the Theravada school of Buddhism. Trying to see too many temples in one week is a sure way to become burned out! And while the reclining Buddha is impressive, most people tend just to take a look at it and skip the other parts of the temple complex. To get the best view of the temple, you will have to climb the central prang. Don't wear pants that you can't do leg lunges in. Have you visited these before? Is it OK to take photographs of the Buddha image? The biggest attraction is the crocodiles. Not precisely in Bangkok but close enough to qualify for this post, Wat Bang Phra is the best place in Thailand to get an authentic Sak Yant tattoo. However, it wasn't completed until 1847, during the reign of King Rama III. Greg Rodgers is a freelance writer and photographer from Kentucky. When visiting Thai temples, you will take off your shoes. Attending a Monk Chat session in Chiang Mai could mean swapping email addresses or Facebook with a monk. Besides being home to one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, Wat Pho also contains the biggest collection of Buddha images in the entire country. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) 1.3. Really great for someones first time in Thailand. Best Bangkok Temples Completed in the early 1900s, its a symbol of modern Thai architecture that was strongly influenced by western design. The whole temple is encrusted with colorful porcelain and refurbished continuously to keep its blinding white color. Built 150 years ago, the temple was used as an introduction of the Mahayana Buddhism in Bangkok. Even attempting to visit all of the top temples in Bangkok is a big endeavor. It's easy to get there on the SkyTrain (Chit Lom station). Yes, monks in Thailand are brilliantly photogenic, but snapping photos without asking isn't nice. Also known as the Golden Mount, Wat Saket features a shimmering golden Chedi and offers a panoramic view of the city of Bangkok from the top of the pagoda. Fully embed yourself into the atmosphere. For many Thais, these religious sites are woven into the fabric of everyday life - places to pray for hope, good fortune and forgiveness. What should you do when monks enter? Serving as a monk is regarded as part of a young man's development, however, only a handful choose to remain monks. Scattered all over town, those temples are not as popular attractions as the Old City ones. Loha Prasat is located within Wat Ratchanadda grounds, and its currently under consideration to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Day 1. 1. The complex is open daily from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. If you make an effort to find them, though, Im sure youll enjoy every single one of them. You can ask questions about Buddhism or what it's like to live in a temple. Different in design from most of the temples in Bangkok, it also offers great views of the Palace. Thailand Temple Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts for Temples - TripSavvy Today, its surrounded by malls and skyscrapers.One of the very few temples in the Siam area, Wat Pathum Wanaram, offers a welcome retreat from your shopping spree. Dont skip the temple, though. The location is great - close to the metro and easy to get to the main streets with main attractions. How to Spend a Perfect 3 Days in Bangkok Itinerary. Head to the back of the boat when nearing your stop (Tha Chang Pier) so you're ready to disembark when the boat docks. Since Wat Phra Kaew is located in the Grand Palace complex - one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok - get there early. Located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, the temple is easy to reach via ferry (that costs only 3 THB). There are also tours that hit several of the best things to do in Bangkok, including the best temples in Bangkok. Here, I am going to take you through some of the best ones to visit in Bangkok, and how to see them in just one day as In the midst of all the hustle and bustle in this chaotic city, lies an array of breath-taking temples. Despite its size, the Emerald Buddha has always been shrouded in mystery and legend. Located on a man-made hill in Bangkoks Old City, Wat Saket would require you to put a little effort and climb over 300 (tiny) steps to reach its marvelous golden stupa. English sessions are available daily and last about 3 hours. To catch the ferry, take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksim station. You can also climb to the top of the spire, where youll have dramatic views of the river, Grand Palace, and even Wat Pho.