If you have time to fit more temples into your travel itinerary, here are a few more temples worth visiting. Top 5 Must-visit Temples in Bangkok once in a Lifetime! Or, do what I did: take one of the canal tours by longtail boat. Unlike the other temples and shrines in this article which are all Buddhist, the Erawan Shrine is a Hindu Shrine. Some have dozens! Don't point at a monk or Buddha statue, either with fingers, feet, or something in your hands. Wat Mahathat 2.2. If you feel that you're approaching wat burnout, try mixing it up. The temples in Bangkok are some of the best in the nation. Temple | TourismThailand, 31 Aug 2021 Print Share to Keep This Overview Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple of Dawn) Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan (Wat Pho) Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan (Phu Khao Thong) Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram Worawihan The PERFECT 3 Days in Bangkok Itinerary (2023 Guide) - NOMADasaurus We also took a canal tour on a longtail boat; some of the canal tours can take you to temples that are a little farther out from the city center. Here you'll find my fast, easy, and delicious recipes, wine pairings, and travel guides. You cant go to the City of Angles and not visit a temple. No trip to Thailand is complete without visiting a handful of temples. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Climb up the steep steps and look out over the river across to the temples you just visited. Especially in terms of how much of your arms and legs can show. As a visitor, you will find each temple different from the next. If you see large, decorative stones in a square around a prayer hall, that probably isn't the place for you to enter. Some travelers scurry out quickly rather than risk some grave faux pas in a sacred space. Thai etiquette states that one should never point the soles of your feet at other people, and this statue is one of a very few exceptions to that rule. The ride takes about 25 minutes. Updated: June 12, 2023 During your visit, you should also stop by the Ordination Hall, which sits at the foot of the central prang. Wat Benjamabhopit This will likely be more conservative and modest compared to what you might normally wear in the city or at the beach. Some temples are stricter than others, but it's safe to wear long pants or dresses that cover the knees, and shirts that cover the shoulders. Wat Suthat was once one of the most important temples in Bangkok, and it remains one of the most beautiful temples in the city. 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. Ayutthaya Temples, Thailand - One of the Best Places to See around You can also climb to the top of the spire, where youll have dramatic views of the river, Grand Palace, and even Wat Pho. Visiting temples is a great way to fall in love with Bangkok. According to the legend, the Emerald Buddha originated in India, and its prophesied that it brings prosperity and pre-eminence to each country in which it resides. One of the most renowned temples in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located within the Grand Palace complex. While sitting, avoid pointing your feet at the image of Buddha or other people. All rights reserved. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) 1.4. After a few fatalities, the ceremony was discontinued in 1935. 25 Temples in Bangkok (2023) The primary area for monks, that contains a Buddha statue, is known as a bot. Thanks mate, the perfect introduction to life in Thailand! There are over 400 temples in Bangkok alone. This might explain why Thailand has so many amazing temples or wats! Built in 1970, the temple is the best-known and the fastest-growing temple of theDhammakaya Movement. Because Wat Hua Lemhong is all about making merit. If youre planning to visit a temple in Bangkok, youll need to adhere to a certain dress code. From Bangkok to Pattaya by Minivan Wat Yansangwararam Temple near Pattaya. 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. a building devoted to the worship, or regarded as the dwelling place, of a god or gods or other objects of religious reverence.. In the heat of the day, youll find them basking in the sun at one of the two ponds located on the temple grounds. The highlight of the temple is in the center The Dhammakaya Cetiya. With such rich history in Thai culture and religious significance, you could spend an entire week visiting all of Bangkok's temples. Inside the impressive hall, youll find a 25-foot tall Buddha sculpture, which is believed to be from the 13th century. Guide to Visiting Temples in Bangkok - Becky Exploring It was built in 1424 by two brothers, Chaiyasittha and Yodharat. Skip to content Menu Thailand Bangkok Chiang Mai Koh Lanta Koh Phangan Koh Phi Phi Koh Samui Koh Tao Krabi Pattaya Phuket Vietnam Da Nang Dalat It may be hard to spot if you arent looking for it: its discreet appearance is tucked away behind a tree-lined courtyard. Unlike the other Buddhist temples, Wat Phra Dhammakayas buildings lack almost any ornaments. But if you're already at the Golden Mount Temple, just walk east across the canal to reach this one. We recommend visiting the temple between 6 and 7 in the morning when youll see monks lining up to receive alms and donations. It won't stick around for long! . Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) 3. Talk quietly. Thanks for stopping by! That way, youll escape some of the tourist hordes, and also enjoy cool weather (as much as possible in Bangkok). There is a shop you can get the needed clothing (elephant pants/vests), but the prices are double the ones outside. And despite the fact that you'll probably see many tourists not following these guidelines, do you really want to be thatperson? English sessions are available daily and last about 3 hours. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Although the crocodiles are the main attraction, there are also some other prominent sites to see during your visit. I later found out that the sentiment was due to the Buddha resting, because of illness during his final days, which tbh, actually puts a little downer on things? Price: Royal Grand Palace: Free / Wat Phra Kaew: 500thb, Location: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200. The biggest attraction is the crocodiles. This compound is full of stupas, royal halls and throne rooms, and even a model of Angkor Wat! The harbors some of Bangkok's most popular wats (temples), shrines, and other crowd favorites including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Mahathat, City Pillar Shrine, the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). The 21 Best Temples in Bangkok (2023) - Global Castaway One shirt even shows Buddha smoking a blunt. Sign up now to receive a free 20-page Budget Travel Ebook and a Pre-Travel Checklist! Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. Ones who aren't too shy may ask to practice English with you. See my impossible bucket list of 1700+ adventures. 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. Photography tip: You are not allowed to take any photos of the Emerald Buddha or any other photos inside the temple. Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed. Dont forget your insurance! 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. If you're new to the city, visiting a few of Bangkok's ~400 temples is the best way to dive into your trip. Many Theravada monks do not eat after noon. 1. Which coverage includes medical, trip interruption, lost luggage, and more. All temples and images of Buddha are considered sacred. Wat Pho2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha RatchawangPhra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, ThailandEntrance fee: 200 baht (just over $2 USD)Open daily from 8 am to 6.30 pm. To many Buddhists, Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the most sacred temple in Thailand. One of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho is surrounded by four impressive chedis (pagodas) that were designed in dedication to the four Chakri kings. Here are our top 5 tours in Bangkok. Its considered to be the earliest documented site for public education in Thailand and serves as a school of traditional Thai medicine. However, make sure you time it right so you can catch the perfect sunset at the end of either option. Trying to see too many temples in one week is a sure way to become burned out! Since many cultural and religious norms are similar in Laos and Thailand, these tips can be used in both countries. Wat Arun34 Arun Amarin Road,WatArunBangkokYai, Bangkok, ThailandEntrance fee:100 THB (2.90 USD)Open daily from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok: the Complete Guide - TripSavvy There are plenty of other exciting aspects inside Wat Pho. Bangkok National Museum. We recommend 3 days in Bangkok asthe right amount of time. Going in with preconceived expectations could cause you to leave disappointed. It's easy to get there on the SkyTrain (Chit Lom station). Its located in the heart of Bangkok, not far from the infamous Khaosan Road. I hope things get back to normal so you can visit soon! 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. Eat at the Jim Thompson restaurant. Wat Pho is located about a 10-minute walk from the Grand Palace complex. Its vast urban sprawl - home to 22% of the Thai population - is studded with gleaming golden wat (Buddhist monasteries), towering skyscrapers, teeming markets, multi-lane highways, and clusters of village-style houses that show just how far Bangkok has come over the last 50 years. Since all of them are popular tourist attractions, you better get there early in the morning. One of the best activities during your visit is climbing the central spire of Wat Arun. Try to sit with your feet beneath of you to show proper respect. The Old City district in Bangkok is home to a glittering array of temples, palaces and ancient architecture, representing the cultural and historical center of the city. Wat Hua Lamhong is located in the Lumpini district, just meters away from the Sam Yan MRT station. Located right next to the Grand Temple, Wat Ratchabophit is a gorgeous 19th-century Buddhist temple with an Italian interior. Even attempting to visit all of the top temples in Bangkok is a big endeavor. Looking for other amazing Southeast Asian destinations? Unless you're a Buddhist, and putting on a few beaded bracelets as you travel through Southeast Asia doesn't count, the whole scene can be a bit confusing. This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. Wander through the courtyards of colorful stupas and appreciate the lovely murals. Others, such as the White Temple in Chiang Rai, have Batman and Kung Fu Panda painted on the walls. For many Thais, these religious sites are woven into the fabric of everyday life - places to pray for hope, good fortune and forgiveness. When greeting or thanking a monk for his time, give them a higher wai, Thailand's famous prayer-like gesture with slight bow and don't maintain eye contact. With striking marble pillars, bright red roofs, and shimmering gold rooms, the Wat Benchamabhopit is a jaw-dropping sight to behold. Wat Phra Kaew is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Try to back away from the Buddha statue a short distance before turning your back. A visit here would not be complete without visiting at least a couple of them. Price:FreeOpen:8:00 AM until 6:00 PMSee in Google Maps, See Also: The Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide. Three times a year, the Thai king changes the Buddha's costume according to the new season. All have clothing requirements, although some have a strict dress code compared to others. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Bangkok's temples are a unique part of the capital's heart and soul. The famous Erawan Shrine in Bangkok is literally in the middle of a busy sidewalk at the corner of a huge mall. You can ask questions about Buddhism or what it's like to live in a temple. Must-Visit Temples of Bangkok for First-timer's Itinerary Wat Arun (also known as Wat Chaeng or Temple of Dawn) is a unique-looking Bangkok temple that stands out from the crowd. Visiting Bangkok's 3 most popular temples is a good activity for one of the days of your visit. Some Thai temples, particularly in Chiang Mai, have scheduled "Monk Chat" times when tourists are allowed to meet with English-speaking monks for free. Surrounding the exterior of the ordination hall are 52 Buddha statues, each one sitting in a different position. Many people also believe that the temple was the original birthplace of Thai massage. Since then, the temple has taken in several different crocodiles as a way to honor the tradition. Wat Arun is one of the most beautiful and photogenic temples in Bangkok.