Top 10 Must Visit Temples in Bangkok

Since there are more than 90% of residents in Thailand are Buddhist, it is no doubt that there are hundreds of small and big temples can be found in Bangkok. Known as “Wat” in Thai, most of the visitors to Thailand will come and see the top 3 most famous Bangkok Wats – Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho. Some of the temples in Bangkok are small in scale and located at a more secluded area where some are huge located in the touristy areas.

Here are 10 of the must visit temples in Bangkok, a list compiled based on both historical significance and pure aesthetics. Fortunately, many are situated near to the touristy places like the Grand Palace and Khao San Road, perfect for a day trip with mixed excitement.

1.	Wat Arun
	Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn is the most iconic temple in Bangkok situated on the west bank of Chao Phraya River. The unique shape of Wat Arun consists of a central tower and bounded by 4 smaller towers. There is a stair to reach the balcony of the main tower which is quite steep, but the view from the balcony is really magnificent and makes the climb worthwhile. For photographer, the sunset view of Wat Arun is perfect, especially from the opposite of the river.
	How to get there: By boat from Tha Tien Pier.
2.	Wat Phra Kaew
	Located within the same compound in Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most significant temples in Thailand and also the most visited wat in Bangkok. The most iconic feature of Wat Phra Kaew is the Emeral Buddha that is carved into the thick block of jade. The murals that illustrate the traditional life story of the Buddha are also worth to be explored.
	How to get there: Hop off at Saphan Taksin Station from Silom Line, and take Exit 2. Follow by a boat ride with Chao Phraya Express Boat to Ta Chang Pier and the temple is within walking distance.
3.	Wat Pho
	Also located within close proximity with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho features the biggest reclining Buddle statue in Thailand. The statue is measured at 46 meter long and the 108 auspicious signs of the Buddha are one of the must see in Wat Pho.
	How to get there: Hop off at Saphan Taksin Station S6 from Silom line and take Exit 2. Take a boat from Chao Phraya River Express Boat Pier and head to Tien Pier (N.8).
4.	Wat Benchamabophit
	Wat Benchamabhopit, also known as Wat Benja or Marble Temple was founded in 1900 by the King Rama V. The main ordination hall in the temple was designed and built with marbles that are strong in European influences. Having the fact that the wat is located close to many government offices and palaces like Chitralada Palace, it is most often visited by the local authority officers.
	How to get there: By Taxi.
5.	Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit
	Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit or more commonly known as Wat Mahathat is one of the most important royal temples in Bangkok. The temple was founded during the Ayutthaya era and often used for many royal ceremonies. Thanks to the strategic location of the temple (located between Royal Palace and Grand Palace), the area has become one of the must visit destinations in Bangkok.
	How to get there: Take a boat ride with Chao Phraya river express boat and hop off at Tha Chang pier or Tha Prachan Nuea pier. The wat is within walking distance from both piers.
6.	Wat Sraket
	Built on a hilltop within the bustling Bangkok, the construction history of Wat Sraket is rather complicated. Most of the visitors to Wat Sraket are not attracted by the wat itself, but coming for its unique landmark. The Golden Mountain is the main attraction where visitors will be presented with a spectacular view over the Bangkok city.
	How to get there: Hop off at Ratchathewi Station (N1) via Sukhumvit Line. Take Exit 1 and walk towards to Khlong Saen Seab. Catch Long tail boat from pier directly to Phan Fha Pier at Wat Saket.
7.	Wat Traimit
	Wat Traimit is a stylish temple in Bangkok located near to the Chinatown. You should not judge whether to visit this temple or not based on its exterior as you will not realize that there is a multimillion dollar gold Buddha statue sitting within the temple. This gold Buddha statue is claimed to be the largest in the world.
	How to get there: Hop off at Hua Lumpong station and the temple is within walking distance.
8.	Loha Prasat
	Loha Prasat, also known as the Metal Castle, is located on the same ground with Wat Ratchanaddaram. Bangkok temples are in great diversity but Loha Prasat is one those with unique architecture distinctiveness. With Democracy Monument and Wat Saket located within the same region, Loha Prasat is a must visit temple if you are touring around Khao San Road.
	How to get there: By Taxi.
9.	Wat Ratchabophit
	The temple is situated at Fuang Nakhon Road near to the Wat Pho. The temple is a combination of Thai and western, expressing a rising interest in new ideas and a craving to experiment with them. The interior is decorated in the European style but the exterior of the temple is in Thai style.
	How to get there: Take the Chaophraya River Express to the Tha Thien pier, the temple is within walking distance from this point.
10.	Wat Suthat
	Wat Suthat, commonly recognized for its towering red Giant Swing, is one of the oldest royal temples in Bangkok. The unique and impressive hand carved teakwood door panels and numerous eye catchy wall murals are some of the must see in this temple. Wat Suthat is located within the Old City area with Royal Field, Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace at its surrounding, a combining visit to these places would make up an interesting day tour in Bangkok.
	How to get there: Hop off at Saphan Taksin Station via Silom line and take Exit No. 2. Then, take Chao Phraya Express Boat to Ta Chang Pier and catch a taxi or Tuk Tuk to Wat Suthat.