Bangkok Travel Guide

Bangkok Temples

A guide to Bangkok's great temples, from the Emerald Buddha to the Golden Mount: what makes each special, how to plan a temple day, the dress codes, temple etiquette, monk etiquette and the scams around them.

Bangkok has hundreds of temples, from the gilded royal complex of the Grand Palace to small neighbourhood wats where monks chant at dawn. They are the heart of Thai culture and some of the most beautiful buildings in Asia, and they are living places of worship, not museums. A little knowledge makes the visits far richer and helps you behave in a way that Thais will appreciate. This guide explains which temples to prioritise, how to plan a temple day, and the etiquette that matters.

Understanding a Thai temple. A wat is a complex rather than a single building. The ubosot, or ordination hall, is the most sacred building, used for ceremonies; the viharn is an assembly hall that usually houses the main Buddha image; chedis, bell-shaped or spire-like stupas, contain relics; and prangs, the tall corn-cob towers inspired by Khmer architecture, are a feature of temples such as Wat Arun. Mythical guardians protect the gates, from the giant yaksha demons at Wat Phra Kaew to the Chinese stone figures at Wat Pho. Most temples also house monks, and the grounds are as much a community space as a religious one.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The most important temple in Thailand, home to the Emerald Buddha, the kingdom's most revered image. The complex is dazzling, with gilded chedis, mirrored mosaics, a model of Angkor Wat and the Ramakien murals in the cloisters. It has the strictest dress code in the city and the biggest crowds, so arrive at opening at 8:30am. Note that in late 2026, the royal cremation ceremonies for Queen Sirikit from 15 to 19 December are expected to affect access, including the procession of royal relics to the temple.

Wat Pho. The temple of the forty-six-meter Reclining Buddha and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, with a peaceful maze of courtyards, chedis and galleries of Buddha images. It stays open until 7:30pm, so it is ideal in the late afternoon, and a massage in its pavilions is a classic Bangkok experience.

Wat Arun. The Temple of Dawn, with its porcelain-studded central prang rising over the river. Climb the steep lower terraces for the view, and see it lit up from the opposite bank after dark.

Beyond the big three. Wat Saket, the Golden Mount, sits on an artificial hill in the old town, and a spiral staircase of a few hundred steps leads to a golden chedi with one of the best views over the old city; it is lovely at sunset and during the temple fair held around Loy Krathong. Wat Traimit in Chinatown houses a Golden Buddha made of several tonnes of solid gold, which was hidden under plaster for centuries. Wat Benchamabophit, the Marble Temple, near the Dusit palace area, is built of Italian marble and is an elegant blend of Thai and European design. Wat Suthat, with its giant red swing outside, has some of the finest murals in Bangkok. And for the history behind it all, a day trip to Ayutthaya shows the ruined temples of the old capital that Bangkok's founders set out to recreate.

Planning a temple day. The old town temples are close together, and the best way to link them is on foot and by river boat. Start at the Grand Palace at opening, walk to Wat Pho, have lunch near Tha Tien, rest during the heat of the afternoon, then cross to Wat Arun in the late afternoon. On another day, combine the Golden Mount, Wat Suthat and the old shops of Banglamphu. Avoid trying to see too many temples in one day; two or three, with time to sit and take them in, is more rewarding than six in a rush.

How to dress. Temples require modest clothing: shoulders covered, and trousers or skirts that cover the knees. The Grand Palace is the strictest, refusing entry to anyone in sleeveless tops, crop tops, see-through clothing, shorts, mini skirts, tight or torn trousers, cycling pants or sleepwear. Other temples are more relaxed but still expect respectful clothes, and Wat Pho asks visitors not to wear short shorts or skirts above the knee. Sarongs and cover-ups can usually be rented or bought at the entrance. Wear shoes that are easy to take off, as you will remove them many times.

How to behave. Remove your shoes before entering any temple building; leave them by the steps. Inside, dress and act quietly, and sit with your feet tucked behind you or to the side, never pointing at a Buddha image or a monk, as the feet are considered the lowest part of the body. Do not touch Buddha images or climb on statues or structures, and never pose for photos with your head above a Buddha image; at the tree-root Buddha head in Ayutthaya, visitors kneel for pictures. Photography is not allowed in some halls, including the hall of the Emerald Buddha, so look for signs. Speak softly and avoid public displays of affection.

Monk etiquette. Monks are highly respected. Women should not touch a monk or hand him anything directly; place an item on a cloth or table for him to take, or hand it via a man. On public transport, seats are often reserved for monks. If you want to talk to a monk, some temples run monk chat sessions where young monks practise English and answer questions about Buddhism.

Making merit. You will see Thais lighting incense, offering flowers and candles, and pressing small squares of gold leaf onto Buddha images. Visitors are welcome to join in respectfully, and many temples sell offering sets. At Wat Pho, buying a bowl of coins to drop into the 108 bronze bowls behind the Reclining Buddha is a popular way to make merit and wish for luck. Donations help maintain the temples.

Scams around the temples. The most common Bangkok scam happens outside temples: a stranger tells you that the temple or palace is closed for a ceremony and offers a tuk-tuk tour elsewhere, which ends at a gem or tailor shop. Always check at the official entrance. In late 2026, genuine closures for royal ceremonies are possible, especially around 15 to 19 December, so check the official Grand Palace website rather than relying on anyone on the street.