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Temples

Bangkok Temples and Wats

14 Must See Temples in Bangkok

    Bangkok is blessed with more than 400 temples. locally known as ‘Wats’ and many of them are immense, superbly crafted and should absolutely be part of your visit to Thailand.

    Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan

    Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan

      Wat Kanlayanamit is a magnificent temple in the Thonburi side of Chao Phraya River. It was constructed in 1825 during the reign of King Rama III on the bank of the Chao Phraya River.

      Wat Benjamabophit

      Wat Benjamabophit

        Wat Benjamabophit (Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram), also known as the Marble Temple, is a magnificent temple located in the Dusit district of Bangkok. It is one of the most beautiful and iconic temples in the city, renowned for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

        Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit Temple

        Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit

          Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit doesn’t always show up on first-timers’ lists, but it’s one of the oldest and most significant temples in Bangkok. You’ll find it tucked between the Grand Palace and what used to be the Front Palace — not far from Sanam Luang.

          Wat Mongkhon Wararam (Wat Nai Yang)

          Wat Mongkhon Wararam (Wat Nai Yang)

            The Mongkhon Wararam Temple (Wat Nai Yang) is located in Nai Yang Village, just 500 metres from the superb beach of Nai Yang, and just next to the Proud Hotel.

            Wat Charoen Samanakij in Phuket Town

            Wat Charoen Samanakij – วัดเจริญสมณกิจ

              Wat Charoen Samanakij, also known as Wat Lang San, is a beautiful and serene temple nestled on the slopes of Toh Sae Hill in Phuket Town, behind the old Phuket Prison which has since moved to the north of the island. It is a relatively new temple, having been built in 2012, but it has quickly become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

              Tha Rua Shrine

              Tha Rua Shrine ⛩️

                Tha Rua Shrine is one of the oldest Chinese shrines in Phuket, found in Thalang District on Thepkasattri Road about 800m south of the Heroines’ Monument. It’s an important site during the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival, when thousands of devotees come to hold ceremonies and eat vegetarian food during the event’s nine days.

                saphan hin shrine

                Kio Thian Keng Saphan Hin Shrine ⛩️

                  Kio Thian Keng Shrine is a colourful Chinese shrine that is set on the seashore inside Saphan Hin public park in Phuket Town. It’s a place of worship for the local Chinese-Thai community, and it plays an important role as the site of the final farewell to the gods during the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival.

                  Kathu Shrine

                  Kathu Shrine – Lai Thu Tao Bo Keng Shrine in Kathu ⛩️

                    Lai Thu Tao Bo Keng is one of the oldest Chinese shrines in Phuket, and many believe it was the birthplace of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival nearly two centuries ago. The shrine is located in the subdistrict of Kathu in the island’s interior, between Phuket Town and Patong Beach.

                    Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine in Phuket Town

                    Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine (Sam Kong Shrine) ⛩️

                      Lim Hu Tai Su is a Chinese Taoist shrine on the north side of Phuket Town, also known as Sam Kong Shrine, for the neighbourhood in which it’s found. Though not as well known by visitors as larger Chinese shrines like Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket’s Old Town area, Sam Kong Shrine is a revered place of worship for the local community. It’s become a key part of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival when it hosts several ceremonies and a procession during the annual 9-day event.

                      Loha Prasat Temple in Bangkok

                      Loha Prasat Temple in Bangkok

                        Loha Prasat, or Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, is a superb temple in the old city of Bangkok, easily identified by its 37 golden spires. In the recent past, Loha Prasat was known as the Iron Temple or the Metal Castle because the 37 iron spires were originally bare and black.

                        Wat Saket Bangkok

                        Wat Saket Bangkok

                          Wat Saket Bangkok, more officially Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan, is a Buddhist temple in Rattanakosin, not far from the famous Khao San Road. The famous Golden Mount is easily visible from a distance.

                          Wat Pho Bangkok

                          Wat Pho – Temple of the reclining Buddha

                            Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha or Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, is such an iconic landmark of Bangkok that it is on everyone’s list of places to visit, even on a short trip.

                            Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn in Bangkok

                            Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn

                              Wat Arun, also known as the temple of Dawn, is a significant landmark of Bangkok, built before 1656. It’s much more modest than Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace or Wat Pho and the Giant Reclining Buddha, but its iconic shape is better known in many ways.

                              Bangkok Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

                              The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

                                The Grand Palace of Bangkok and Wat Phra Kaew are the most famous landmarks in Bangkok, and they are often seen in many movies, a marvel of delicate and intricate craftwork, architecture, carving and painting.

                                Wat Kathu in Phuket

                                Wat Kathu (Wat Nai Tu) – วัดกะทู้

                                  Wat Kathu, or Kathu temple, is a not very well-known landmark among tourists, but local photographers know how beautiful it is. This Buddhist temple is on the way to Phuket Town and not far from Patong, but because it stands away from the main road, most people don’t even consider visiting it.

                                  Jui Tui Shrine

                                  Jui Tui Shrine (Kew Ong) ⛩️

                                    Jui Tui Shrine (Kew Ong) is one of the oldest and most important on Phuket Island. It plays a significant role during the famous Phuket Vegetarian Festival, usually held in October and November. The festival dates use the Lunar Calendar, and the festival’s exact dates change every year.