The Most Beautiful Temples in Bangkok: Which to Visit and in What Order

Bangkok has hundreds of temples (wat), and it is impossible to see them all. This guide picks about fifteen, ranked by interest and by district, with prices noted in October 2026 for the main ones, and a suggested order so you don't wear yourself out. The three big ones on Rattanakosin Island fit into one day; the others slot into a neighbourhood walk. In every case, cover your shoulders and knees and take your shoes off inside the halls: see our guide to what to wear in temples.

The Big Three to See First

Wat Arun at sunset

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: the temple of the Emerald Buddha, inside the palace grounds. THB 500 ticket for foreigners, which also includes the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
Wat Pho: the 46-metre Reclining Buddha and the Thai massage school. THB 300 entry.
Wat Arun: the Temple of Dawn, facing the river, with its porcelain-decorated tower. THB 200 entry; the ferry from Tha Tien costs only a few baht.

Together they fit into one day, from the Grand Palace (at opening time, to avoid the tour groups) to Wat Pho, then Wat Arun for sunset.

Cheaper or Free Temples

Temple	Why go	Entry (foreigners)
Wat Saket and the Golden Mount	Panoramic view, 344 steps	Courtyard free; climb THB 100
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing	Royal temple, murals	THB 100
Wat Traimit	Solid gold Buddha	THB 40
Wat Benchamabophit	Carrara marble, 52 Buddhas	THB 100
Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat)	37 metal spires	About THB 20
Wat Intharawihan	32-metre standing Buddha	Free

Prices noted in October 2026; some temples do not publish their prices, which are then posted on site.

Lesser-Known Temples Worth the Detour

Wat Bowonniwet, in Banglamphu: the royal temple of the Dhammayut order, where the future King Mongkut (Rama IV) was abbot and where Kings Bhumibol (Rama IX) and Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) were ordained as monks.
Wat Ratchabophit: a temple decorated with ceramics, a short walk from the old city.
Wat Kalayanamit, in Thonburi: a large seated Buddha on the riverbank, often uncrowded.
Wat Paknam: a Thonburi temple known for its large Buddha and its glass stupa.
Wat Pariwat: an offbeat temple, known for a statue that evokes a famous footballer.

For each of these, the page gives the hours and prices checked at the time of writing.

What Order for 1, 2 or 3 Days

1 day: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun (see our Bangkok in one day itinerary).
2 days: add Wat Saket, Wat Suthat and Wat Traimit in Chinatown (see Bangkok in 2 days).
3 days: add Dusit (Wat Benchamabophit) and a Thonburi temple; see our guide to Dusit and Bangkok in 3 days.

Practical Tips

Go early (right at opening, around 8am): the midday sun makes the forecourts scorching and queues grow.
Don't let a stranger guide you who says a temple is "closed today": it is a classic scam, explained in our guide to scams to avoid in Bangkok.
Never turn your back on a Buddha statue for a selfie, don't point your feet towards it and don't touch anyone's head: see our guide to etiquette in Thailand.
On Buddhist holy days and during royal ceremonies, some temples close or restrict access.

Going Further

For Chinese and Hindu temples and churches, read our guide to the places of worship of Bangkok. To choose a neighbourhood to stay near the temples, see where to stay in Bangkok.