The Grand Palace and Wat Pho draw huge crowds. Yet Bangkok temples are far more than those postcard views. Here are six quieter sacred places, with prices, opening hours and routes so you can visit without stress.
Dusit and Chinatown: marble and gold
Wat Benchamabophit, the Marble Temple
Built from 1899 under King Rama V, Wat Benchamabophit is clad in white Italian marble. This is the temple shown on the back of the 5-baht coin.
In the ordination hall, the main Buddha image holds some of Rama V’s ashes. At the back, a cloister displays 52 Buddha images from different styles and periods. Come early: from 6am, monks receive alms in front of the temple.
Practical: entry between 50 and 100 baht depending on the source (check at the ticket desk, prices noted in 2026), open roughly 8am to 5.30pm. No metro nearby: BTS Phaya Thai, then a short taxi ride.
Wat Traimit, the Golden Buddha
At the edge of Chinatown, Wat Traimit houses a solid gold Buddha weighing 5.5 tonnes and standing about 3 metres high. For centuries it was hidden under a layer of plaster. Only in 1955, while it was being moved, did the plaster break and reveal the gold.
Practical: 100 baht for the Golden Buddha floor, 8am to 5pm (prices noted in 2026). The museums on the lower floors cost extra and are closed on Mondays. Getting there: MRT Hua Lamphong, then a 10 to 15-minute walk.
Old Town: Wat Suthat and Wat Ratchabophit
These two royal temples are a few minutes’ walk apart, near MRT Sam Yot station.
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing
Opposite the entrance stands the Giant Swing, a red teak structure just over 21 metres tall. Inside, the ordination hall is one of the longest in the country. It holds a large 13th-century bronze Buddha brought from Sukhothai, and murals of the Buddha’s previous lives. Entry: 100 baht. Hours vary between sources: aim for 9am to 5pm.
Wat Ratchabophit, the temple with two faces
From the outside, Wat Ratchabophit looks very Thai: a 43-metre golden chedi in a circular courtyard, and walls covered in five-coloured bencharong ceramics. Inside the ordination hall comes the surprise: neo-Gothic decor with pointed arches, like a European chapel. The doors are black lacquer inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
To the west, a small royal cemetery lines up monuments in very different styles. Entry is free and the grounds open roughly from 6am to 6pm.
Thonburi side: Wat Prayoon and Wat Paknam
Wat Prayoon and its turtle hill
At the foot of Memorial Bridge, on the west bank, Wat Prayoon stays very peaceful. You can walk all the way round its great white Ayutthaya-style chedi. A small museum next to it shows amulets and figurines found inside during the restoration, which won a UNESCO award in 2013.
The other treasure is an artificial hill covered in small shrines, set in a pond full of turtles. A stall sells fruit to feed them. Practical: open roughly 7am to 7pm; no ticket reported, but check on site. Chao Phraya Express boat to Memorial Bridge pier (Saphan Phut), then walk across the bridge, or MRT Sanam Chai and a 10-minute walk.
Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, the Big Buddha
Further out, Wat Paknam is worth the trip. A 69-metre seated Buddha towers over the area. Next to it, an 80-metre white stupa has five floors. Go right to the top: an emerald-green glass stupa about 8 metres high stands under a ceiling painted in psychedelic colours. It is one of the most beautiful rooms in Bangkok, and often almost empty in the morning.
Practical: free entry, 8am to 6pm. MRT Bang Phai, then a 10 to 15-minute walk, or BTS Wutthakat and a short taxi ride.
Dress code and etiquette
These temples are active places of worship. The rule is the same for men and women: shoulders and knees covered. No shorts, no short skirts, no vests. A sarong or a light shirt in your bag is often enough.
- Take your shoes off before entering the halls: wear sandals that slip off easily.
- Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk; sit with your legs tucked to the side.
- Women should not touch a monk or hand him anything directly.
- Speak quietly and ask before photographing someone at prayer.
Mr Schaka’s practical tips
- Start early. Before 10am the heat is bearable and the courtyards are almost empty.
- Group by area. Wat Suthat and Wat Ratchabophit in the morning, Wat Prayoon in the afternoon across the river. For routes, see getting around Bangkok by BTS, MRT and boat.
- Carry small change. Tickets are often paid in cash, and a small coin for offerings is always welcome.
- Bring water. Stone courtyards heat up fast, especially in April. Pick your dates with the best time to visit Bangkok.
Frequently asked questions
Which Bangkok temple is best for avoiding crowds?
For the wow factor, Wat Paknam and its green glass stupa. For calm and elegance, Wat Benchamabophit, especially early in the morning.
How much does it cost to visit these temples?
From 0 to 100 baht per temple (prices noted in 2026). Wat Paknam and Wat Ratchabophit are free; Wat Traimit and Wat Suthat cost 100 baht.
Can I visit Bangkok temples in shorts?
No. Shoulders and knees must be covered, for everyone. Some temples lend or rent sarongs, but it is better to come prepared.
To go further
Mr Schaka’s guidebook, Bangkok – The Practical Guide, covers the essentials: transport, neighbourhoods, addresses, food, etiquette and safety, updated for 2026–2027.
