Bangkok is a city of contrasts, where time-honored traditions meet contemporary urban life. To unveil the city's cultural heritage by visiting its famous temples, each a testament to the artistic and spiritual legacy that defines Thailand's capital!

Before visiting the temples, here are some etiquettes advice for visiting Thai temples :

- You need to dress appropriately. Make sure your shoulders are covered, and if you wear a dress, skirt, or pants, it needs to be below the knee-length one.

- Take off your shoes, hat and sunglasses

- Pay respect to Buddha statues. Respect other's beliefs by not touching the art on the walls, the altar, the Buddha image, or the monk.

- Talk quite because the temple is a religious place for the Buddhists.

- Get permission before taking pictures

1. Wat Phra Kaew

Source : https://smarthistory.org/

The word 'wat' in Thai means 'temple.' Wat Phra Kaew, known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The temple's construction started in 1783, ordered by Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty. Since then, each king has added to and improved the temple to honor the dynasty and gain religious merit. Many important ceremonies, led by the king and attended by officials, are held at the temple each year. This makes it the country's main place of worship and a national shrine. Over the years, each king has given sacred and valuable items to the temple, turning it into a treasure trove.

Opening Hour :  8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Entrance Fee  : 500 Baht

2. Wat Arun

Source : https://facts.net/world/landmarks

Wat Arun in Thai means “Temple of Dawn”. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruṇa, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun.

Of course there is a corelation between the name of the temple and its history. This temple has been around since the time of King Taksin, who ruled in 1768. King Taksin came to the temple at dawn after winning a war against the Burmese Kingdom.

The history of Wat Arun shows the promise made by Thailand's third king, King Rama III. The rightful heir to the throne should be King Rama III's older brother, but King Rama II considered Rama III was more capable. King Rama III promised his brother he would restore Thailand's power after completing his tasks. He kept his promise and, as a symbol, placed the royal crown on top of the temple.

Opening Hour : 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Entrance Fee :  100 Baht

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3. Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan (Loha Prasat)

Source : https://peakd.com/

Meaning Temple of the Royal Niece, the temple was built to the order of King Nangklao (Rama III) for his granddaughter, Princess Somanass Waddhanawathy in 1846. The temple is also popularly known as Loha Prasat which means “the iron palace” in Thai. It has 37 metal tower peaks 36 meters high, the only ones remaining in the world, and symbolizes the 37 virtues of the path to enlightenment in Buddhist belief.

Open daily 08.00AM - 5.00PM

Entrance fee : 20 baht

4. Wat Khaek

Source : https://touristbangkok.com/

Wat Khaek is a Hindu temple with South Indian architecture located on Si Lom Road in Bangkok, Thailand. It was built in 1879 by Vaithi Padayatchi, a Tamil Hindu immigrant. After India became a British colony in 1858, many people from Tamil Nadu chose to leave their country. Some of them came to Bangkok, working as gemstone traders or cattle ranchers. Vaithi Padayatchi, a leader among these immigrants, built this temple about ten years after they arrived. A street in Silom is named after him.

Opening Hours : 06.00AM – 06:00PM

Entrance Fee : 20 Baht

5. Wat Pho

Source : https://www.tripsavvy.com/

Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's oldest temples, existing before Bangkok became the capital under King Rama I. In Thai, Wat Pho means “the Temple of the Reclining Buddha”. It is located right behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This is one of the largest temple complexes in the city. It is famous for its huge reclining Buddha statue that is 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf. Wat Pho is also the top temple among the six first-class royal temples in Thailand.

Opening hours : 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Entrance Fee : 200 Baht

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