The Temples in Bangkok You Shouldn't Miss

What makes Bangkok so unique is undoubtedly its collection of Buddhist temples. Set against the backdrop of a more urbanized Thai capital, they stand as legacies of the country's traditions and culture. Not to mention huge symbols of their national identity and solemn places of worship as well. These temples add more character to the capital city, differentiating it from others that have forgotten their own heritages. And, of course, they're beautiful structures worth capturing for social media. With so many temples in this city alone, you'd find it hard to know where to start, right? Well here's a handful you should visit!

 

Wat Pho

For a very large reason, Wat Pho is perhaps the most popular temple in all of Bangkok! What's that 'large reason,' you ask? Oh, just a 46-meter long reclining Buddha. Glimmering with its gold finish and peacefully relaxing inside a solemn temple, this particular Buddha is arguably the most famous in all of Thailand, not just Bangkok. It sees countless visitors every day, mystified by its sheer size and impactful appearance. Its majesty cannot be accurately seen in a digital image. You really have to see it in person to truly understand its magnificence. And don't forget to say a little prayer to him while you're there! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Wat Phra Kaew

The name of the temple itself isn't as popular because it's located in the ground of another famous Bangkok site, the Grand Palace. In fact, Wat Phra Kew is often mistaken as the Grand Palace, home of the country's monarch. But it's not. The gilded temples with its shimmering colors and astonishing architecture is actually this temple. and in it is one of thailand's most treasured artifacts: the Emerald Buddha.  The stuff of legend, it was believed to have been unearthed in Northern Thailand and came to live in Wat Phra Kew when King Rama I founded the Siam Kingdom. How's that for a little history! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit

While most other temples on this list are well-known tourist spots, the Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit is actually a solemn place of worship. Not to mention one of the oldest in the city. It's also partly a Buddhist university, where visitors can learn the principles of Vipassana meditation according to Theravada Buddhism. Here, you're encourage to visit in silence. Explore and see its beauty if you wish, but respect thoe who actually go here for meditation. You might even benefit from learning a bit yourself, getting to know more of this mysterious faith that's a huge part of Thailand's culture and history. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Wat Ratchanatdaram

Wat Ratchanatdaram remains distinct from the other Buddhist temples in Bangkok because of its architecture. While most follow the Siamese design, this one is from Sri Lankan aesthetic. A mixture of white and bronze, it's diffrent from the gilded sites that other temples exhibit. And its Iron Monastery, its most famous part, is truly a sight to behold. A symmetric architectural design made up of 37 bronze spires—meant to signal 37 paths to enlightenment—its overall shape looks almost pyramid-like. or an army of towers in military formation. It looks far from the rounder and curvier silhouettes of other temples but just as breathtaking nonetheless! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Wat Suthat

A swing in a temple? That must be Wat Suthat. Arguably the most aesthetically overwhelming temple on this list, it's popular for two reasons. The first are the temple's walls, covered in frescoes depicting Buddha's 24 incarnations. You could even consider it as the Buddhist Southeast Asian equivalence of the Roman Catholic churches in The Vatican. With each painting quite a sight to behold, each part of the temple is a sight to behold. Secondly, there's the giant swing. It was mostly used by young men during the 18th century for the Brahmin thanksgiving ceremony, it now stands as a relic of that past.  

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Wat Traimit

Wat Pho has the 'Reclining Buddha,' Wat Phra Kaew has the 'Emerald Buddha,' so what does Wat Traimit have? A shimmering solid gold Buddha that weighs a mindblowing six tonnes. Of course, no one exactly carries it fro its altar to see if the weight is accurate, but the sheer size of this diety alone can attest to it. And that golden glimmer? Simply mezmerizing! When you lock eyes with Him, you'll really feel like you're in the presence of such majesty. Located in Chinatown, one of the louder of Bangkok's districts, Wat Traimit often serves as a silent refuge for those of the Buddhist faith in this area.  

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

If you really want to soak up the culture and history of Thailand while you're in Bangkok, a visit to the city's many majestic temples is in order. It's in these places where you can get a good sense of the way of life in this beautiful Southeast Asian country.

Fortunately, a good many Bangkok luxury apartments are located near a few of these temples. You can simply pick one as your accommodation and travel to the temples when you feel like it.