The 5 Best Temples to Visit in Bangkok (My Favorites) 2026

Bangkok is definitely known to be one of the wildest and most chaotic cities in Southeast Asia, famous for its crazy nightlife. However, what I love Bangkok even more for, is its amazing temples and sights.

I’ve seen beautiful, stunning Buddhas and temples all over Thailand, but if you asked me, I’d tell you that Bangkok definitely has the most impressive ones, from huge golden palaces to massive reclining Buddhas.

I’ve been to Bangkok multiple times now, and every single time, I’ve managed to visit new religious sites, temples, and palaces.

Because I really think they are more than worth a visit, I decided to put together this little travel guide with my 5 best temples to visit in Bangkok so you won’t miss out on my favorite ones!

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The 5 Best Temples to Visit in Bangkok (My Favorites) 2026

Temples to Visit in Bangkok – My Experience

I’ve been to Bangkok three times now. The very first time was about 7 years ago when I went solo backpacking for the first time in Thailand, and the other two times have been much more recent. I have to say, the city has changed a lot, but the temples in Bangkok are still as iconic as ever.

There are three main sights I like to visit most times I’m in Bangkok: The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho (The Reclining Buddha).

All three are in the old part of Bangkok and within walking distance of each other. I usually take a morning to wander around and visit all of them before it gets too hot! These three are always on my list, and I highly recommend you visit them at least once when you’re there.

Other than those three, there is a huge amount of other temples to see. I want to be totally honest here: I often feel like I’ve had “temple burnout” after visiting those big three. Since I usually head to Chiang Mai or Phuket after Bangkok, I know I’ll see even more temples there, and I don’t want to overdo it right at the start of the trip!

That’s just my personal take, though. If you are someone who is super into temples and wants to see more, there are a couple of other cool ones I’ve been to: The Golden Mount and Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen.

They were both a little further out, and while I thought they were fascinating, they definitely aren’t as iconic or impressive as the first three. That’s just my opinion and experience, though. I’m sure some people would disagree, so I always recommend making your own experience!

My 5 Favorite Temples in Bangkok

Reminder: One thing I want to remind you of, make sure to dress appropriately when visiting temples in Bangkok! I’ve been in so many situations where I was either denied entrance or had to rent a sarong because I didn’t bring mine.

Now, I always make sure to either wear something that covers my knees and shoulders or carry a sarong on me. This goes more for the women, men are usually fine with a t-shirt and shorts, but definitely no singlets!

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1. The Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

My absolute favorite temple in all of Bangkok is for sure Wat Pho, better known as the Reclining Buddha. I’ve been here twice now; it’s super popular, but honestly, it’s worth visiting every time I’m in the city.

The entrance fee to Wat Pho cost me 300 Baht (which is less than $10). I think that’s a fair price, especially since all the major sights in Bangkok can be a bit pricey, but for Wat Pho, it was totally worth it.

What I usually do is walk the grounds of the temple first. Wat Pho is much more than just the Reclining Buddha, so I like to explore all the other buildings and smaller Buddhas on the property first. Afterward, I head to the main attraction. You have to take your shoes off to enter, so I highly recommend wearing flip-flops or sandals to make it easy!

It’s crazy how impressive and huge the Reclining Buddha is.

Oh, and by the way, this is a total pickpocketing hotspot! I always make sure to carry my purse on my front while I’m wandering around.

2. Wat Arun

My second favorite temple in Bangkok is definitely Wat Arun, which is that huge pyramid-looking temple across the river from Old Bangkok.

I usually head there right after Wat Pho because it’s so convenient, you just walk 5 minutes from Wat Pho to the river, find the ferry terminal, and catch a boat across for like 20 Baht.

Wat Arun definitely took me less time to walk through than Wat Pho did, mostly because there’s a bit less to it.

I stayed for about 45 minutes to an hour, but keep in mind I spent a huge chunk of that time taking pictures! You could definitely be done quicker if you aren’t obsessed with getting the perfect shot. Same rules apply here: dress appropriately, and the entrance is a bit cheaper at only 200 Baht.

3. The Grand Palace

I know, I know, the Grand Palace technically isn’t a temple, but I still wanted to put it on this list because when I think of temple-like places to visit in Bangkok, the Grand Palace always comes to mind.

The Grand Palace is probably the number one most popular sight in the city, and honestly, I’ve only actually been here once. The entrance fee is quite a bit more expensive at 500 Baht, which is probably what stopped me from going back in the past.

That being said, it is probably the most beautiful of all the sights, with stunning gold arches, Buddhas, and just incredible architecture. It’s not my personal favorite (I’m a Wat Pho girl!), but I definitely think it’s a must-visit at least once when you’re in Bangkok.

4. The Golden Mount

The Golden Mount is another fairly popular temple in Old Bangkok, and it’s actually not too far from the “Big Three.”

I think it gets a little less attention because it’s not right on the main riverfront, but I finally visited for the first time on my most recent trip and I actually loved it!

The temple is built on an artificial hill, and at the very top sits a massive golden Chedi (which is a Thai stupa). To get there, I had to climb about 300 steps that spiral up the hill, but don’t worry, it’s a pretty easy walk with lots of bells to ring and misting fans to keep you cool.

I came here for sunset, and since it’s located higher up than the surrounding buildings, it has amazing views over the rooftops of Bangkok. It’s a super peaceful spot to watch the city transition from day to night.

5. Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen

Lastly on my list is Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen. I wouldn’t go as far as calling it a “hidden gem” anymore, but from my experience, it is way less touristy than the others because it’s a little further out in the Phasi Charoen district. I actually had this one recommended by my food tour guide, who said it was a really nice, peaceful place to escape the masses and he was totally right.

I went there early one morning and I was basically the only person there. The complex is huge, but the highlight is definitely the giant golden Buddha (it’s actually pure bronze, but it glows like gold!). It stands 69 meters tall, which is about the size of a 20-story building and it’s genuinely one of the most impressive things I’ve seen in Thailand.

Inside the white stupa next to it, there’s also a “psychedelic” emerald-green glass pagoda on the top floor with a stunning painted ceiling that looks like a cosmic map. I’m honestly confused that this place isn’t more popular with tourists yet, but that was great for me! Plus, the entrance was free, which is a nice bonus.

FAQs About What Temples to See in Bangkok Thailand

What is the best temple in Bangkok?

I personally love Wat Pho the most! That’s the temple with the huge Reclining Buddha. I just think the Buddha itself is so unique, and the rest of the temple grounds are some of the most beautiful in the city.

Is Bangkok worth visiting?

Absolutely. I know some people hate the madness of Bangkok, but I absolutely love it. Between the nightlife, the temples, the culture, and the food, and yes, even the chaos, it’s just such an iconic city.

What are the top 3 temples in Bangkok?

The top three temples to visit, in my opinion, are Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace. They’re all located fairly close to each other and are within walking distance, so it’s super easy to visit them back-to-back in one morning.

Is Bangkok expensive to visit?

All in all, I’d say no. Bangkok is definitely one of the cheaper cities to visit, but I have noticed that over the last few years, hotels have definitely gotten more expensive. Luckily, the food and activities are still pretty cheap!

Final Thoughts on The Best Temples in Bangkok

I love visiting all types of Thai temples, and I’ve been to so many across the country, from Koh Samui and Phuket to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. But I have to say, the temples in Bangkok are just the best.

If you’re visiting Bangkok for the first time, I would 100% make sure to include the “Big Three” in your itinerary: Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace. They’re absolute must-sees. After those three, you can pretty much do whatever, for me personally, those are usually enough before I’m officially “templed out!”

I hope this little guide gave you a decent idea of my favorite spots so you can plan your next trip.