Temples in Bangkok
- 01
Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn, whose central prang is decorated with porcelain, stands on the west bank of the Chao Phraya opposite Wat Pho. Its steep tower steps are the challenge; the riverside view is the reward.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Late afternoon for the light, November to February
- Tickets
- There is an entry fee for the grounds; check the current price and opening hours on the official channels before you go. Dress to cover shoulders and knees. Part of the complex has been closed for restoration in the past, so check what is open.
- 02
Wat Pho
Home of the 46-metre Reclining Buddha and Bangkok's oldest traditional massage school, a short walk south of the Grand Palace. It is shadier and calmer than the palace next door.
- Time needed
- About 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon, November to February
- Tickets
- Check the current entry fee and hours on the official site, as they change. Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering the halls. Carry a small bag for your shoes.
- 03
Wat Saket (Golden Mount)
A temple on an artificial hill, crowned with a golden chedi and reached by a spiral stair. The climb is steady, and the view over the old city is the reward.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Late afternoon for the light and the heat
- Tickets
- Check the current entry fee for climbing the Golden Mount and the opening hours before you go. Cover shoulders and knees, and be respectful in the shrines.
- 04
Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)
A temple at the edge of Chinatown that houses a solid gold Buddha image once hidden under plaster. A heritage centre in the same building explains the history of Bangkok's Chinatown.
- Time needed
- About 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, before Yaowarat gets busy
- Tickets
- Check the current entry fee and hours for the Golden Buddha and the Chinatown heritage centre on arrival. Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before the image hall.
Places of worship in Bangkok
- 05
Erawan Shrine
A busy open-air shrine to Phra Phrom, the Thai form of Brahma, at the Ratchaprasong crossing. Devotees leave flowers, and dance troupes perform in thanks for answered prayers.
- Time needed
- About 20 to 30 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or early evening
- Tickets
- Entry is free. Incense and candles have been banned since March 2020, so bring flowers or buy them from the stalls. Cover shoulders and knees as a courtesy, and do not photograph worshippers closely.
- 06
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
A South Indian Hindu temple on Silom Road built in 1879 by a Tamil immigrant, with a carved gopuram and shrines to Mariamman, Ganesh and Murugan. It is familiar territory for Indian visitors.
- Time needed
- About 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or midday session
- Tickets
- Entry is free. Remove shoes, cover shoulders and knees, and check the current opening hours and any festival closures. Flower garlands are sold on Pan Road.
Experiences in Bangkok
- 07
Chao Phraya River Boats
The Chao Phraya Express Boat is a cheap, scenic way to reach the old city and Wat Arun. Piers are linked by coloured-flag lines, and it avoids the worst traffic.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon, avoiding rush hour
- Tickets
- Fares range from about THB 10 for a local short trip to THB 32 for the longest green-yellow route per Wikipedia; check current fares at the pier. Service runs 6 am to 9:30 pm on weekdays, with shorter hours at weekends.
Palaces in Bangkok
- 08
Grand Palace
The former royal residence on the Chao Phraya, begun in 1782, with golden spires, throne halls and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside its walls. It is Bangkok's most important sight and its most crowded.
- Time needed
- About 2 to 3 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Opening time (8:30 am) on a weekday, November to February
- Tickets
- The official site gave the opening hours as 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with tickets sold until 3:30 pm, and a ticket price of 500 baht including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, when we checked. Dress rules are strict, so cover shoulders and knees, and check the official site for closures for royal ceremonies.
Museums in Bangkok
- 09
Jim Thompson House
A compound of traditional teak houses, gathered by an American silk entrepreneur and collector, now a museum of Southeast Asian art. It is quiet, shaded and close to Siam.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, any time of year
- Tickets
- Entry is by ticket, and visitors usually join a guided tour in English. Check current prices, tour times and photography rules on the official site before you go, since interiors often restrict photography.
Gardens and parks in Bangkok
- 10
Lumphini Park
A 57-hectare park in central Bangkok with a lake, shaded paths and resident water monitor lizards. It is the easiest place in the city to cool off, walk gently or watch locals exercise.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon, November to February
- Tickets
- Entry is free. The park is open daily from 4:30 am to 9:00 pm. Cycling is allowed only at set hours, dogs are not allowed, and smoking is banned.
Neighbourhoods in Bangkok
- 11
Yaowarat Chinatown
Bangkok's Chinatown runs along Yaowarat Road, known for its many gold shops, Chinese shrines and a night food scene. It is crowded, loud and best seen after dusk.
- Time needed
- About 2 to 3 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Evening, from around sunset
- Tickets
- There is no entry fee. Take the MRT to Wat Mangkon station and walk. Keep to well-lit streets, watch your bag, and agree taxi fares or use the meter.
