The city of cities in Thailand, Bangkok is a place with a history that’s woven into its fabric, culture seeping out of every corner, and cultural delights begging to be discovered. A brilliant example of this is the various temples that dot the cityscape, excellent remnants and showcases of Thai history and culture. Many temples cross the list of avid travellers as part of their recommendations for attractions and excursions, and for good reason as they are not only beautiful but plenty in number and vary in significance.
Wat Saket
With construction beginning in the hazy yesterdays of the 17th Century, the temple of Wat Saket holds a fascinating tale. Built on the ruins of a massive burial site, the walls of the inner part of the palace are lined with depictions of Buddhist purgatories and punishments, showing a glimpse into the faiths of the time. Admissions to the temple itself are free, although access to the entirety of the site is a small consideration.
Wat Phra Kaew – Grand Palace
Also known by the name “The Temple of the Emerald Buddha”, the complex of Wat Phra Kaew is one of the largest tourist destinations in the entirety of Thailand, set within a 95-hectare area that requires a large time investment to see everything. Drop by the massive carved Emerald Buddha of the namesake and discover for yourself the beauty within the palace.
Wat Pho
Part of one of the oldest temple complexes in the city, Wat Pho – or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, dates back 250 years. It’s also a short walk from the Grand Palace and features another large Buddha that reclines 46 meters long. Its central location makes it a reasonable distance from any hotel in Sukhumvit, aside from its unique structures such as its 108 bowls and 108 murals that make up the temple in total.
Wat Arun – The Temple of the Dawn
With a side reputation as one of the most photographable sites in Thailand, the stark natural and man-made beauty of this temple stick out like a sore thumb against the backdrop of the city lake. Its stunning glass spires are but a lead-in to the rest of Wat Arun, as the shining-coloured glass and immaculately detailed Chinese porcelain belie an architectural style not found since. This is one of the best places in town to catch the sunrise and sunset, and it’s within reach of many luxury properties, such as the Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18, close and convenient enough to stay at during your Thailand trip.
