1. Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan
Wat Kanlayanamit is another major royal temple located in Bangkok, on the bank of Chao Phraya River. The temple was established in the King Rama III era. It is believed that praying respect at this temple will grant you a safe journey and good alleys. Wat Kanlayanamit is one of the only two temples in Bangkok where the main Buddha statue enshrined at Phra Ubosot is in the Receiving Offerings from an Elephant and a Monkey (Parileyyaka) pose. Wat Kanlayanamit’s highlight is Luang Pho To (known as Som Po Kong by Chinese people) who believed to bless people with a safe journey. Another highlight of the temple is the largest bell in Thailand. Visitors can ring and make a wish with it.
Open hours: 07.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m.
Address: 371 Soi Arun Amarin, Wat Kanlaya, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wzUSJyPGsKpgmyRM8
2. Wat Hong Rattanaram Ratchaworawihan
Wat Hong Rattanaram is another temple located in the old royal palace area (Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang Sub-district). Wat Hong’s name originates from an affluent Chinese merchant named “Mister Hong” who established the temple in Ayutthaya era. Hong means swans so you can see many beautiful and intricate swan statues around the temple. The temple’s must-see attraction is the murals in the Phra Ubosot depicting a tale of the Discovery of the Emerald Buddha which can be found at Wat Hong only. Another popular attraction at Wat Hong is King Taksin the Great Shrine which believed to be the oldest King Taksin Shrine in Thailand.
Open hours: 08.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.
Address: 72 Wang Doem Rd., Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Js9GFhVRMRjsT2ku7
3. Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahawihan
Wat Rakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok which dates back to Ayutthaya era. Formerly known as Wat Bang Wa Yai, the temple name was changed when an ancient bell was discovered at the temple ground (Rakhang means a bell.) Wat Rakhang is well-known as a temple where Somdet Phra Phu Tha Chan (To Phrom Rangsi) used to reside as an abbot. He is the most well-known monk in Thailand respected by all Buddhists for his Dharma virtue practice and miracles, one of which is his feat in pacifying the fearsome famous ghost lady “Mae Nak Phra Khanong”. Apart from praying respect to Luang Pho To, Wat Rakhang is also well-known for the smiling Buddha statue enshrined in the Ubosot (main chapel). Last but not least, the popular Wang Lang Market is only a few minutes away by foot from the temple.
Open hours: 08.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.
Address: 250 Arun Amarin Rd., Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/s2ubtmwCg5CyxaHr8
4. Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan (Wat Prayoon)
Wat Prayoon is located in the Thonburi region in the capital, not far away from Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge. The temple’s magnificent main Chedi was damaged by bombs during the WWII and fully renovated in 2016. The renovation project is recognized by the UNESCO as the Award of Excellence for the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Wat Prayoon’s popular attraction is Kho Mo. It is a mountain model with a model temple and Chedi situating on the rocky boulder. A large pond at the bottom is known as the tortoise park. Visitors can feed tortoises living at the pond.
Open hours: 07.00 a.m. - 06.00 p.m.
Address: 24 Prajadhipok Rd, Wat Kanlaya, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nM5s3KwDz3nuwZqu9
5. Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan (Wat Ratchabophit)
Wat Ratchabophit’s architecture shows intricacy and beauty beyond imagination, by cleverly combining the traditional Thai style and the Western Gothic style. It was established in the King Rama V era by His Majesty the King, unlike other temples which were founded mostly by affluent merchants or nobles. Wat Ratchabophit’s connection with the Thai royal family runs deep. The royal remains of many kings and the royal family members lie beneath the base of the main Buddha statue in Phra Ubosot (main chapel). The temple also houses the Royal Cemetery where numerous pagodas were erected in honor of the royal family members and for them to rest in peace next to their kin. Wat Ratchabophit’s highlight is the grand, central royal pagoda decorated by glazed tiles surrounded by the circular veranda.
Open hours: 06.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.
Address: 2 Fueang Nakhon Rd., Wat Ratchabophit, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/v4oLNKyuR17WQh6XA
