Bangkok is known for a number of things. However, the temples housed within the city offer an experience of a Thailand trip, that is often not talked about in the posters for Thailand packages.
The truth, however, is that a cultural tour of the temples within Bangkok is sure to leave your spellbound by their beauty, and the rich history associated with them. If your curiosity to learn about cultures is something that drives you to travel, Bangkok will turn out to be a sweet surprise for you.
To make planning easier, we present to you our pick of the finest temples in Bangkok:
- Wat Bowonniwet Vihara
Wat Bowonniwet Vihara or Wat Pavaranivesh Vihara Ratchawarawihan is a major Buddhist temple located in the Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand. It is an exquisite Royal Buddhist monastery of the Dhammayut tradition, which is located on the northeast side of Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Island. It is to be found inside the old city wall bordering the Banglumpoo canal, on the Pra Sumeru road. Wat Bowonniwet Vihara or Wat Bowon has a long and interesting history since the time it was founded by Mahasakti Pol Sep, Deputy King of the third reign in the year 1824.
How much time is needed to explore
Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is a very peaceful and beautiful temple with interesting architecture. An hour should be enough to explore the temple unless you go and attend some religious ceremony; then it will be very crowded and you can observe the ceremonies for hours. This temple is an excellent place to sit and meditate.
Distance from Pratunam & Sukhimvit
The distance from Pratunam to Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is around 5.1 kilometers and takes around 14 minutes to reach by road. The other taxi route is 6.1 kilometers and takes around 16 minutes. The time range to reach Wat Bowonniwet Vihara via bus is 29 minutes to 35 minutes.
The distance from Sukhimvit to Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is around 10.9 kilometres and takes approximately 17 minutes to reach by road via taxi and around 22 minutes via the other longer route of 11.1 kilometres and 26 via the third route of 7.8 kilometres. By bus, it takes around 38 – 54 minutes.
How to Reach (Bus, Taxi, Included in City Tour), Any Tips & Suggestions
The cheapest way to get from Pratunam Market to Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is to take the bus and that will cost 10 – 35 baht and takes around 27 minutes. The quickest way to get from Pratunam Market to Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is to take a taxi which will cost 100 – 130 baht and will take 5 minutes to reach the destination. There are also direct buses departing from Pantip Pratunam that arrives at Democracy Monument. The bus services depart every 10 minutes and operate daily with a journey time of approximately 11 minutes.
From Nana BTS Station, you can catch the 511 Inbound bus and reach Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is about 30 minutes by spending 10 – 35 baht. By MRT, it takes around 50 minutes. By taxi, it just 6 minutes and the fare would be 110 – 140 baht. Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is located at a distance of 5-minute walk from Khao San Road.
- Wat Hua Lamphong
Wat Hua Lamphong is a Royal Buddhist temple, located in the Bang Rak District of Bangkok, Thailand. It has Bangkok’s modern business district to the southeast and Si Phraya Road to the northwest. One of the main reasons for people to visit this temple is to donate money for coffins for those that die but don’t have any relatives who can afford a coffin for them.
Ticket Cost in THB
The entry ticket price is 40 baht per person.
How much time is needed to explore
You should set aside a minimum time of 1 -2 hours to explore this exotic temple of Wat Hua Lamphong. In the temple, you can see the colored candles floating that are associated with birthdays and other major life events of the gentry. There are also caged pigeons that you can set free by paying and feed the buffalos and cows to earn piety. View the Buddhist figures and go through shrines with the figure of Hindu god, Ganesha. It also has funeral grounds, crematorium and living quarters for monks in its premises. Stay awed by the aesthetic architecture with vibrant decorations and a calm and friendly ambience.
Distance from Pratunam & Sukhimvit
The distance from Pratunam to Wat Hua Lamphong is around 3.3 kilometres and takes around 9 minutes to reach by road. The other taxi route is of 3.3 kilometres and takes around 10 minutes and the third route of 4 kilometres takes 11 minutes. The time range to reach Wat Hua Lamphong via bus is approximately 22 minutes.
The distance from Sukhimvit to Wat Hua Lamphong is around 5 kilometres and takes approximately 15 minutes to reach by road via taxi and around same time via the other two routes of 4.4 kilometres and a third route of 6.8 kilometres. By bus, it takes approximately half an hour to reach.
How to Reach (Bus, Taxi, Included in City Tour), Any Tips & Suggestions
The cheapest and the best way to get from Pratunam Market to Wat Hua Lamphong costs only 34 baht by bus and the quickest way takes around 5 minutes. To reach via Bus, MRT, catch the 511 Outbound and it takes around 30 – 70 baht and around 28 minutes. Via 15 Outbound Bus route, reach the destination in about 37 minutes by 15 – 35 baht. The quickest way to get from Pratunam Market to Wat Hua Lamphong is to take a taxi which costs 90 – 110 baht and takes approximately 5 minutes to reach.
The cheapest way to travel from Sukhumvit to Bangkok Hualamphong is to take the MRT that will cost 24 – 35 baht and will take approximately 16 minutes to reach. The quickest way to get from Sukhumvit to Bangkok Hualamphong, however, is to take the taxi that costs 100 – 130 baht and takes around 6 minutes to reach. There are also direct trains departing from Sukhumvit and arriving at Hua Lamphong running every five minutes and operating every day with a journey time of approximately 12 minutes. There is also a direct train departing from Sukhumvit and arriving at Hua Lamphong with buses departing every five minutes and operating regularly on a daily basis. The journey time is approximately 12 minutes.
This temple is very easily accessible via public transport as it is right outside Sam Yan MRT station and is also easily accessible via a very short taxi ride from MBK. There are several ways to reach the temple. One simple way is to reach the Sam Yan MRT Station and then take Exit 1 where you would be directly at the entrance of the temple. Also, you can opt for the Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Tours operating in Bangkok and de-board just in front of the temple for a visit.
After visiting the temple, the visitors can also explore some authentic Thai food options and opt for some spicy Thai and continental delicacies at various eateries such as The Coffee Club, Latest Recipes at Le Méridien Bangkok, and Water Library Chamchuriet located near the temple. Also, you can further your sightseeing by visiting the Chanchuri Square and the recently opened mall, Samyan Mitrtown.
- Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen
Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is a third-class royal Buddhist Temple or wat located beside the Chao Phraya River. It is a part of the Maha Nikaya fraternity and is famous for being the place from where Dhammakaya Movement initiated. This large temple is immensely popular among the locals and is patronized by prosperous community members. Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is spread over 32,000 square meters with a large number of buildings where the temple ground is surrounded by canals.
How much time is needed to explore
Total time of 2-3 hours is needed to explore Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen fully. There are beautiful gardens and waterfalls in the temple compound along with a museum displaying items of educational value and interest such as classic cars and Thai artifacts. Also, explore the painted dome inside the stupa that is painted neon colored with detailed work. Watch the monks feed and take care of the cats and dogs.
Distance from Pratunam & Sukhimvit
The distance from Pratunam to Banglamphu is around 13.2 kilometres and takes around 31 minutes to reach by road. The other taxi route is of 21.8 kilometres and takes around 32 minutes and the third route of 14.5 kilometres takes 38 minutes. The time range to reach Banglamphu via bus is 43 minutes to around 1 hour 13 minutes.
The distance from Sukhimvit to Banglamphu is around 22.7 kilometres and takes approximately 35 minutes to reach by road via taxi and around 21.7 minutes via the other longer route of 36 kilometres and 40 minutes via the third route of 15.2 kilometres. By bus, it takes from 46 to around 1 hour 25 minutes.
How to Reach (Bus, Taxi, Included in City Tour), Any Tips & Suggestions
Wat Paknam is located at the south-east of the centre of Bangkok, across the Chao Phraya River. Wat Paknam Temple is accessible via both by road and by riverboat from Tha Chang or Tha Saphan Phut pier.
The cheapest way to travel from Pratunam Market to Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is to go via bus that costs 10 – 35 baht and takes 1 hour 32 minutes. The quickest way to travel from Pratunam Market to Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is to take the taxi that costs 140 – 180 baht and takes 12 minutes. There is a direct bus that departs from Wat Pathum Wanaram and arrives at Rachapruek BRT Station running every 15 minutes and operating daily. The journey takes approximately 39 minutes.
The cheapest way to travel from Sukhumvit to Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is to take the MRT that costs 10 – 30 baht and takes around 46 minutes. The quickest way to travel from Sukhumvit to Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is to go via taxi which costs 150 – 200 baht and takes around 14 minutes. There is no direct bus from Sukhumvit to Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen. However, there are services that depart from Soi Sukhumvit 10 and arrives at Viboon College via Khok Wua Intersection Opposite Lottery. The total journey time would be approximately 1 hour 3 minutes. There is a direct train that departs from Sukhumvit and arrives at Bang Phai running every five minutes and operating daily. The journey takes approximately 24 minutes.
- Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Kaew is known as the Temple of Emerald Buddha. It is officially known as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram and is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha is housed in the temple on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The Emerald Buddha is deeply revered and venerated in Thailand as the mighty protector of the country.
Ticket Cost in THB
The Entrance Fees for the royal Grand Palace in Bangkok is 500 baht for outsiders/foreigners, which includes fees for Grand Palace Bangkok and Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha. Temple of Emerald Buddha is located within The Grand Palace compound. You can buy tickets to The Grand Palace, including Wat Phra Kaew, at the entrance gate of the building or you can also book your tickets online.
How much time is needed to explore:
In case you would like to explore the huge premises of the Grand Palace including the Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha thoroughly, you should plan for a half-day tour. For casual visit, 2 hours is enough to visit the premises and get to know the stories or traditions attached to each attraction.
Distance from Pratunam & Sukhimvit: The distance from Pratunam to Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha is around 7 kilometers and takes around 21 minutes to reach by taxi. The least time to reach via taxi is 7 minutes. The longest route would be about 33 minutes. The distance from Sukhimvit to Grand Palace or Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha is around 7 kilometers and by road, it is around 9 kilometers.
How to Reach (Bus, Taxi, Included in City Tour), Any Tips & Suggestions:
From Pratunam: You can travel from Pratunam to Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha by bus that involves a bit of walking and reach your destination in about 40 – 50 minutes depending on the bus you catch. Catch a the bus from Pantip Pratunam to Khok Wua Intersection Opposite Lottery 79 Inbound. Alternatively, you may also take the bus from Khok Wua Intersection Opposite Lottery to Opposite Ratcha Woradit Pier 47 Outbound. However, the fastest way to get from Pratunam Market to Grand Palace is to take a taxi which costs 110 – 40 baht. One of the easiest and fastest ways to get to the Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha is to commute via the subway system in Bangkok, which is known as the BTS. Take the Silom Line to Saphan Taksin Station, also known as the S6 Station. Take the Exit No. 2, and you need to look for the dock for the Chao Phraya Express Boat. By bus via opposite Ratcha Woradit Pier, 47 Outbound, you spend 20 to 70 baht. By bus and 79 Inbound you spend 10 to 37 baht. By taxi, the fare is 110 to 130 baht.
From Sukhimvit: From Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit, the easiest and the most opted option to get to the Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha is via BTS SkyTrain from Asok station to Saphan Taksin station. From there you take a Chao Phraya express boat. If you travel by car, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach depending on the traffic. Bangkok Mass Transit Authority operates a bus from Nana BTS Station to Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha at a frequency of 15 minutes. Tickets will cost 10 – 35 baht and the journey takes 19 minutes. Alternatively, Bangkok Metro operates trains from Nana BTS Station to Grand Palace or Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha at a frequency of 10 minutes. Tickets will cost 29 – 40 baht and the journey takes around 21 minutes.
Taking a tuk-tuk ride is another option to get to Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha from Pratunam or Sukhimvit. Another option could be to hire a car and go for a guided tour and do a day trip covering together with the famous attractions of Bangkok such the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho that are located close by and to combine Wat Arun that lies just across the river.
Did you like our blog on Must Visit Temples in Bangkok. For complete information on any destination in Thailand like Phuket, Krabi, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Koh Samui, please visit https://www.thailand-tourism.net/. We also create bespoke packages for all destinations in Thailand.
