Bangkok Temple Tour: A Self-Guided Itinerary to 5 Must-See Temples
I originally put this itinerary together for family and friends — the ones I take around Bangkok myself, and the ones who visit when I can’t be there to show them around. After more visits to these temples than I can count, starting back in the 1990s, I’m pretty confident these are the best temples in Bangkok for first-time visitors and repeat visitors alike.
I’ve kept it manageable. Two days, a sensible pace, good food nearby, and no racing between sites in the heat. If you only have one day, I’ll tell you what to prioritise. If you have more time, I’ll tell you what to add.
The Route at a Glance
Day 1: Riverside Temples – Morning: Wat Pho (2 hours) → lunch at Tha Tian Market – Afternoon: Wat Arun (1 hours) → Wat Paknam by boat arrive before 4pm
Day 2: Old City & Chinatown – Morning: Wat Traimit in Chinatown (1 hour) → pork porridge at Jae Hmoy – Afternoon: Wat Saket Golden Mount (1.5 hours)
Short on time? Do Wat Pho in the morning. View Wat Arun from the river on your way to Wat Paknam in the afternoon. That covers the two temples that genuinely stopped me in my tracks.
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What is the best way to see Bangkok’s temples?
Don’t try to cram all five temples into one day – you’ll end up exhausted and they’ll all blur together.
Better approach:
- Choose 2-3 temples based on what interests you
- Visit one temple in the morning, take a break for lunch, then do another in the afternoon
- Space them across multiple days if you’re in Bangkok for a week
Mix a famous temple (Wat Pho) with a quieter one (Wat Saket) so you’re not fighting crowds all day. And plan breaks between temples – grab lunch, visit a nearby market, or duck into an air-conditioned cafe.
You can try to see the most famous temples in Bangkok in one day on a guided tour, but honestly, this would not be my first choice
The Best Temples in Bangkok: Where to Start
If you only have time for one:
- Wat Pho. The reclining Buddha is iconic, and the complex is beautiful to wander. **If you have half a day:
- Add Wat Arun. You can see both in one morning – they’re across the river from each other and connected by a 5-baht ferry.
- If you have a full day: Add Wat Paknam for sunset. The giant gold Buddha is worth the trip out to Thonburi.
- For something different: Wat Saket (Golden Mount) gives you the best panoramic views over old Bangkok.
Most of these temples are in Bangkok’s old city and Rattanakosin area, easily reached by BTS, MRT, or the Chao Phraya River ferry.
Wat Pho: The Temple of the Reclining Buddha
If you only see one temple in Bangkok, make it this one. I’ve brought a lot of people here over the years and it never fails to impress — including me, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited.
Most people come for the reclining Buddha, and yes, it’s extraordinary. At 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf, it’s one of those things that genuinely doesn’t look real when you’re standing in front of it. Don’t walk straight past the soles of the feet — the 108 mother-of-pearl symbols representing the Lokshans, the positive actions that helped Buddha achieve enlightenment, are worth a good look.
But the reclining Buddha is only part of it. The complex houses over 1,000 Buddha images, and the courtyards and pavilions are beautiful to wander. I actually prefer it to the Grand Palace — it’s quieter, less rushed, and you can take your time.
Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. If your legs are done by this point, a massage here won’t cost you much and it’s the real thing.
The best time of day to visit Wat Pho
I try to arrive right on opening. Early morning, the light is good, the heat hasn’t kicked in, and on a good day you’ll practically have the place to yourself.
For our first visit there were only three other people in the entire complex, making it perfect for enjoying quiet contemplation. We have also visited at dusk when the temple lights up, a perfect time to capture some stunning photos.
What to do near Wat Pho
- Tha Tian Market has recently been renovated – it’s right on the riverfront with plenty of places to eat and great view.
- Perfect for a break Museum Siam is two minutes away if you want context on Thai culture
- Pak Khlong Talat flower market is worth a quick wander
- Ride the Chao Phraya HOHO which stops at Rajinee Pier.
How to get to Wat Pho
Wat Pho is well-connected by various modes of public transportation, making it easy for first-time visitors. The nearest MRT is Sanam Chai, about an 8-minute walk. You can also take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien pier, which has now reopened, or take the cross-river ferry directly to Wat Pho.
Where: 2 Sanamchai Rd, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Pranakorn District
When: Daily from 8am-6.30pm
How: Wat Pho is well-connected by various modes of public transportation, making it easy for first-time visitors. The nearest MRT is Sanam Chai, about an 8-minute walk. You can also take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Tien pier, or take the cross-river ferry directly to Wat Pho.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most recognisable landmarks and honestly, the best view of it is from the river. That 70-metre spire covered in porcelain mosaic tiles catches the light beautifully, especially at sunset when it reflects on the water.
You can go inside the grounds and climb the prang, and the mosaic work is impressive up close. I just don’t think it adds that much to the visit. If your time is limited, spend it across the river at Wat Pho instead and admire Wat Arun from the bank or from the ferry.
That said, if you want to go in, it’s worth it for the views from the top and the detail of the tiles. Just know that the steps are steep.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon. The light on the spire at sunset is something else.
What to do near Wat Arun
- Book a tour with Hidden Bangkok – Then visit the next temple, Wat Paknam, with them after you finish here. The meeting place is a 6-minute walk away.
- Order a bowl of chicken rice from Mui Lee Chicken and Rice.
- Jump back on the ferry or make your way by taxi or on foot (20 minutes) to Wang Lang Market. Open daily from 9am to 6pm, it’s a great place to try street food and pick up unique souvenirs.
How to get to Wat Arun
Where: 158 Wang Doem Road, Wat Arun Subdistrict, Bangkok Yai District
When: Daily 8.30am to 5.30pm
How: Take the Chao Phraya Hop On Hop Off ferry to Wat Arun wharf, or the 5-baht ferry from Tha Tien Wharf.
Wat Paknam: The Big Gold Buddha
This is the one that surprises people the most, and it’s become my favourite trip out of the city centre. The 69-metre bronze Buddha is enormous — you can actually see it from the Tha Phra BTS station — but the statue is only part of why I recommend making the effort to get here.
The best way to arrive is by long-tail boat along the canals. It gives you a completely different side of Bangkok — local life, canal houses, working boats — that you won’t see from a tuk tuk or a taxi. Factor that into your planning and arrive by 4pm so you have time to get inside before it closes at 6pm.
And please don’t make the mistake I made on my first visit — don’t get so distracted by the Buddha that you miss the fifth floor of the white stupa. The painted ceiling is stunning and the emerald stupa up there is one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in Bangkok.
Best time to visit: Arrive by 4pm to give yourself time to explore properly before closing.
What to do nearby
- Whether you arrive by long-tail boat or on foot, head to the Artist’s House. Once a market, it is now a vibrant arts and crafts area where you can purchase local works or even create your own masterpiece.
- If you feel like a hot or cold refreshment, head to Meili Cafe just across the canal and watch the world go by.
- Have a wander around nearby Talat Phlu Market and brave some street food you have not yet tried.
Getting there
Where: 300 Ratchamongkhon Prasat Alley, Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok
When: Daily 8am to 6pm How: The easiest option is to book a tour with Hidden Bangkok which includes the long-tail boat and a visit to the Artist’s House. Alternatively, take the MRT to Bang Phai followed by a 12-minute walk, or the BTS to Watthukat where taxis are usually waiting.
Wat Traimit: Temple of the Golden Buddha
If you have time after your two main days, Wat Traimit in Chinatown is worth adding. It’s home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha — 5.5 tonnes, 3 metres tall, and genuinely impressive when you’re standing in front of it.
The backstory is fascinating too. The statue was hidden under plaster sometime around the 15th century, most likely to protect it from invaders. The secret stayed hidden for centuries until 1955 when it was being moved and accidentally dropped. The plaster chipped off and there it was.
There’s an exhibition inside the main building that goes into the history in more detail. The views over Chinatown from the top are a bonus.
Tip: We think the best time to visit Wat Traimit is in the cool of the morning. Afternoons see large numbers of visitors who stop here before heading to Chinatown to eat.
What to do near Wat Traimit
- Wander Talad Noi and explore some of the best street art in Bangkok.
- If you visit in the morning grab some pork porridge from Jae Hmoy Kia Pork Porridge.
- Pop into Mana Craft for excellent coffee and some great sourdough.
How to get to Wat
Where: Traimit Road, Khwaeng Talat Noi, Khet Samphanthawong.
When: Wat Traimit is open daily from 8am-5pm.
How: BTS to Hua Lamphong station, then a 10-minute walk. Or take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Ratchawong Pier and walk about 1km along Yaowarat Road.
Wat Saket: Golden Mount Temple
Wat Saket is a different kind of temple visit. There’s no single jaw-dropping feature like the reclining Buddha or the giant gold statue, what you get instead is a genuinely lovely climb through gardens and a panoramic view over old Bangkok from the top that I think is the best in the city.
The 344 steps sound more daunting than they are. They’re small, there are plenty of places to stop, and the gardens along the way are beautiful. Ring the gongs for good luck on the way up.
At the top, the golden chedi houses a sacred Buddha relic and the murals inside the main temple are worth taking your time with.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon. Midday heat makes the climb less enjoyable and it gets crowded during festivals, particularly Loy Krathong.
What to do near Wat Saket
- Walk to Panfa Leelard Pier and ride the canal boats along Saen Saep. It’s a fun way to see another side of the city.
- Get in line at Raan Jay Fai for a meal cooked by Bangkok’s famous chef in goggles at this Michelin-starred street food spot.
- If the wait is too long, head to Tee Yen Ta Fo for some delicious pork leg and rice.
- Wander through this bustling wholesale clothing market, full of fresh fruit, vegetables, and halal food stalls.
How to get to Golden Mount Temple
Where: 344 Thanon Chakkraphat Phiphat, Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai.
When: Daily from 8am-7pm
How: Bus numbers 2, 47, 49, 59, 60, or 79 stop within a 10-minute walk. The Saen Saep canal boat stops a few minutes away.
Book a private tour that covers the first 4 temples on our list in one day
Bangkok Temple Map
All five temples plotted so you can see how they sit in relation to each other and plan your days accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Bangkok’s Temples
Early morning is my strong preference. The heat hasn’t built up yet, the crowds are thin, and you won’t see a single tour bus at 8am. Some of my best temple visits have been in that first hour after opening when you can actually hear yourself think.
Late afternoon is worth considering for Wat Arun and Wat Paknam specifically. The light at golden hour on both of those is genuinely beautiful and worth planning around — just remember to factor in Wat Paknam’s 6pm closing time.
If you can visit on a weekday, do. Weekends bring more locals out and the popular temples get noticeably busier.
Respecting Thai Temple Culture
Bangkok’s temples are active places of worship, not tourist attractions. A little thought goes a long way.
What to wear: Cover your shoulders, knees, and everything in between. Light, loose fabrics work well in the heat and tick the modesty box at the same time. Shoes you can slip on and off easily are genuinely useful — you’ll be removing them constantly.
Inside the temples:
- Keep your voice down
- No flash photography
- Don’t climb on, touch, or pose for selfies with Buddha images — it’s considered disrespectful and is often prohibited
- When sitting, keep your feet pointed away from Buddha images. Sit cross-legged or kneel.
- Skip public displays of affection
Making an offering: If you’d like to make an offering, place it in the designated area rather than handing it directly to a monk. Women should not touch monks or hand anything directly to them — place the offering down and allow the monk to pick it up.
What’s Next
If the temples have got you curious about this part of Bangkok, there’s a lot more to explore on foot.
The Kudichin self-guided walk starts with a 10-baht ferry and takes you through Bangkok’s oldest Portuguese community — a neighbourhood most visitors walk straight past. It pairs well with a Wat Arun or Wat Paknam visit since you’re already on the Thonburi side of the river.
If you want to stay in the old city, Song Wat Road is a 1.2km stretch of restored shophouses running parallel to Yaowarat Road with some of the best street food and street art in Bangkok. Allow a couple of hours and bring an appetite.
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