05 Must See Shrines in Bangkok – The Serene Side of the Vibrant Capital

Located within the well-manicured gardens of the iconic Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew houses the nation's most revered relic; the Emerald Buddha. Cut from a single piece of jade 66cms in height, the relic was first uncovered in 1464, in the northern city of Chiang Rai; mysteriously the wat hiding the Emerald Buddha was struck by lightning revealing the statue hidden within another. Since being established within Wat Phra Kaew, this sacred relic has welcomed thousands of pilgrims. The temple is home to a 2km long gallery enhanced with a wall mural that tells the 178 tales of the Ramayana while gold glazed chedis seem to adorn every corner. The temple just 20 to 30 minutes from AVANI Atrium Bangkok, stays open until 3 pm and is a must visit.

Wat Pho gets its name from a monastery in India, that was believed to have been a home to the Buddha. It is one of the biggest and oldest temples in Bangkok, better known as the temple of the reclining Buddha; attributed to the huge 43 metre long, 153 metre high reclining Buddha statue that is covered in gold leaf. If that is not impressive enough, make sure to observe the feet of the statue which are four metres long and inlaid with beautiful mother of pearl. Easy to reach from a hotel in Asoke, Wat Pho is along the road from Wat Phra Kaew.

This is Bangkok's iconic temple, sitting along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Located opposite Wat Pho and the Grand Palace this temple has distinctive Khmer style architecture incorporated into its unique shape. Climbing the precarious stairs of the main tower is fully worth it, for getting there by dawn will reward you with sights of a glorious sunrise, never to be forgotten. In spite of its name, the 'Temple of Dawn' is pretty amazing at sunset too, so do make sure to pay the place a visit.

Head over to Wat Saket and check out the iconic golden chedi of Phu Khao Thong; better known as the golden mountain. The place shares a vibrant history and is founded on the summit of a hill in Old Bangkok. First built by King Rama III the temple collapsed due to the soft soil it was built on, it was thus abandoned, until King Rama IV and King Rama V, both completed the temple, by building a new shrine on what remained of the failed attempt. Climb the 300 steps to the relic room and you will see the famous vestige of Lord Buddha brought back from India.

This temple is found at the start of Yaowarat Road, a fabulous excuse for exploring Chinatown. The temple consists of many levels and is most revered for the solid gold Buddha statue housed within its walls, this seated statue of pure gold is believed to be one of the largest in the world.