Joanna James
Many often visit a handful of iconic temples in Bangkok like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew. But the city has over 400 temples, most of which usually go unexplored. Here are 5 more temples to visit in Bangkok that are just as captivating and vibrant as the city’s more well-known hotspots.
Also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, this impressive structure stands proudly in the Samphanthawong district, featuring one of the largest gold Buddha statues in the world. The statue reaches a height of 3 metres and weighs around 5.5 tons. However, unlike this grand monument, the rest of the temple is fairly modest, showcasing a blend of traditional Chinese and Thai architectural styles. Nevertheless, you’ll be surrounded by the temple’s serene atmosphere and the cultural allure of Chinatown’s markets nearby.
Wat Mahabut is often visited by those who know of its connection to one of the most intriguing ghost legends in the city. The legend tells of a devoted wife Mae Nak who passed away in childbirth while her husband was away and whose spirit returned to her husband to maintain the illusion of a happy family life. It was a monk from Wat Mahabut who eventually freed the widower from the ghost of his wife. To this day, the temple still features elaborate shrines dedicated to Mae Nak. As such, visiting the serene grounds of this temple is a great way to delve deeper into Bangkok’s rich folklore and beliefs that shape its religious culture.
This vibrantly coloured Hindu temple is a testament to the city’s religious and cultural diversity. Located in the heart of Chinatown, not too far from hotels like Maitria Hotel Rama 9 Bangkok, the temple’s gateway tower or goparum is hard to miss; featuring six tiers and standing at 33 metres, it is adorned with brightly coloured carvings and statues in the typical style of Dravidian architecture. Once you enter the temple you’ll find several shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities, including the central shrine that honours goddess Mariamman, the deity of fertility and rain.
What makes this temple stand out from the rest, is its location in the heart of Bangkok’s red-light district, where it is surrounded by bustling nightlife activity and adult entertainment. However, this paradoxical location is an indelible part of the temple’s history and its allure for modern visitors; the temple has served as a site of protest for activists and community members who rallied against the injustices and exploitation in the district. It has also been a safe space and refuge for community members during difficult times. Although its modest architecture does feature traditional Thai elements, the temple is mostly appreciated as a sanctuary and source of comfort for many.
If you want to explore more of Bangkok’s architecturally stunning temples close to your hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, Wat Benchamabophit is worth visiting. Known as the Marble Temple, the structure showcases an extensive use of Italian marble that artfully blends with its traditional Thai elements and decorations. The temple’s main ordination hall or ubsooth is a notable highlight as it is constructed entirely from Carrara marble but also features traditional Thai roofing and sculptures which depict scenes from Buddhist scriptures. Adding to the site’s serene beauty are the temple grounds made of immaculate lawns, gardens, pathways, and ponds.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
