Wat or Temples are open to all visitors. Of all the temples in Bangkok, only Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Pho, Wat Benchamabophit and Wat Arun charge admision fees to cover restoration costs. The Addmission to the rest is free.
Wat Phra Kaeo
The Temple of The Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Kaeo adjoin the Grand Palace on the same ground. These two accompanying attractions serve to be the first place on any visitor’s itinerary. The temple is regarded as the most significant of all Thai temples.
Wat Pho
The Temple of the Reclining Buddha
This worldwide famous temple is located right next to the Grand Palace to the south. It is one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples. Wat Pho houses the gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha image. This unique image is 49 meters long and 12 metres high with beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public edu- cation and is sometimes called “Thailand’s First University”
Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by crossing the river by boat from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. The most attractive structure of this temple is the 79-metre-high pagoda or “Phra Prang” Wat Arun was renovated during the brief Thonburi period to be the Royal Chapel of King Taksin. Despite the meaning of its name that is “The Temple of Dawn” the most beautiful view of it is from the Bangkok side of the river at sunset.
Wat Traimit
Temple of the Golden Buddha
At the end of Yaowarat Road, near Bangkok Railway Station, there is a temple situated on Traimit Road. This temple is known for its famous Golden Buddha constructed during the Sukhothai period. The image of solid gold is three meters high and weighs five and a half tons.
The building holding this image is open to the public everyday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Wat Benchamabophit
The Marble Temple
The Marble Temple is situated on Si Ayutthaya Road near Chitralada Palace. The temple is well-known because its main building was made of marble during the reign of King Rama V. The best time to visit the temple is the early hours in the morning when Buddhist monks are chanting inside the chapel. The interior of the main building is magnificently decorated with exposed wooden beams of lacquer and gold plate. A large collection of Bronze Buddhas is lined up against the walls of the spacious inner courtyard.
The main building is open to vistors until 5.00 pm.
Wat Ratchanatdaram
It is a royal temple which was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846 and is now located on Maha Chai Road. Loha Prasat (Metal Palace), one of its tourist attractions with 37 surrounding spires and a total height of 36 metres, is the only one of its kind existing in the world. Situated in the nearby area are a royal pavilion for a guest reception and the memorial statue of King Rama III.
Wat Bowonniwet
The temple, located on Phra Sumen Road in Bang Lamphu area, was built in 1826. Wat Bowonniwet is one of the most important temples in Bangkok of which once before ascending the throne the chief abbot was King Rama IV. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and His Royal Highness Crawn Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, as well as several other males in the royal family, have temporarily ordained as monks here. Bangkok’s second Buddhist university is also housed at this temple. Across the street from the main entrance to the wat are an English-language Buddhist book shop and a Thai herbal clinic.
Wat Maha That
Founded in the 1700s, Wat Maha That is a national centre for the Maha Nikai monastic sect and houses one of Bangkok’s two Buddhist universities, Maha That Ratchawitthayalai. On weekends, a large produce mark is held on the grounds.
Opposite the main entrance on the other side of Maha Rat road is a large religious market selling amulets, or magic charms.
The temple is open to visitors from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm everyday. Also in the temple grounds is a daily open-air market that features traditional Thai herbal medicine.
The monastery’s International Buddhist Meditation centre offers meditation instruction in English on the second Saturday of every month from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Those interested in more intensive instruction should contact the monks in section 5 of the temple compound.
Wat Suthat & The Giant Swing
Wat Suthat is featured as Bangkok’s tallest Wiharn and houses a 14th century Buddha statue from the Sukhothai period, surrounded by rather surreal depictions of the Buddha’s last 24 lives. The courtyard is filled with odded statues of scholars and sailors, brought as ballast in rice boats returning from China, while the doors of the Wat have been carved by King Rama II.
In front of the Temple is the famous Giant Swing. In an annual ceremony to celebrate the rice harvest that was still observed just before World War II, men used to ride on the Giant Swing and try to grab a bag of siver coins attached to a pole; only the teak arch remains.
Many shop surrounding Wat Suthat stock a very comprehensive rage of Buddhist ecclesiastic supplies.
Wat Saket
The Golden Mount
Wat Saket is an undistinguished temple except for the Golden Mountain or Phu Khao Thong, on the west side of the grounds. The steep climb tip to the Golden Mountain puts everything back in perspective and offers views over Rattanakosin Island that are simply stunning. The artificial hill was created when a large Chedi under construction by King Rama III collapsed because the soft soil beneath would not support it. The resulting mud-and-brick hill was left to sprout weeds until King Rama IV built a small Chedi on its crest. King Rama V later added to the structure and housed a Buddha relic from India in the Chedi. The concrete walls were added during World War II to prevent the hill from eroding.
Every November a large festival, held on the ground of Wat Saket, includes a candle light procession up the Golden Mountain.
Samut Prakan Province
Samut Prakan Province
Nakhon Pathom Province
Nakhon Pathom Province
Nakhon Pathom Province
Nakhon Pathom Province
Nakhon Pathom Province
Ratchaburi Province
Canals, referred to “khlong” in Thai, have always been vital forms of communication. When the capital of Thailand was moved to Bangkok in 1782 (the beginning of the Rattanakosin period), the capital was laced with canals, so Bangkok was sometimes called the “VENICE OF THE EAST” Today,Bangkok Noi canal is still charming for whoever wishes to seek the peaceful atmosphere amidst bustling Bangkok.
Formerly called Wat Bang Wa Yai, the temple was built in the Ayutthaya Period, Later, King Taksin had it renovated. The principal prang, the only pagoda in Bangkok featuring Ayutthaya architecture, was once acclaimed by Prince Narissara Nuwattiwong as the most exquisitely-shaped prang.
The Red Pavilion (Tamnak Daeng) was orginally in the Royal Palace of King Taksin. Later it was relocated to a spot north of the temple’s new ordination hall. It features spectacular mural paintings, King Taksin was believed to have come to the building regularly for meditation retreats.
The Tripitaka Library was once a residence of King Rama I when he was ranked as Phra Ratcha Warin. The building features mural paintings by master artist Nak ; gold and black lacquer paintings on the windows;a mythological bird on the main doors, and dragons carved on the side doors.
This shed where several royal barges are displayed is located on Bangkok Noi Canal off the Chao Phraya River not far from Phra Pin Klan Bridge. The barges are used on the royal and government occasions and formerly served as war vessels. The most beautiful and well-known barge is “Suphana-hong”. It is used by the King only when he make His royal river procession for the Kathin ceremony, a Buddhist tradition of offering robes to monks, usually during October or November. Besides, the royal barges proceeded during the Rattanakosin bicentennial celebrations. Presently “Narai Songsuban Rachakarn Thi Kao” is the latest new royal barge especially built for the King and being used on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty the king Accession to the Throne since 1996. The unique design and decorative details of each barge should be of great interest to all visitors.
This temple was built during the Ayutthaya Period, though there is no evidence of who built it.The temple’s ordination hall combines the architectural style of the late Ayutthaya period with artistic approaches popular in the days of King Rama I. The structure is similar to that of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in style, but the building has no galleries, It houses a bronze Buddha image in the gesture of subduing Mara.The image was believed to have come from SukhoThai.
Mural paintings are the highlight of the temple. They are works of master artist Thongyu of Luang Vichit Chetsada. Who lived during the reign of King Rama Ill, and of a Chinese artist named Khong Paeh. The former’s works depict scenes from previous lives of Lord Buddha. And the latter’s works depict Mahosot, with the Chinese technique of using slim drawing brushes, shades of colour and shadow effects to enhance the appearance of movement.
Next to Wat Suwannaram is Ban Bu Village on the bank of Bangkok Noi canal. The villagers are descendants of migrants who fled Ayutthaya when Burmese troops razed the old capital. The village is well noted for stone-washed metal bowls called Khan Long Hin. The bowl is made of a combination of copper, tin and special gold called Thong Mah Lau.
Bu Village Swordplay Camp is well known for a traditional art of self-defence apart from popular traditional Thai boxing. The traditional rite to pay homage to sword masters before a sword fight is well worth seeing.
Formerly called Wat Chi Pa khao, the temple lies on the canal bank. Princess Si Sudarak elder sister of King Rama I, had it renovated. Further renovations were carried out during the reign of King Rama IV, with a new ordination hall created. Since then, the temple has been called Wat Si Sudaram.
This market features a large variety of foods, fruits and goods. Perhaps it could be called a floating supermarket. Tourists can buy food and eat at a dining area provided by Taling Chan officials. On Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm, a traditional Thai music band entertains visitors. On the bank there are also sales and contests of seasonal agricultural produce. In addition, a two-hour boat tour is available to tourists. They can tour farming areas along the canal, including flower groves and fruit orchards. Alternatively, temples can be included in the tour. Between 800 and 1,000 Thai and foreign tourists take the trips daily.
In the past, Bangkokians usually settled by the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings) and gradually spread into the core of the country.Nowadays, even though Bangkok has become a modern city, you can still see traces of the Early Rattanakosin period such as architecture and traditional ways of life that has remained essentially unchanged over the centuries.






Rattanakosin,an inner-city riverine island, is the historical heart of Bangkok. It is one of the most enchanting cities that many traveller from around the world wish to explore. Many historically significant structures are located here.
Being the city landmarks, these two accompanying attractions serve to be the first place on any visitor’s itinerary.
The Royal Field
The City Pillar Shrine
Within walking distance from the Grand Palace to the north, across Sanam Luang, is one of the largest and comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. The National Museum houses over one thousand artifacts ranging from neolithic times to the present Bangkok period. The complex, also founded in 1782, consists of several old but beautiful buildings of colourful Thai architectural design.
It is situated on Na Phra That Road next to the National Museum. Classical Thai dramas and other types of international arts are periodically staged here.
Situated on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Theatre. The National Gallery compiles and displays both classical and temporary arts of renowned Thai artists for those who are interested in art appreciation or study. His Majesty the King’s oil paintings are also exhibited to be appreciated by the public.
The Temple of The Reclining Buddha
The Temple of Dawn
Viman Mek Mansion including the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall is located behind the National Assembly. Here, visitors can view such beautiful handicrafts as niellowares, Thai silk with various unique designs, and Liphao?basketry like beautiful trays and handbags studded with jewels in different designs such as green beetles.
The Marble Temple
Wat Suthat is featured as Bangkok’s tallest Wiharn and houses a 14th century Buddha statue from the Sukhothai period, surrounded by rather surreal depictions of the Buddha’s last 24 lives. The courtyard is filled with odded statues of scholars and sailors, brought as ballast in rice boats returning from China, while the doors of the Wat have been carved by King Rama II.
The Golden Mount
Within walking distance from the Grand Palace to the north, across Sanam Luang, is one of the largest and comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. The National Museum houses over one thousand artifacts ranging from neolithic times to the present Bangkok period. The complex, also founded in 1782, consists of several old but beautiful buildings of colourful Thai architectural design.
It is situated on Na Phra That Road next to the National Museum. Classical Thai dramas and other types of international arts are periodically staged here.
Situated on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Theatre. The National Gallery compiles and displays both classical and temporary arts of renowned Thai artists for those who are interested in art appreciation or study. His Majesty the King’s oil paintings are also exhibited to be appreciated by the public.
This shed where several royal barges are displayed is located on Bangkok Noi Canal off the Chao Phraya River not far from Phra Pin Klan Bridge. The barges are used on the royal and government occasions and formerly served as war vessels.
It is located at No.9 Krung Thep Kritha Road Soi 4, Bang Kapi. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from prehistoric to Rattanakosin periods. Various styles of architecture, for example, a baroque building, a smaller replica of the Red Palace in Bangkok National Museum, and a replica of Ho Phra of Wat Yai Suwannaram, are included within the museum complex.
Located within Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng) of Ratchaprarop Road, Makasan area of Ratchathewi District, the House of Bangkok Dolls displays a large collection of dolls from various countries of the world including Bangkok dolls of different types like dolls dressed in classical theatrical outfits representing characters from the Ramayana, tribal people in various parts of the country, people of different professions, cuddly dolls for children, etc.
Situated within the same compound of Viman Mek Mansion, the Palace itself was graciously established by King Rama V of Siam in 1904. The museum displays exquisite arts and crafts generated by members of the Royal Support Project under the Royal patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. The most outstanding decorations of the Palace is the finely carved teak-wood similar to that of the Victorian-style wood carving in England.
The Thailand Cultural center located on Ratchadaphisek Road, is an integrated center for social education and cultural activities. The main buildings include
Lumpini Park was a huge open space of over 300 rai belonging to King Rama VI, who issued a royal command to turn the area into a public park as a gift to Bangkok residents.
Chatuchak Park is a 190-rai piece of land at the junction of Phaholyothin and Vibhavadi Rungsit Roads. This large green area is dotted with colorful flowers, a children’s playground and health area. There are also nine pieces of ASEAN sculptures that enhance the character of the park.
Rama IX Royal Park covering 500 rai in Prawet District is located. The park was built as a heartfelt gift from Bangkok residents to their beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX, on the Occasion of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej 60th birthday anniversary in 1987. Many special structures were included in this park for educational purposes. The Chalerm Prakiet compound contains the Rajamangkala Pavilion, the Maharaja Garden and botanical gardens where plants of many different species are found. The huge Tapangkeow Reservoir was built specifically both as a place to relieve Bangkok of flash floods and also as a venue for water sports.
Sen Thai Park, was named after the road where it is located. His Majesty the King initiated this water garden in 1987 as a catchment area for excess rainwater to prevent flooding in Bangkok’s eastern suburbs. Formerly it was a natural swamp area known as Bung Gume or Bung Tha Thong, which covers over 350 rai. Seri Thai Park differs from other public areas in Bangkok in that it maintains a small wooded area on one side, while the other side is beautiful landscaped.
Thon Buri Park , located in Ratchaburana District on the oppslte side of the river, is a treasure trove of potted plants. Covering a greenbelt of 63 rai on the outskirts of the city, the park is famous for its nursery of ornamental plants, and is huanted by plant enthusiasts seeking to expand their horticultural knowledge.
Benchasiri Park on Sukhumvit Road, near soi 24, also honors the Queen’s 60th birthday anniversary. Being a compact park around a lake, it features a huge sculpture of a commemorative coin illustrating an image of the Queen. Located elsewhere are an exhibition pavilion of royal activities, a multi-purpose square, a wooded garden, a children’s playground, a swimming pool, a sports area for takraw, volleyball, basketball and skateboards. In addition, a stage area by the lake for concerts attracts large crowds of park visitors and passers-by.
Being the city landmarks, the palace is located within the same compound of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on Na Phra Lan Road near Sanam Luang, surrounded by high white walls occupying an area of about a square mile. The palace, founded in 1782, consists of several buildings with highly decorated architectural details.
Viman Mek Mansion including the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall is located behind the National Assembly. Here, visitors can view such beautiful handicrafts as niellowares, Thai silk with various unique designs, and Liphao” basketry like beautiful trays and handbags studded with jewels in different designs such as green beetles.
The Palace was built in the reign of King Rama V using marble for construction in Italian Renaissance architectural style.The ceiling of the dome was highlighted by exquisite fresco painting of important Royal functions during the reign of King Rama I up to King Rama VI of the Royal House of Chakri.
The palace is situated on Si Ayutthaya Road not far from the intersection of Phaya Thai and Si Ayutthaya roads, It used to be the residence of Princess Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga, one of Thailand’s leading art collectors. There is a complex of five traditional Thai houses overlooking a beautifully kept garden. Within it, there is a large collection of Asian art and antiques. One building exhibits a collection of seashells, min- eral crystals and painted pottery of Ban Chiang. 
A long-time favourite for visitors,the three-wheeled vehicle is a unique way of travelling around Bangkok and some provincial cities. Settle the fare before proceeding. It should cost less than the price of a comparable journey by metered taxi.
Bangkok has an extensive public bus service with routes serving every part of the city. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned vehicles, which provide an extremely cheap way of getting around town. A Bus Route Map is available at most hotels, book-shops and the TAT head office.
Bangkok Mass Transit System or BTS is a sky train network that covers Bangkok downtown, interesting places and many shopping centers. The fare ranges from 15 to 40 bahts. BTS also provides free-of-charge bus service to transit passengers from and to the train station in nearby areas. BTS is now in the process of expanding its route to cover wider area. It is now the fastest and most convenient transportation in Bangkok.
The route runs from Hua Lamphong (Bangkok Railway Station which is the city’s main long-distance rail hub) to Bang Sue. with a total of 18 stations along the over 20 km distance. It intersects with the BTS skytrain at Sukkumvit Road, Silom Road and Mo Chit, making it much easier to navigate the city.
Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya river. Some are just cross river ferries, but others serve the many landing stages on both banks and cover a route that goes up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi. Fares range between 5 and 15 baht.