How to Spend a Day Discovering Bangkok’s Three Must-Visit Temples

Beautiful Thailand, a country on the bucket list of a majority of travellers and is a must-visit for anyone in the Southeast Asian region. There is much to explore, experience and enjoy when you visit Thailand, and it’s a small surprise that there are so many people who want to fly back. One of the most interesting things is that Thailand knows how to keep the balance between modern architecture and style, as well as ancient sites in cities. While other countries may try to segregate ancient structures, Thailand embraces them and even has modern shopping complexes and other buildings alongside the ancient ones. Bangkok, the colourful capital of Thailand, is no exception to this. Exploring the famous temples in Bangkok should be a priority for anyone interested in discovering cultural landmarks in the country. For travellers short on time but keen to explore, it’s entirely possible to visit Bangkok’s three most famous temples, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat Phra Kaew in one fulfilling day.

Where to Begin: Base Yourself in a Connected Neighbourhood

A well-planned day trip starts with a good base. Choosing a central location is essential, particularly when navigating a city like Bangkok. The area of Sukhumvit is popular with both tourists and business travellers, offering a balance of connectivity and modern comforts. It’s here that you’ll find NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard, a sleek and well-located hotel among others, offering direct access to both BTS and MRT stations. Make sure to research before committing to any one of the Sukhumvit hotels in Bangkok.

First Stop: Wat Arun – Temple of the Dawn

Wat Arun is a very famous temple in Bangkok and is known locally as the Temple of the Dawn. Despite its name, the temple is beautiful throughout the day, thanks to the sunlight dancing across its towers. Built in the 17th century, Wat Arun’s central prang (Khmer-style spire) goes up to nearly 70 metres and is adorned with colourful floral patterns made from Chinese porcelain and seashells. While the climb up the central area is quite steep, the views you get of the Chao Phraya River and the surrounding cityscape are rewarding and quite photogenic.

Second Stop: Wat Pho – Seeing the Reclining Buddha

A quick ferry ride back across the river places you near Wat Pho, one of the largest and oldest temple complexes in Bangkok. It’s best known for the Reclining Buddha, which is a magnificent 46-metre-long gold-leaf statue representing the Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. The statue’s feet are particularly striking, inlaid with 108 auspicious symbols in mother of pearl. The walk from the pier is short, and the complex opens early, which makes it ideal to place in your morning itinerary. Modest dress is required, and while sarongs are available to borrow, it’s wise to come prepared with covered shoulders and knees.

Midday Pause: Local Bites

After visiting Wat Pho, the heat often starts to settle in, making it a good time to pause and refuel. The streets in the vicinity have a bunch of small eateries as well as a few chic cafes. Most of them serve local meals, if you are interested in trying them out. If you're after a bit more comfort, there are a handful of air-conditioned spots near Maharaj Road that provide both Thai and international options in a more relaxed setting.

Third Stop: Wat Phra Kaew and The Grand Palace

Located just a short walk from Wat Pho is the Grand Palace, which is home to the Wat Phra Kaew, which also happens to be your last stop for the day. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is not only a major religious site but also a royal one, having been the official kingly residence for over 150 years. Wat Phra Kaew contains the famous Emerald Buddha statue, which is said to have been carved from a single block of jade. The statue, sitting atop a gold pedestal within a richly decorated ordination hall, is revered by devout followers from all parts of the country. Though small in size, the statue holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. Beyond the temple, the Grand Palace grounds are a visual feast and a must-visit as part of your temple exploration journey.