Wat Traimit
Located at the end of Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road near the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong), this temple is known for its famous Golden Buddha. The beautiful image of solid gold is three metres high and weighs five and a half tons. The temple is open everyday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Wat Saket
Wat Saket’s major feature is the Golden Mount, dating from the 1800. It is an artificial hill topped by a gilded pagoda which is 260 feet in height from its base. Begun by King Rama III and completed in the reign of King Rama IV, the golden mount is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Bangkok’s old area and offers a panoramic city view from the top. It costs 5 Baht to get to the top.

Wat Benchamabophit
The temple was built in 1899 by King Rama V and houses the Buddha image, Phra Buddha Chinnarat, considered one of the most beautiful images in Thailand. The so-called Marble Temple is located on Sri Ayuttaya Rd, near the King's official residence at Chitrlada Palace. The temple got its name from the Carrera marble used in its construction. The temple is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm and admission is 10 Baht.

Wat Arun
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. The most attractive structure is the 79 metre high pagoda, which is decorated with ceramic tiles and fragments of multi-coloured porcelain. It is also called the ‘Temple of Dawn’, and the most beautiful view of it is from the east side of the river at sunset. To get there, take a ferry from the pier at Thanon Thai or at the end of Thanon Na Phra (near Grand Palace). Costs: 1 Baht.

Maha Uma Devi Temple
This small Hindu temple is located at the corner of Thanon Silom (Silom Road) and Thanon Pan. It contains three main deities: Ganesh, Uma Devi and Khanthakumara. For people who have not been to India or Malaysia it might be interesting to check out.

Wat Pho
Wat Phi is located south of Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace. It is the oldest and biggest temple in Bangkok. The temple dates back to the 16th century, but it was completely rebuilt in 1782. Wat Pho is famous for its Reclining Buddha, the largest in Thailand at 46m long and 15m high. The image is covered with gold leaf, while the soles of the image are inlaid with mother-of-pearl designs depicting the 108 auspicious signs by which a Buddha can be recognised. Located within the grounds are the headquarters for the teaching of traditional Thai medicine and Thai massage. Visitors can take a massage here and courses are available for those wishing to learn more about Thai traditional massage. (see Courses under the Activities Section). Admission is 20 Baht and the Buddha statue can be seen from 8 am to 5 pm daily. You can also visit one of the numerous fortune tellers on the compound.

Wat Phra Kaeo
Wat Phra Kaeo , situated in the same compound of the Grand Palace, is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Three main buildings inside the temple which form up a glittering scene are the Golden Stupa, enshrining the relics of the Buddha, the Phra Mondop or the Library, housing the Tripitaka or a Buddhist scripture, the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for keeping statues of deceased kings of Chakri dynasty. Besides, the 178 section mural paintings which depict the story of the Ramayana are the superb masterpiece of Rattanakosin artisans.

The compound of Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.. The admission fee is 200 baht , including the entry to the Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road.

Wat Suthat
Located a mile east of the Grand Palace, this temple from the mid 1800s is an interesting blend of Thai and Chinese architecture. It houses some lovely Buddhist relics and ornate murals. Admission: 10 Baht.
Address: Tri Thong and Bam Rung Muang Roads
Opening Hours: Daily 9 am-5 pm