Temples in Bangkok and Thonburi

Temples are not typically the first thing which come to mind when talking about a trip to Bangkok. There is foremost thoughts of shopping and of course the entertainment areas with the sleazy bars and establishments. Within this huge city there are over 430 temples though, which are very worthwhile to be visited. Wat Phra Kaeo, the Royal Temple within the Palace, is the most important and most impressive one. It is also the one with the most tourists and, at least outside the temple, also the one with the most dubious characters who want to sell you things and who want to drive you onto a never-return shopping trip. Wat Pho is a huge temple right next to the Royal Palace. Also lots of tourists, but this is a temple which is very much in use and if you come early enough you can sit inside the chapel and take part in the prayers by the many monks living there. For all the other temples you have to walk some way, or take taxis to get to them. Wat Trimit with it's massive golden Buddha image is in the middle of China town and visited by many tourists. Wat Benchamabopit can be a zoo but at times you might be the only tourist around. Again, come early and enjoy - before the tour busses arrive. If you come very early, bring some food for the monks who will be on alms round. I typically spend a few days in Bangkok during every trip to Thailand, just to visit my friends in the temples and to pay respect to some important Buddha statues. And every time I try to visit a new temple. Inside the temple walls, the compound provides a quite and tranquil atmosphere in an otherwise chaotic city.

On our last visit in September 2007 most temples in Bangkok were under renovation for the King's 80th Birthday in December, thus by the time and after the Birthday most temples should be in excellent condition.

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