Many tourists come to Thailand to sample the local culture. Temples are one of the more sought out tourist destinations with bigger names like the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Arun being top choices. However, there are at least 400 temples in Bangkok, and each have their own fascinating history behind them. Here is our Top 10 list of unconventional Bangkok temples worth visiting:
10. Wat Khun Chan
Lions, tigers, roosters, oh my!
Hidden away in the Thonburi side of Bangkok is Wat Khun Chan, a temple of whimsy. It most certainly stands out for its menagerie of different animal statues and Buddha statues in different poses!
Just from the look of it, it’s difficult to tell if this is actually a temple or an artist’s work of art! Definitely something you wouldn’t normally visit on a regular temple tour!
1144 Soi Thoet Thai 28, Talat Phlu, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600
View on Google Maps Wat Khun Chan
9. Wat Plub
This temple goes way back
Wat Plub is a second class Royal Temple that was founded by Rama I. It’s also where Ramas II, III, and IV came to study Buddhism and also meditate. This gives the temple some serious historical prominence despite being one of the less visited locales. This is likely due to it also being located on the Thonburi side of Bangkok.
Itsaraphap 23 Alley, Wat Tha Phra, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600
View on Google maps Wat Ratchasittharam Ratchaworawihan (Wat Plub)
8. Wat Intharawihan
Standing tall as a must see temple to visit
A temple built sometime in the 14th or 15th century, Wat Intharawan has some history behind it. Aside from its stunning architecture, a reason to visit this temple is the 32 meter standing Buddha. A great place to watch locals make their offerings, and also perfect for photo-ops!
144 Visuttikasat Road, Bang Khun Phrom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
View on Google maps Wat Intharawihan
7. Wat Nak Prok
Straight to the point through its namesake
This is one of the more distinctive temples within Phasi Charoen. Built in the mid 1700’s, Wat Nak Prok brings with it beautiful art in its ordination hall and sanctuary. However, this temple is known for its Nak Prok Buddha statue. The words Nak Prok refer to the naga that shelters the Buddha from rain as he meditates. The relief housed within Nak Prok of this event is considered to be the holiest of naga sheltering images.
99 Thanon Thoet Thai, Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok 10160
View on Google Maps Wat Nak Prok
6. Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen
If there’s ever an update in the near future, this entry won’t be there
Located by a canal in Phasi Charoen, this temple is truly a feast for the eyes! Wat Pakhan Phasi Charoen makes this list but will soon be off of it due to the amount of attention this temple is getting. Tourist images of Bangkok typically feature Wat Arun along the river, but Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen’s giant Buddha statue is giving it a run for its money. This amazing temple complex is home to the aforementioned statue, and many other amazing works of art! Go there before it becomes crowded with tourists!
300, Ratchamongkhon Prasat Alley, Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok 10160
View on Google Maps วัดปากน้ำภาษีเจริญ
5. Wat Thep Thidaram Worawihan
A temple worthy of a poet
This beautiful temple is well-known for being the residence of Sunthorn Phu, very much considered the “Shakespeare” of Thailand. Sunthorn Phu left behind a wide array or poems that gave insight on Thai history and way of life, and he is recognized as a UNESCO great world poet.
His residence within the temple complex is now the Sunthorn Phu museum.
If you’d like a glimpse into Thai history from the Rama I and Rama II reigns then this temple is definitely a reason to visit just for Sunthorn Phu’s influence alone!
70 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
View on Google Maps Wat Thep Thidaram Worawihan
4. Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan
The metal castle is a sight to behold
A strange entry on this list as it very much deserves to be crawling with tourists! Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan is best known for its 37 metal spirals. This is the reason for its nickname of Loha Prasat or the “Metal Castle”. Despite being started in the mid 1800’s by Rama III, it was actually Rama IX that finished its construction and finally made it open to the public in 2007.
Truly an amazing place for a photo op to take back home. Why it’s not a bigger tourist destination or used in more promotional material is beyond us.
2 Maha Chai Rd, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
View on Google Maps Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan
3. Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwaranam
The marble temple is a standout among relatively undervisited temples
Wat Benchamabophit is known as “The Marble Temple” because its architecture consists of the use of Italian marble for construction. Beautifully designed, the interiors of this famous temple are decorated with lacquer and gold. The walls are painted with the locations of the most important stupas within the country, and the cloister is adorned with 52 different Buddha images.
If you’re a fan of The Amazing Race, this temple was featured in season 9 as the final elimination pitstop!
69 Rama V Rd, Dusit, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300
View on Google Maps Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram
2. Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan
The axis mundi of temples on the Thonburi side of Bangkok
Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan is an absolute mouthful to say. So we’ll shorten it to the colloquial “Wat Prayun” which is what the locals refer to it as.
Wat Prayun is famous for a few different things. It has a serene turtle pond, but within that turtle pond is a strange miniature mountain. This mountain is meant to represent Mount Meru, the axis mundi of the Hindu universe. The most famous of Wat Prayun’s offerings would be its white stupa which is said to house relics of the Buddha.
Definitely worth a visit if you’re on the Thonburi side of Bangkok. This temple should be your first stop on that end of the capital while working your way to the other temples there.
24 Prajadhipok Rd, Wat Kanlaya, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600
View on Google Maps Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan
1. Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan
A perfect blend of Thai and European art and architecture
There’s a lot of fanfare for temples and other historical areas in the Grand Palace district, but this temple is one of the lesser visited among others like Wat Pho.
The architectural and interior layout of the temple is gorgeous, with clear European influences. The gothic style of the temple makes for a breathtaking visit as there’s nothing else like it in the capital.
Wat Ratchabophit takes the top spot for not only its uniqueness, but also its proximity to other tourist destinations!
You can see our list of the Top 10 tourist popular temples in Bangkok worth visiting here.
2 Fueang Nakhon Rd, แขวง วัดราชบพิธ Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
View on Google Maps Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan
