Exploring Bangkok's Most Stunning Temples: Our Families Top 4 Picks
- Bec Luck-Baker
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
Bangkok is a city filled with stunning temples, each offering a unique glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. As a family, we love exploring historical and architectural wonders, and during our recent trip, we visited four incredible temples. Here’s our honest review, including entry fees, the best times to visit, and the easiest ways to get there.
1. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – 10/10
Wat Arun is undoubtedly the most breathtaking temple we visited, earning a perfect 10/10 from our family. Its iconic central prang, decorated with colorful porcelain, makes for stunning photographs, especially during golden hour.
Entry Fee: 100 THB per person
Best Time to Visit: Sunset (golden hour) for the most magical views
Getting There: The best way to reach Wat Arun is by taking the Chao Phraya Express Boat (15-30 THB, depending on the route). Get off at the Tha Tien Pier and take a short ferry ride across the river for just 5 THB.
2. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) – 7/10
Home to the famous 46-meter-long reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s must-visit temples. It’s also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, making it an excellent stop if you want to experience a relaxing massage in a historic setting.
Entry Fee: 200 THB per person (includes a free bottle of water)
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds and heat
Getting There: Like Wat Arun, the best way to reach Wat Pho is via the Chao Phraya Express Boat. Get off at Tha Tien Pier and walk just a few minutes to the entrance.
3. Grand Palace – 6/10
While the Grand Palace is undeniably beautiful and historically significant, we found it to be extremely crowded and a bit overwhelming. That being said, the dazzling architecture and the revered Emerald Buddha within Wat Phra Kaew make it worth visiting at least once.
Entry Fee: 500 THB per person
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to beat the crowds and heat
Getting There: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang Pier. From there, it’s just a short walk to the entrance.
4. Wat Sam Phran (Dragon Temple) – 9/10
Wat Sam Phran is unlike any other temple in Bangkok. Located about 40 km west of the city, this pink cylindrical tower wrapped by a giant dragon is a sight to behold. It’s not as touristy as the other temples, which made our experience even more special.
Entry Fee: Free (donations encouraged)
Best Time to Visit: Late morning to early afternoon for the best lighting
Getting There: Since this temple is quite far from the city, we hired a private driver, which cost us around 1,500-2,000 THB for a round trip. It was absolutely worth the journey!
Best Way to Explore Bangkok’s Temples
For the first three temples, the Chao Phraya Express Boat is the most convenient and scenic way to travel. The standard fare ranges from 15-30 THB per person, making it an affordable and enjoyable experience. You can purchase tickets at the piers or simply pay onboard.
As for Wat Sam Phran, hiring a driver is the best option, especially if traveling with kids or in a group. The drive takes about an hour from central Bangkok, but the temple’s unique architecture and serene atmosphere make it a memorable stop.
Final Thoughts
Each temple we visited offered a different experience, from the grandeur of the Grand Palace to the mythical charm of Wat Sam Phran. If you have limited time, our top recommendation is Wat Arun at sunset, followed closely by Wat Sam Phran for something truly unique.
Bangkok’s temples are not just places of worship but also stunning architectural masterpieces that tell a story of Thailand’s rich history and culture. Whether you take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River or venture out to the lesser-known gems, exploring these temples is an experience you won’t forget!
Make sure you check back in October as we leave for Thailand again where we will be spending 2 months in Bangkok exploring all the temples we are yet to see
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