7 Best Temples in Bangkok: A Magical One Week Family Itinerary
A Few Favourites From The Land of Temples
If you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, Bangkok is an absolute treasure trove of culture, architecture, and world class cuisine. During our three week journey through Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore in December 2025, we dedicated an entire week to exploring the Thai capital. While many travelers head straight for the islands, we chose to immerse ourselves in the city’s heart.
Using Grab to navigate was incredibly reliable and affordable for our family. However, the true highlight of our trip was the spiritual architecture. Bangkok is filled with stunning temples, and we prioritized these seven locations that left us absolutely mesmerized.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
📸 Image Rights: All photos are our own. Please contact us for permission to reuse.
Arriving in Bangkok
- Via Bus: Bangkok is the gateway to Thailand, with routes to Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai. To compare schedules and secure your seats, book through 12Go Asia here.
- Via Flight: Most travelers land at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for international full-service flights or Don Mueang (DMK) for budget and domestic carriers. To find the best airfare across both hubs, search and book here.
Planning Your Bangkok Trip
- Where to Stay: Finding the right base is key for families. Book a hotel here.
- Connectivity: Stay connected as soon as you land with a local eSIM. We recommend:
- Airalo for budget-friendly and basic plans. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Getting Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Our exploration officially began at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). These are the two most iconic landmarks in Bangkok, situated within a massive, glittering complex.
- Entry Fee: 500 THB for foreigners.
- Highlight: The Emerald Buddha is a highly revered statue, and the palace architecture is breathtaking.
Pro tip: Secure your spot below and save yourself a trip to the ticket booth.
We spent over two hours wandering through the grounds. Even though some sections were closed for a royal ceremony, the intricate tapestries and gold embellishments were stunning. It is the perfect introduction to Thai royalty and religion.
Wat Pho: The Temple of the Reclining Buddha
On our third day, we visited Wat Pho. This temple is world famous for its massive, gold plated Reclining Buddha statue.
- Entry Fee: 300 THB.
- Highlight: The 46 meter long Buddha and the unique crocodile pond.
Pro tip: Save time by booking your tickets directly through this tool.
The complex is quite large and includes beautiful murals and chapels. While it was somewhat overcrowded with tourists, seeing the scale of the Reclining Buddha in person is a must do experience.
Wat Saket: The Golden Mount
For those who don’t mind a bit of exercise, Wat Saket is essential. We climbed 320 steps to reach the top of the Golden Mount.
- Entry Fee: 100 THB.
- Highlight: Panoramic 360 degree views of Bangkok.
The climb itself is wonderful, surrounded by lush greenery and misting fans that keep you cool. Once at the summit, the golden chedi and the city skyline provide a perfect backdrop for photos.
Wat Benchamabophit: The Marble Temple
To get here, we took a Tuk-Tuk to satisfy the kids’ checklist! Wat Benchamabophit was one of my personal favorites because it was peaceful and lacked the heavy crowds of other sites.
- Entry Fee: 100 THB.
- Highlight: Carrara marble construction and a soothing white aesthetic.
Unlike the gold heavy designs of other temples, this one is primarily white marble, making it extremely photogenic and calming. The gardens surrounding the courtyard are perfect for a quiet stroll.
Wat Arun: The Temple of Dawn
On day six, we crossed toward the river to visit Wat Arun. Its towering prang (spire) decorated with porcelain is a masterpiece of design.
- Entry Fee: 200 THB.
- Highlight: The riverside location and intricate porcelain details.
Pro tip: Book right here to skip the line and save time.
The view of the temple against the Chao Phraya River is iconic. We spent about an hour here marveling at how different the textures are compared to the Grand Palace.
Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan
A short walk from Wat Arun led us to Wat Kanlayanamit. This is a hidden gem that many tourists skip.
- Entry Fee: Free.
- Highlight: A massive seated Buddha and a peaceful, local atmosphere.
Since there were very few tourists, we could appreciate the architecture in total silence.
Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan
Our final stop was Wat Prayurawongsawas. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovations during our visit, but the exterior architecture was still worth seeing. It is a beautiful, less crowded spot that features a large white stupa.
Final Remarks
Beyond the temples, we fell in love with the culture and the food. As a family looking for Halal Thai food, we were ecstatic to find so many authentic restaurants. Bangkok is incredibly kid friendly, and the hospitality of the locals made our stay magical. If you are traveling with little ones, Thailand should be at the top of your list.
Love this itinerary? We’d be happy to build a personalized one just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
If you are looking for travel essentials, check out our Resources section for hand-picked products that make travel stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code for Bangkok temples?
Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees. Tight leggings or ripped jeans are often not allowed, especially at the Grand Palace.
Is Bangkok easy to navigate with kids?
Yes! Using the Grab app makes transport simple, and many malls have excellent facilities for families.
When is the best time to visit these temples?
Go as early as possible to avoid the heat and the largest tour groups.
