Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew are the three temples that should be on your must-see-list when visiting Bangkok. These 3 are all located along Chao Phraya River and can be easily reached without any hassle.
How to Commute
- Take BTS Silom Line and get off at Saphan Taksin Station (Exit 2) for Sathorn Pier. The pier is just about 2-3 mins walk from the station’s exit.
- Ride a single-journey ticket for Chao Phraya Tourist Boat for 50 TBH.
- Get off at N9-Tha Chang and walk towards Grand Palace for the Temple of Emerald Buddha.
- After visiting Grand Palace, walk to Wat Pho for about 10-15 mins. You also have the option to ride a tuk-tuk instead.
- Next to Wat Pho, ride a Special River Boat for 3.50 baht going to Wat Arun.
- From Wat Arun at Pier N8-Tha Tien, take an Express Boat back to Sathorn Pier at 14 baht.
Total Fare (BnF): 67.50 Baht
What to See
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
Named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn, this temple is one of the most striking landmarks of Thailand. If you’re into Buddhism, this is an architectural representation of Mount Meru, the place that said to represent the center of the universe. The four-corner prang of Wat Arun houses the images of guardian gods of 4 directions.
- Open: Daily
- Hours: 7:30-17:00
- Entry Fee: 50 TBH
- Dress Code: Polite
Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha)
Having 99 pagodas, this temple has the most number of pagodas in Thailand. It is the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Bangkok and home of the country’s largest Buddha. Three of the most important pagodas are of King Rama I, King Rama II and King Rama IV.
- Open: Daily
- Hours: 8:00-17:00
- Entry Fee: 100 TBH (With free bottled water)
- Dress Code: Polite
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha) @ Grand Palace
Located within the precincts of Grand Palace, Temple of Emerald Buddha is regarded as the most sacred Buddist temple in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha is a religious-political symbol and the protective image of the country’s society. (“It was prophesized that the Buddha would bring prosperity and pre-eminence to each country in which it resides.”-Wiki)
- Open: Daily
- Hours: 8:30-15:30
- Entry Fee: 500 TBH
- Dress Code: Strict
They say that you can never claim that you’ve been to Thailand if you haven’t seen these majestic beauties. Each has its own blueprint and intricateness that fills you amazement with their architecture and art. This easy guide can let you roam around these 3 temples in 1 day or even half, if you have tight travel schedule. Just follow it to save some bahts on your fares.
For my 5D5N Thailand itinerary, click HERE.
Enjoy and have fun!
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