Temple Wat Arun

Top 4 most beautiful temples in Bangkok2026 ranking

Discover below the temples most appreciated by our members in Bangkok. You can also contribute to this ranking by publishing your reviews :)

Our members' favourite temples, approved by the editors

#1 Wat Arun +14 recs 5/5

In Bangkok, Wat Pho is not the only temple on your list. Wat Arun, located just across the river, stands as a prime example of Buddhist religious art. Reaching 85 meters at the peak of its central Prang, the trident of Shiva watches over the temple and the Chao Phraya river. Following renovations in 2017, the site remains in excellent condition.

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#2 Wat Pho +13 recs 5/5

After the capital moved in 1767, Wat Pho earned the title of royal monastery. Significant expansions followed in 1939, growing the site to over 20 acres and housing the iconic Reclining Buddha. Today, 12,000 daily visitors explore the intricate tilework, friezes, and the resident school of traditional medicine and massage in Bangkok.

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#3 Emerald Buddha Temple +7 recs 5/5

The Emerald Buddha Temple, or Wat Phra Kaeo, is the most sacred site in Bangkok. Built by Rama I in 1782 within the royal palace grounds, it was originally restricted to the royal family. Since 1784, it has housed the Emerald Buddha, a statue revered nationwide, where locals gather for regular prayers and national rituals.

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The rest of the ranking

Latest reviews

Stunning

Wat Arun temple is a must-see in Bangkok. We hadn't done it yet, and it really is a visit you shouldn't miss. The architecture is magnificent, different from the other temples, and the atmosphere at s…

24 0

Breathtaking

The Emerald Buddha Temple is absolutely grand, a breathtaking place. The interior is so impressive that it is hard to find the right words to describe it. Just know that taking photos inside the room…

10 0

Magnificent

Wat Arun temple is absolutely magnificent and grand, a real jewel by the river. It is a place that is truly worth the trip during a stay in Bangkok. Of course, there are a lot of people, but that is…

12 0

A must-see

The temple housing the famous reclining Buddha is simply a must-see in Bangkok. The statue is huge and impressive. Beyond this majestic work, wandering around the temple grounds is a real pleasure. Y…

8 0

A beautiful temple by the water

Another beautiful, must-see Buddhist temple in Bangkok! Wat Arun is located on the other side of the Chao Phraya River from Wat Pho. With its characteristic spire shape, it has a lot of charm, too. Th…

10 0

The Reclining Buddha is huge

Wat Pho is certainly the most famous temple in Bangkok, Thailand. It is best known for its huge reclining Buddha, which measures 46 meters long (and 15 meters high, no less). I found it even more impr…

8 0

Very beautiful and free!

Definitely don't listen to the tuk-tuk drivers who tell you it's closed. It's almost certainly open, and it's free too. The temple is very beautiful, both the Reclining Buddha inside and the site outs…

4 0

Stunning, too bad about the construction work!

I went there in November 2015, and despite the construction and scaffolding, the visit is worth it. You get there by taking a ferry that costs almost nothing from the bank right across the way. It is…

7 0

Rankings by travellers, for travellers

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1 positive review = +1 reco

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