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10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok

10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in Asia with its impressive diverse cultural identity. Hence, we are giving you these top 10 must-see monuments you should visit, never forget to add to your travel itinerary.




The Grand Palace

10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok
Image: @daryawildwanderlust Instagram

Bangkok’s most famous landmark, and the number one must-see attraction for newcomers. Has to be the dazzlingly spectacular Grand Palace, located in the heart of the Old City. Since its construction in 1782, it has been the home of the Thai King, the Royal court, and the administrative seat of government. However, for the hordes of visitors that arrive each day, it’s the beautiful architecture, intricate artistic detail, and expertly manicured grounds that make it so visually entrancing. The entire complex is quite large, and it can take several hours to see everything. One of the main draws is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, but very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. There is also a strict dress code for visitors like no tank tops including tops with tiny sleeves, bare feet, bare shoulders, shorts too high, etc.

There is a souvenir shop inside (before entrance) for T-shirts and sarongs to cover up yourselves before entering.


Admission: The palace is open daily from 8:30AM till 3:30PM (except during some special holidays, like the King’s Birthday), and adult admission is 500baht.




Wat Pho

10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok
Image: @cristina.de.la.torre Instagram

Commonly referred to as ‘The Temple of the Reclining Buddha', Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s largest temple complexes. Located in the historic Old City – not far from the Grand Palace – the temple is famous for its giant reclining Buddha, which is covered in gold leaf and measures 46 metres long by 15 metres high. Construction was completed in 1788, and the property also includes four chapels that contain 394 gilded Buddha images and intricately detailed murals that cover the walkways.

Nowadays, Wat Pho is also considered the leading school of massage in Thailand, making it a great place to get traditional Thai massage treatment. Visitors must wear appropriate clothing, meaning no exposed shoulders, or exposed skin above the knee.


Admission: The temple is open daily from 8:00AM till 5:00PM an adult admission of 200baht (with free bottled water per ticket).




Wat Arun

10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok
Image: @yuktravel Instagram

Historic and stunning to behold, Wat Arun also known as the ‘Temple of the Dawn’, is said to have been first envisioned by King Taksin back in 1768. After fleeing the former capital of Ayutthaya, which was besieged by the Burmese army, he arrived at this spot – on the west side of Chao Praya River, now opposite Tha Thien Pier – just as dawn was breaking. The temple once housed the Emerald Buddha, but it was relocated when the capital and Palace were moved to the opposite side of the river. During the reign of Rama III (between 1824 and 1851) the central prang was extended and the spires were decorated with porcelain so they would glimmer in the sunshine. The temple recently underwent an extensive cleaning and renovation, and now that the scaffolding has been removed it once again takes its place as one of the most reverend riverside landmarks.


Admission:
The temple is open from 8:00AM to 5:30PM, and admission is 100baht.




Wat Saket

10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok
Image: @amazingthainess Instagram

Also known as the ‘Temple of the Golden Mount’, Wat Saket sits atop an artificial man-made hill, located between Boriphat Road and Lan Lunag Road, and getting to the top requires a climb up some 300 steps. According to an inscription, the circumference of the pagoda base is 330 metres, and the total height is 76.5 metres – which means stunning panoramic views of the Old City from the summit. There is also a spooky cemetery built into the base of the Golden Mount because in the late 18th century it served as the capital’s crematorium and the dumping ground for some 60,000 plague victims. Each November a large Temple Fair takes place here, complete with colored lanterns, decorative flags, food vendors, and fairground games and rides, and during this period the golden chedi is also draped in massive bright-red cloth.


Admission: Wat Saket is open daily from 9:00AM until 5:00PM and admission is free.




Loha Prasat

10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok
Image: @bangkok_tips Instagram

Wat Ratchanatdaram is a Buddhist temple located at the intersection of Ratchadamnoen Klang and Maha Chai Road, and within its beautiful ground sits Loha Prasat, which translates as “iron castle” or “iron monastery”. Construction began in 1846, and the highlight of the 36-meter-high building is its 37 metal spires (symbolizing the 37 virtues that are required to reach enlightenment, link here).  These spires used to be black, but were recently painted gold, giving the structure a very different look. There is a golden seated Buddha within the temple, as well as many beautiful murals, paintings, and door carvings, and the labyrinthine interior also features many small meditation cells used by monks.


Admission: Opens daily with 20baht admission





Phra Sumen Fort

10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok
Image: @chipmunknoii Instagram

Only two forts remain out of the 14 that were built more than two centuries ago to protect Bangkok from possible invasions. For many, Phra Sumen Fort constructed in 1782 and located on the Eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River – on Phra Athit Road (near Phra Athit pier) – is the most interesting to visit. The octagonal white-colored structure stands three floors high and contains a number of rooms where weapons and ammunition were stored. On the top floor is a museum displaying items found in the fort during its renovation.


Admission: The fort is open daily and admission is free.




Wat Benchamabophit

10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok
Image: @kateisoverseas Instagram

Despite being one of Bangkok’s most beautiful temples, Wat Benchamabophit – also known as ‘Marble Temple’ is not as visited as some of the city’s other major temple landmarks. Located at the intersection of Thanon Rama V and Thanon Si Ayutthaya, the temple was constructed in 1899 under the orders of King Chulalongkom the Great (Rama V). The marble ubosot was designed by Prince Narisara Nuvativongse, half-brother of King Chulalongkorn, and utilized Carrara marble imported from Italy (hence the building’s nickname).


Admission: Opens daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM and admission fee of 20baht. Dress appropriately.




Democracy Monument

10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok
Image: @craigschuler Instagram

Located on Ratchadamnoen Klang – a grand, European-style boulevard in the Old City – the aptly named Democracy Monument was built in 1939 to commemorate the 1932 revolution that ended the absolute monarchy and introduced Siam’s first constitution. The design of the monument incorporates Art Deco and Socialist era artistic styles, which were born popular at the time, and is also full of numerical symbolism. For example, the four wings are each 24 metres high, signifying the 24th of June, the date the new constitution was signed. Not surprisingly, during periods of military dictatorships demonstrators have assembled here to protest and call for a return to democracy (most notably in 1973, 1992, and 2014).


Admission: FREE




Jim Thompson House

10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok
Image: @mainichibiyori Instagram

Now an exquisite museum, the Jim Thompson House was once as the name suggests, the home of American businessman and silk magnate Jim Thompson, who arrived in Bangkok shortly after the end of World War II. In 1959 construction began on this grand former residence, which was meant to both house Thompson’s unparalleled collection of Southern Asian art and artifacts, and also preserve traditional Thai-style houses – primarily constructed of wood, and collected from all parts of Thailand in the 1950s and 1960s – which were incorporated into the overall structure. Tragically, Jim Thompson mysteriously disappeared forever in 1967, but his amazing legacy lives on. The museum is located at 6 Soi Kasemsan 2 (a block away from Bangkok National Stadium).


Admission: Opens daily from 9:00AM till 6:00PM, with an admission fee of 150baht for adults.





Erawan Shrine

10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok

Conveniently located just outside the Chit Lom BTS station, the immensely popular Erawan Shrine was erected in 1956 in order to mitigate the bad karma suspected to be the cause of all the trouble besetting the building of the government-owned Erawan Hotel (mishaps included cost overruns, injuries laborers, and the loss of a shipload of Italian marble). After consultations with astrologers, a shrine to honour the four-faced Brahman God Than Tao Mahaprom was considered to be an auspicious solution. The Erawan Hotel eventually opened to unanimous acclaim, although it was replaced in 1991 by the privately-owned Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. In August of 2015, a bomb exploded at the gates of the shrine, leaving 20 people dead, but devotees still flock here dutifully night and day to worship and, on occasion hire the shrine’s resident Thai dancers to perform – thus ensuring that their prayers at the shrine are answered.


10 Must See Monuments in Bangkok

Have you been to these famous Bangkok landmarks? Which one is your favorite spot?





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70 comments :

  1. I could spend eternity here! These places are gorgeous. How long do you think it would take to visit all 10 places?

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    1. 2-weeks of stay would be nice and not too stressful to complete all of these 10!

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  2. Everything is so ornate and lovely. What a rich culture. I would love to go over and visit sometime. The rich history. It is great that they keep these monuments available!

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    1. That is true. I visited some of them and they are breathtaking!

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  3. Bankok is definitely on my bucket list. I would also like to visit as many Buddha statues as possible. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Each Buddha statues are different, and you will feel a different aura especially if you are a spiritual person.

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  4. I want to go back to Thailand again. Many places I want to see, especially the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho). This place is totally amazing, super mystic buddist icon.

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    Replies
    1. I visited him again last weekend and still never stops to amazed me.

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  5. Bangkok is definitely on my bucket list so I will try to visit these when I finally make it! Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. The best time to visit Bangkok and the rest of Thailand is during summer season.

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  6. This is a place on my bucket list & now I want to make it happen. Beautiful pix!

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  7. Your photos are so vibrant and beautiful, it transports me right to Thailand. I would love to visit one day. The architecture looks so stunning.

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  8. What's crazy is I was born in Bangkok, Thailand! I want to go back someday!

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    Replies
    1. Ohh that is sweet! Come back coz your homeland is one of the beauty of Asia :D

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  9. I haven’t visited Bangkok yet, but it’s on my bucket list! I would love to see these landmarks in person one day. The Marble Temple is beautiful!

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  10. Jane Dempster-SmithMarch 9, 2019 at 5:41 AM

    Thanks for this article. It is timely as we are heading to Bangkok next month. It is a city that we have visited many times but some of the Wats are new to us. I really enjoyed visiting Jim Thompsons House.

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    1. That is so sweet! You are visiting just in time for the annual Sokran Festival!

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  11. Great list. I will surely include that to my itinerary. Thanks for sharing. :)

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  12. The architecture of the Bangkok Grand Palace is absolutely incredible! I think I know where I'm going come November. I definitely need to see the temple fair at Wat Saket.

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    Replies
    1. You don't need more money to visit them all! Very affordable and you shouldn't miss it.

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  13. These are all stunning monuments. Hope to go to Bangkok with my family soon.

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  14. Bangkok is on my must visit list, although I am just wanting to go there because of the food, but you bring out some great places that should be visited while in the city, especially the palace it looks amazing :O

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    1. Ohh the food is great and cheap! I suggest take the opportunity to dine at small thai home eatery. It's cheap and reliable.

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  15. I've done 10/10. Most of them were too touristy and very crowded but definitely worth visiting while in Bangkok.

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    1. There are new Wats that are not yet touristic such as the one I visited last weekend in Bangsar.

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  16. LOHA PRASAT really looks good..

    Thanks for sharing.

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  17. Bangkok looks like an amazing place! I would love to see the Grand Palace!

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    Replies
    1. Grand Palace is such an amazing breathtaking place You need 1 whole day to enjoy it, which included 4 museums and a traditional dance show.

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  18. Bangkok never fails to attract me with Buddha statues. Great post & Pictures.

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  19. I am loving all these suggestions. I absolutely love Bangkok and have been lucky to see so much of it...but from your list there is still even more to see!!! I loved the Grand Palace and felt you could absolutely spend the full day exploring and still not see all of it. The Wat Saket looks incredible and I am sad that I haven't seen this yet. This is going on my list of things to do when I am in Bangkok in a few months time.

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  20. Oh man! i think I have only been to 3 out of 10. I wish I could see all of them if I get a chance to travel again to Bangkok.

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    1. Well, hopefully soon you will complete this list :D

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  21. This is one of the best place to spend vacations in the world. The pictures are absolutely beautiful and thanks for sharing your experience here.
    Elizabeth O

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    1. Absolutely, you can enjoy good attractions and great affordable food.

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  22. When I was still teaching in Indonesia, all my friends love visiting Thailand! No wonder it's because it's filled with so many beautiful places!

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    Replies
    1. That's true! Oh I wish to visit Indonesia soon :D

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  23. Such beautiful pictures. I would love to visit Bangkok. This was a great post.

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  24. Thanks for this awesome list! Thailand is so high on my list and I need all the suggestions I can get. Bangkok seems to have so many amazing monuments

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  25. I've always wanted to go to Bangkok! Thanks so much for the advice! I can't wait to get planning :)

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    Replies
    1. Plan a visit during summer season in Thailand. Its the best season!

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  26. These monuments are impressive in their own way! I've been to The Grand Palace and Wat Arun only and I was struck with their beauty. I agree with you that The Grand Palace is a must-see for first timers in Bangkok. You don't vacationing in Bangkok if you don't go there.

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    1. It is stunning and even made me daydream that The Grand Palace is my home for a few hours :D

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  27. very nice scenery of these places/ monuments, absolutely love the photos that you have captured. Wishing I will be travel & visit some of the monuments :D cheers, siennylovesdrawing

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    1. Oh you can always visit anytime! Bangkok will always welcome you :D

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  28. BKK is one place in my bucketlist! I'm so thrilled reading your post about it!

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  29. These are beautiful places. I would love to visit Bangkok someday and visit these monuments

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  30. I love Bangkok in fact we were there a couple of weeks ago. So far, I was able to visit 7/10 on the list. Would love to see the Wat Saket during our next visit. Thank you for sharing these.

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  31. To be honest, the whole of Bangkok seems quite beautiful and I'd definitely love to visit someday.

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    Replies
    1. Its like each time I visit there is something new!

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  32. Having only visited Bangkok for a weekend in 2016, I'm sad to say I missed most of the things on your list! I will for sure be seeing Wat Pho and Wat Arun the next time I'm here! I'm currently based in HCMC, Vietnam, so I'm hoping to visit again soon. Even though I was only there for one weekend, I really loved Bangkok :) Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Wow I want to travel to Vietnam too! Any travel tips and places you can recommend to us?

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  33. That's a great list that you have shared. I have been living here since last couple of years and I have managed to visit most of them like Wat Pho and Wat Arun. But surprisingly I am yet to visit Grand Palace. I guess I need to checklist these before I leave Thailand.

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    1. Oh you will enjoy The Grand Palace. Your ticket though quite pricey is still worth it. It includes a visit to the Queens Textile Museum and her collection of designer clothes!

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  34. I love Thai monuments in Bangkok, especially Grand Palace and Wat Pho. I missed Wat Arun due to lack of time but will do it another time. Thanks for sharing a great list.

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    1. The Wat Arun needs your focus in order to enjoy it :D

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  35. I have been to Bangkok twice and each time I visit this city, I get mesmarized by their big tall eye-arresting moments. I have been to almost everywhere except Wat Saket. It looks absolutely amazing. Now it's on my list.

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