Landmarks and Historic Sites

Bangkok's temples, despite being in the center of a thriving modern metropolis, are some of the finest in all of Asia.

The most spectacular are in the same complex (the old royal city, where the king and a vast number of relatives ran the country until 1932) - the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keo), with their fantastic roof lines and spires, are bright, extravagant and richly ornamented.

They are really best appreciated when crowds are small, so avoid Sundays and Buddhist holidays.

You could conceivably cover these on foot in a single day. But due to the heat, you might want to catch a tuk-tuk or taxi between a few of them.

Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)

Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is on the other side of the Chao Phraya River and should also be visited: Classic Thai dancers are sometimes there (be prepared to pay them a fee for posing).

Another good place to see dancers in traditional dress is at the small Erawan Shrine at the corner of Ratcha-Damri Road and Sumkumvit.
Very popular with locals and camera-toting foreigners, the shrine is a nice place to enjoy the music and dance.

Democracy Monument

Trapped in a huge traffic circle, this monument with its 24-ft-/7-m-high granite wings is an easy landmark to spot. It was built in 1939 to celebrate the 1932 overthrow of the absolute monarchy.

The designer was much inspired by Italian fascist architecture. In the area between there and Sanam Luang, democracy demonstrators were massacred by the army in 1973, 1976 and 1992.

The offerings at this monument honor these dead. Ratchadamnern and Lan Luang Roads, Baan Lampoo (1 mi/1.5 km east of the Chao Phraya River).

Erawan Shrine

Next to the Grand Hyatt hotel, this shrine is a small, simple, open-air sanctuary containing a four-headed bronze Brahman sculpture that's highly revered by Buddhists worldwide. Built by the hotel for good luck, the modest little shrine has become a Buddhist mecca.

Because of miracles attributed to the goddess at this site, Buddhists from around the world come to make offerings and requests, usually in matters of love or in hopes of winning the lottery.

The shrine is one of the best places to see traditional religious dances. Get up early to see the dancers commissioned by people who are making sincere offerings.

Open 24 hours.
Free.
Ratchadamri and Ploenchit Roads (across from Gaysorn Plaza).

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is the most famous structure in all of Thailand with its fantastic roof lines, spires and bright, extravagant ornamentation.

Originally built for King Rama I in the late 18th century, it has evolved into a vast, golden city...a temple compound and a mecca for this country's predominantly Buddhist population.

Wat Phra Kaew, the most important structure inside the walled compound, houses the Emerald Buddha. Carved from a single block of jade, this ancient, holy object rests on a magnificent altar and is said to be a protector of whoever possesses it. Often the booty of war since its discovery in the 15th century, the statue was last looted from Vientiane by King Rama I.

A few rules for visiting the Grand Palace: No shorts or sleeveless shirts; no photography inside the building that houses the Emerald Buddha; women must not touch the monks.

Daily 8:30 am-3:30 pm, but occasionally closed for ceremonies and other events.
They're best appreciated when crowds are small, so avoid Sundays and Buddhist holidays. But don't save it for your last day (most people want to see it more than once).

Admission: 125 baht.
Na Phra Lan Road, phone 222-0094 or phone 222-6889.

Lak Muang

A small temple that contains the foundation stone of the city, this attracts many locals who believe the stone has the power to grant wishes.

If you're lucky, you may see traditional lakhon dancing in the nearby open-air sala.
The dancers have been paid by the faithful whose wishes have been granted by the foundation spirit.

Open 24 hours.
Free.
Sanam Chai Road (between Chareon Krung Road and Bam Rung Muang Road, on the east side of the Grand Palace).

Wat Benchamabophit

Wat Benchamabophit (the Marble Temple) features splendid, symmetrical architecture with gold and lacquer decorations.

It has numerous courtyard Buddhas representing famous styles from other Buddhist countries.

Daily 9 am-5 pm.
Admission: 10 baht.
Sri Ayutthaya Road (in the Dusit area), phone 281-2501.

Wat Po

Next to the Grand Palace, this is one of Bangkok's oldest temples and it's famous for its numerous ceramic-tiled stupas and gold-plated reclining Buddha: It's the largest Buddha in Thailand (152 ft/46 m long). Walk its whole length, the mother-of-pearl inlay on the soles of his feet are sensational.

Daily 8 am-5 pm.
Admission: 10 baht.
Thye Wang and Sanam Chai Road, phone 222-0933.

Wat Saket

Built in the late 1700s, Wat Saket is one of the oldest temples in the city. Its grounds served as a cremation site for common people. It's easy to spot because of a prominent landmark—the Golden Mount—that rises on its grounds. It looks like a yellow concrete hill and is believed to house Buddhist relics. It's worth climbing up for the view.

Daily 8 am-5 pm.
Admission: 10 baht.
Between Boriphat and Lan Luang Roads, south of the Democracy Monument.

Wat Suthat

Located a mile east of the Grand Palace, this temple from the mid 1800s is an interesting blend of Thai and Chinese architecture. It houses some lovely Buddhist relics and ornate murals.

Daily 9 am-5 pm.
Admission: 10 baht.
Tri Thong and Bam Rung Muang Roads.

Wat Tri Mitr

Wat Tri Mitr houses the famous 14th-century Golden Buddha. Primarily of gold and weighing more than 10,000 pounds, it was discovered under an unremarkable cement veneer in 1954, where it had lain hidden for hundreds of years.

Daily 9 am-5 pm.
Admission: 10 baht.
Traimit Road (on the eastern edge of Chinatown, near the Hualampontg Railway Station).