Before my very first trip to Bangkok, I remember feeling a bit hesitant. My only impression of the city back then was that it was filled with countless temples — big and small, seemingly on every street corner.
I couldn’t help but wonder whether we were really traveling all that way just to visit temples.
Once I actually set foot in downtown Bangkok, I quickly realized — like many travelers do — that the skyline is a striking mix of modern high-rises and glossy shopping malls, layered over a city with deep cultural roots. In certain upscale districts, prices can feel closer to those of major global cities than to what many expect from Southeast Asia. And, of course, there’s the endless variety of incredible food.
It was nothing like the outdated stereotype I had in my head (where that stereotype came from, I’m not quite sure).
As it turned out, I returned to Bangkok several times after that, yet somehow never stepped inside a single temple.
Today, I’m finally making up for that by visiting one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples: Wat Traimit, also known as the Golden Buddha Temple.
If you’re interested in exploring more of the city’s spiritual landmarks, here are three temples you shouldn’t miss:
- Wat Traimit (วัดไตรมิตรวิทยารามวรวิหาร) — also known as the Golden Buddha Temple
- Wat Pho (วัดพระเชตุพนวิมลมังคลารามราชวรมหาวิหาร) — home to the famous Reclining Buddha
- Wat Phra Kaew (วัดพระศรีรัตนศาสดาราม) — the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha
How to Get to Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha Temple)
Wat Traimit is conveniently located right next to Bangkok Chinatown.
If you’re heading to Chinatown by MRT, you’ll pass the temple along the way — it sits directly on one of the main walking routes. That’s exactly how we ended up here, stopping by almost by chance on our way to Chinatown.
For more about the area, see our earlier article: Bangkok Chinatown — Truly the Ultimate Thai Street Food Paradise.
We took the MRT to Hua Lamphong Station (Exit 1) and walked toward Hua Lamphong Railway Station. (Tip: Google Maps is especially helpful here.) After crossing the canal and walking for a few more minutes, you’ll spot Wat Traimit’s gleaming golden spire from afar — it’s hard to miss.
Update: While Hua Lamphong remains the name of the MRT station, most long-distance trains in Bangkok now depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. Travelers arriving by or connecting to long-distance rail services should plan accordingly.
Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha Temple)
Open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm.
How to get there: Take the MRT to Hua Lamphong Station, then walk about 10 minutes.
661 Tri Mit Rd, Khwaeng Talat Noi, Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Wat Traimit Thai Address (วัดไตรมิตรวิทยารามวรวิหาร):
661 ถนน ตรีมิตร แขวง ตลาดน้อย เขต สัมพันธวงศ์ กรุงเทพมหานคร 10100 ประเทศไทย
Thailand’s National Treasure: The World’s Largest Golden Buddha
Wat Traimit is a major spiritual hub for Bangkok’s Chinese community. Its second and third floors house the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center, a cultural space dedicated to the history and heritage of Bangkok’s Chinese residents. The temple is often lively, with locals regularly stopping by to pay their respects.
The main highlight, however, awaits on the fourth floor: the Golden Buddha.
Widely regarded as the world’s largest seated golden Buddha, the statue weighs an astonishing 5.5 tons. It is often cited as a solid gold Buddha, making it one of Thailand’s most extraordinary national treasures.
Wat Traimit also feels distinct from many other temples in Bangkok.
Though not particularly large, its architecture is refined and serene.
At sunset, the temple is bathed in a warm golden glow, creating a calm yet quietly powerful atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.
Opening Hours & Ticket Info for Wat Traimit
To view the Golden Buddha on the fourth floor, the entrance fee is 40 THB per person.
Visitors who wish to explore the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center on the second and third floors will need an additional ticket, priced at 100 THB.
The weather on the day of our visit was perfect, with sunlight reflecting beautifully off the temple’s golden spire.
Golden light on golden architecture — a true photographer’s dream. We spent a long time capturing photos and videos from every angle, only to realize, just as we were about to buy our tickets, that visiting hours had already ended.
The main hall closes promptly at 5:00pm. If you’re planning a visit, it’s best to head inside first and save your photography session for afterward. Standing right in front of one of Thailand’s most precious cultural treasures without being able to see it up close was a lesson learned the hard way.
To avoid repeating our mistake, take a look at the video below — and remember to plan your visit with time to spare.