The royal and old-city temples
Wat Phra Kaew is within the Grand Palace. It holds the Emerald Buddha and has a key place in royal rites. Nearby Wat Pho is known for its reclining Buddha, texts carved in stone, courtyards, and role in learning. Across the river, Wat Arun rises above Thonburi. Pieces of ceramic cover its tall central tower, called a prang.
Wat Suthat has a grand hall and the Giant Swing outside its walls. At Wat Ratchanatdaram, Loha Prasat is known for its many metal spires. Wat Saket climbs a man-made hill to the Golden Mount.
Beyond the best-known monuments
Wat Traimit is near Yaowarat and holds a famed gold Buddha image. Its story is part of the Chinese quarter. Wat Benchamabophit in Dusit is known for pale marble and a finely shaped cloister. To the west, Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen is a large working temple in the canal districts.
A city of many faiths
Faith in Bangkok takes many forms. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is a focus of Chinese religious life in Yaowarat. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple serves a Hindu community on Silom Road. Erawan Shrine is a well-known place of prayer in the heart of the city.