5 temples in Bangkok to visit this New Years.

December 25, 2023 Tanyaporn R.

To celebrate the New Year many Thais will visit a temple or a few for good luck and as a good start to the new year. You can follow this tradition for a good blessing and to visit the beautiful temples in Thailand. The 5 temples we recommend are easy to travel to in Bangkok as they are located near BTS and MRT stations.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

Perhaps the most popular temple in Thailand for tourists. The temple is very big and there is much to see. Extremely well maintained in the old Bangkok area. The temple opens from 8.30 to 15.30. With public transportation, you can travel to this temple by exiting BTS Saphan Taksin BTS Station and taking the boat or if you choose MRT then the temple is just near Sanam Chai MRT Station.

Wat Pho

This is an ancient and iconic temple in Bangkok. This is where you can find the reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is open to visitors from 8.30 to 15.30. Travel to the reclining Buddha using the same methods as traveling to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)

Famous for its architecture and located right by the Chao Praya River this is a temple especially beautiful at dawn. Wat Arun is open to visitors from 8.00 to 18.00. If using the BTS you can travel to the temple similar to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. If using the MRT then you can exit at Itsaraphap Station and take a 10 minute walk.

Wat Hua Lamphong

This temple is where you can donate to the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and join in the tradition of making coffin donation. Many Thais will travel to this temple every year to bring good luck to their life. The temple is open 24/7 and can be traveled to using the MRT Sam Yan Station.

Dragon Temple (Wat Mangkon Kamalawat)

This is a beautiful Chinese temple located conveniently in Bangkok. Chinese and Thais will travel to this temple fix their fortune according to the Chinese zodiac horoscope. This temple is very busy with people chasing their bad luck away and it is recommended to join this tradition for the full experience. The temple is open from 8.00 to 16.00 and can be visited using the Wat Mangkon MRT Station.