Bangkok’s religious architecture is reflected in striking forms as well as small details. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bangkok, you can first consider whether temple architecture, Buddhist art, palace history or public art will be the cultural focus of your stay.
Temple art in materials, figures and inscriptions
The stupas at Wat Arun Ratchawararam are made of white brick and decorated with shells, porcelain and Benjarong tableware. Most of the tableware comes from China. Sculptures around the temple include kinnari, giants, angels and garudas. Wat Arun is an ancient temple dating from the Ayutthaya period and is considered the royal temple of King Rama II. It stands on the west bank of the Chao Phraya at 34 Arun Amarin Road in Bangkok Yai District.
Wat Pho brings together further architectural and artistic details. The group of four large pagodas is called “Phra Maha Chedi Si Rajakarn” and is surrounded by a white wall with covered gates in the Thai-Chinese style. Old Thai cultural murals can be seen on the temple grounds; the feet and eyes of the Reclining Buddha in the hall are engraved with mother-of-pearl. Wat Pho is a first-class royal monastery associated with the reign of King Rama I and located near the Grand Palace.
Writing is also part of Bangkok’s cultural landscape: Wat Pho’s epigraphic archive comprises 1,440 stone inscriptions in the Thai language and script. They were made between 1831 and 1841. Visitors can experience Buddhist art at Wat Pho, as well as traditional Thai knowledge passed down from earlier times. Murals, decorative works and written records stand side by side there, without any one motif defining the entire site.
More religious sights in Bangkok
At Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan, the spiral staircase has 344 steps. The murals depict, among other things, heaven, earth and hell. Buddha relics are kept at the summit of Phu Khao Thong. These details offer a distinctive view of the temple: the staircase, imagery and relics can be understood as different aspects of the same place.
Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram Worawihan houses a seated Buddha made of solid gold in the Sukhothai style. The statue is called Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon. Its name and precise stylistic designation make it a clearly defined additional focus if you’re interested in religious art and temples in Bangkok.
Palace history, an art venue and transport
The Grand Palace was built after the capital was moved in 1782; its grounds cover 218,000 square metres. They include residential halls, throne halls, administrative buildings and a temple serving as a royal chapel. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew, is located within the palace, serves as a royal chapel and houses the Emerald Buddha.
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is a public venue for art and culture. Its third-floor entrance is connected to the National Stadium BTS station. Chatuchak Weekend Market also has named rail connections: it is served by Mo Chit BTS station and Chatuchak Park MRT station. The BTS Skytrain system has two lines, 60 stations in total and a length of about 68.5 kilometres. It runs through Pathum Thani, Bangkok and Samut Prakan. Check the current routes before travelling, as transport connections may change.
These places represent different themes: temple architecture and religious art, palace history, a public art venue or a market. This selection can help you consider Bangkok as a destination and tailor your hotel search to your cultural interests.
Discover more destinations: Khan Ham, Saphan Thai, Lat Bua Luang, Rong Chang, Bang Phli, Khu Salot, Nong Khanak, Bang Pahan
Return to the main travel overview: Ayutthaya.
