Exploring Wat Traimit, Temple of the Golden Buddha
The majestic center marble building of Wat Traimit, the Phra Maha Mondop
Wat Traimit is a famous temple in Bangkok’s old town area, more specifically the Yaowarat Chinatown district. This divine temple is known to house the world’s largest statue of the Buddha image made entirely from gold!
I actually didn’t plan on visiting Wat Traimit but as I was on my way back from Wat Saket, another famously beautiful temple in Bangkok, I decided to make a quick stop as Wat Traimit was on my way home.
This was actually my first time at Wat Traimit, but I made sure to explore everything thoroughly.
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Wat Traimit, Temple of the Golden Buddha
Can you believe that this is the legendary 700+ year old Golden Buddha statue?
Wat Tramit’s full name is Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan but no one has time to say all that, so the locals just call it Wat Traimit.
As mentioned before, this temple is also known as “The Temple of the Golden Buddha”, the golden Buddha in question is known as Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon, another long name, but it’s okay, the short name is Phra Sukothai Traimit.
History of Wat Traimit’s Golden Buddha
From what I can gather, the history of the Golden Buddha is a mysterious one. The Golden Buddha itself is believed to be over 700 years old but was discovered recently by accident in the 1950s.
The exact origins of the Golden Buddha statue is unknown but what we do know is that it has survived through 3 periods of Thailand’s history:
Sukothai era - when it was believed to have been created
Ayutthaya era - where it survived the destruction of the capital by Burmese forces
Bangkok era - where the statue resides today
Wat Traimit Ticket Prices
Wat Traimit’s entrance fee varies based on what you will be visiting and also whether you are a tourist or not, the entrance fee for Wat Saket is:
Foreigners - 40 THB + 100 THB if you want to enter the museum
Locals - Free
If you are looking to visit other temples around Bangkok’s old town area, then I would recommend you book a tour such as this Bangkok Highlight Temples Day Tour, which will bring you to some of the best must-visit temples in Bangkok like Wat Traimit, Wat Benchamabophit, and Wat Pho.
These tours are great value, in addition to temples you’ll also get the opportunity to experience delicious local Thai cuisine such as the legendary Pad Thai at Thipsamai.
Exploring Wat Traimit Phra Maha Mondop
Wat Traimit stands at just over 5 meters tall
Alright let’s get to exploring Wat Traimit!
Wat Traimit is actually not a single temple but rather a complex of multiple buildings.
Right off the bat, the first structure you’ll notice is the iconic white marble and gold accented central temple known as the Phra Maha Mondop, a four story pavilion which houses the iconic Golden Buddha statue.
This is also the building where you’ll find the Chinatown Heritage Center and Museum which I will talk about briefly later.
Stood at the bottom of Wat Traimit, the whole structure felt very menacing
Can I just say that so far, Wat Traimit is the most architecturally beautiful temple I have ever visited.
Something about the white marble with the gold accents just really speaks to me, it’s totally my aesthetic.
However, the areas surrounding the main temple isn’t all that pretty… There is a large parking space right in front of the Phra Maha Mondop which kind of ruins the overall view.
The gold label says “Phra Maha Mondop” and the name of the Golden Buddha
Anyways walking up to the first floor of the main Wat Traimit temple, you’ll find many of these black stone display plates dotted all around the temple.
These stone displays showcase various decorative flora and imagery and they contrast the white marble struture very beautifully.
Chinatown Heritage Center
The first floor of the Phra Maha Mondop is where you can find the Chinatown Heritage Center where you can learn about the history of Yaowarat Road and the history of Chinese immigrants in Bangkok.
I highly recommend you take a visit to this exhibit because Yaowarat (Chinatown) is a very important history district in Bangkok.
And once you’re done with the learning you can head over to Yaowarat Road to eat some of Bangkok’s most amazing street food.
Wat Traimit’s Smaller Temple
If anyone knows the name of this little temple/praying room, please tell me in the comment section below!
Wat Tramit actually has a smaller temple which unfortunately I do not know the name of…
However this temple seems quite important as many people come here to pray, including myself.
The interior is quite small but its purpose is for you to pray
Inside is a relatively small room decorated with gold furnishings and red carpets. Of course, there is a spot for you to pray to a Buddha image, this statue is NOT the main Golden Buddha, it’s just plated in gold.
If you are wondering, entrance to this small temple is free for both locals and foreigners.
Walking up to the Top of Wat Traimit
I swear there is a ghost hiding in the shadows over there
Walking up to the second floor of the Phra Maha Mondop structure is a bit of a creepy experience, this floor is barren aside from a souvenir shop and an exhibition dedicated to the history and background of the Golden Buddha.
Aside from those two things, it’s just empty dimly light balconies, I swear if you come here during the late evening or night, you’ll likely catch a glimpse os something supernatural…
Souvenir Shop and Golden Buddha Exhibition
Unfortunately when I went, the exhibition and the souvenir shop was closed for renovations, but basically these rooms are like mini museums where you can learn more about the history and mysterious background of the Golden Buddha statue.
The souvenir shop probably contains things like lockets, bracelets, and various other jewelry.
Wat Traimit’s House of the Golden Buddha
Interesting that the serpentine statues on the stairs are protected by acrylic…?
The main highlight of Wat Traimit is the top floor of the Phra Maha Mandop, this is where you’ll find the house that houses the titular golden statue of the Buddha.
The views from this top floor is also beautiful, you’ll be able to enjoy the scenic views of Bangkok’s old town district.
These bells are scattered everywhere but you can’t access them, I wonder what they’re for?
Note that before you enter the central building where the Golden Buddha is housed, you’ll need to take off your shoes.
Don’t worry no one will steal your Nike Boosts or whatever is trending nowadays, I’m not a shoe guy I don’t know.
The Largest Solid Gold Buddha in the World!
The space inside was kind of cramp, it doesn’t help that people stop in front of the door to take pictures
The Golden Buddha is housed in a beautiful interior surrounded by gold accented pillars and decorations.
The Golden Buddha statue is sitting in the center and you are allowed to pray and take pictures.
I’m part of the problem as well, I stopped in front of the door to take this picture…
Surrounding the central Golden Buddha are stalls where you can purchase flowers or souvenirs of the Buddha image, like bracelets and so on.
Even if you aren’t a Buddhist, It’s still impressive to see this Golden Buddha statue, and to be in the presence of such a historically important religious relic.
Details About Wat Traimit
Location: 661 Charoen Krung Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00PM | Mon - Sun
Wat Saket Entrance Fee: Foreigners - 40 THB | Thais - Free
How to get to Wat Traimit
Take the Bangkok MRT (subway) to Hua Lamphong Station. Exit the station through Entrance/Exit 3 and then take a 8 minute walk or use a TukTuk, taxi, or motorbike taxi.
Wat Traimit Tours
There isn’t a Wat Traimit specific tour as you’ll likely only spend a short amount of time there. There are however a lot of tours that include Wat Traimit in their itinerary such as the Bangkok Highlight Temples Day Tour which will bring you to Wat Traimit, Wat Benchamabophit, and Wat Pho. Plus you’ll get to have lunch at an authentic local Thai market.
You can find more great discounted tours and activities in Bangkok at this link here.
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