Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)vsThe Grand Palace
Both are rated highly by expert writers. Overall, The Grand Palace is the choice of most writers compared to Temple of the Golden Buddha. The Grand Palace scores 88 with recommendations from 6 sources including Time Out, Afar Magazine and Lonely Planet.
Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)
Fodor's
Frommer's
Afar Magazine
Travel + Leisure
The Telegraph
661 Chaoren Krung Road, Talad Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
From $0/night
Fodor's "The actual temple has little architectural merit, but off to its side is a small chapel containing the world's largest solid-gold Buddha, cast about nine centuries ago in the Sukhothai style." Full review
Frommer's "Wat Traimit, thought to date from the 13th century, would hardly rate a second glance if not for its astonishing Buddha image." Full review
Afar Magazine "At the top of Wat Traimit Wittayarama, the Royal Temple in Bangkok that houses the Golden Buddha, is a series of bells that can be rung for good luck." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Before heading to Chinatown, make a 30-minute stop at Wat Traimit to see the Golden Buddha." Full review
The Telegraph "Wat Traimit contains a 10ft-tall solid gold Buddha. Pahurat, to the south-east of Chinatown, is Bangkok’s lively Indian community. " Full review
The Grand Palace Travel + Leisure
Time Out Fodor's Afar Magazine
Michelin Guide Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
Independent
Lonely Planet
Na Phra Lan Rd, Maharaj Pier, next to Wat Phra Kaeo Temple Complex, Bangkok, Thailand
From $0/night
Travel + Leisure "Located on the Chao Phraya River, the gold-spired Grand Palace is one of Thailand’s most important sacred sites." Full review
Time Out "Bangkok's paramount must-see sight is this architectural and spiritual treasure, which is twice as dazzling if you see it on a sunny day." Full review
Fodor's "This is Thailand's most revered spot and one of its most visited." Full review
i
Proper attire (no flip-flops, shorts, or bare shoulders or midriffs) is required
Afar Magazine "No trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to the Grand Palace, which sits smack in the middle of the city, while resting elegantly on the banks of the Chao Phraya River." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"The former royal residence of the kings of Siam... the Grand Palace now hosts official ceremonies." Full review
i
In addition to Chakri Mahaprasat palace, where the king lived, don't miss Aphon Phimok Prasat, a beautifully proportioned wooden pavilion, and Dusit Mahat Prasat, built in 1789, recognisable by its gilded spire.
Travel + Leisure "Come early in the morning and grab a guide (or find a local tour group) to help you navigate the ornately decorated halls, pavilions and inner palaces that were once home to Thailand’s monarchy" Full review
Travel + Leisure "Give yourself between 60 and 90 minutes to enjoy the grounds and the stunning shrines—the Emerald Buddha is a must see."
Bangkok Travel Guide
July 14, 2021
i
Make sure to go early to beat the heat.
Independent "The ornate structures include the royal quarters (which are only viewable from the outside but are nonetheless very impressive) and a stunning wat (temple)...there’s also a swish textiles museum"
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Adjoining Wat Phra Kaew is the Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maharatchawang), a former royal residence that is today only used on ceremonial occasions." Full review
