Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit)

The Basics

Completed in 1911 under the instruction of King Rama V, the Marble Temple houses several notable artifacts. Come to see the replica of an important 14th-century Buddha statue—the ashes of Rama V are buried beneath it. Peek into the galleries around the main hall to see 52 more Buddha statues, which were collected from different parts of the region and depict the Buddha in different ways.

Visit the Marble Temple on a guided tour to avoid transportation hassles and to fit more sightseeing into your day. Tours often wrap several important Bangkok temples into a half- or full-day experience and include private and group options.

Things to Know Before You Go

• As at all Thai temples, dress modestly when visiting. Men and women should cover their knees and shoulders, preferably with full-length clothing.

• Remove your shoes before entering the temple.

• There’s a small entrance fee.

How to Get There

There are no Skytrain or Metro stations nearby, so unless you join a guided tour, the easiest way to reach the Marble Temple is by taxi.

When to Get There

The temple is open daily. Arrive before it's open at 6am to see monks lined up outside with their alms bowls to receive food donations. Time your visit to early in the day to beat the afternoon heat. The Marble Temple is especially festive during Buddhist festivals in February and May, when candlelit processions take place.

Visit the Reclining Buddha Temple

Travelers in Bangkok have no shortage of striking temples to visit. One must-see is Wat Pho, famous for the enormous reclining Buddha statue inside. The huge figure is detailed right down to the whorls on its toes. The temple complex itself is one of the largest in the city.