Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)

The Basics

Visits to the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit) are most often included on Bangkok temple tours that also stop at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace and the reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho. Tours typically run about a half day, but full-day itineraries may also take you sightseeing in Bangkok or beyond, with explorations of floating markets and night markets, or a tuk-tuk or canal ride. Some tours include lunch in nearby Chinatown. See the temple as part of a private or small-group tour for more individualized commentary from the guide.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The temple is wheelchair-accessible and includes an elevator as an alternative to the staircases.

• Remember that Buddhist temples are functioning religious sites, so be sure to dress respectfully with covered shoulders. Pants or knee-length skirts are required to enter Thai temples.

• Admission to the temple is free, but there’s a small entrance fee for the museum located on the third floor.

How to Get There

Located on Traimit Road at the end of Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit) is best reached from nearby Hua Lamphong Station, the main railway station in Bangkok. However, the easiest way to visit is with a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation from your hotel.

When to Get There

Due to the remarkable architecture and Golden Buddha statue, Wat Traimit is a popular attraction year-round, so booking your tour early is recommended. It’s best to arrive in the morning to beat the crowds as well as the potential for afternoon heat or rain.

Get a Peek at History

The centuries-old Golden Buddha, seated in a peaceful lotus position, is made of solid gold. Once hidden from invading Burmese armies by a covering of plaster, its gold cast wasn’t discovered until the 1950s. Pieces of the plaster that once formed its disguise can now be found in a display case at the onsite museum.

What is the significance of the Golden Buddha statue at Wat Traimit?

The Golden Buddha statue at the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit) is the world's largest solid gold Buddha statue. It stands nearly 10 feet (3 meters) tall, weighs around 5.5 tons (5,500 kilograms), and reportedly comprises 83 percent pure gold.

Is there an entrance fee to access Wat Traimit or the Golden Buddha Statue?

Yes, there is a separate entrance fee to view the Golden Buddha Statue and to access the museum. Located on the third floor of the temple complex, the museum showcases the statue's history and how it ended up at Wat Traimit. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Can visitors explore other parts of the temple besides the Golden Buddha Hall?

Yes, although the Golden Buddha statue is the highlight of Wat Traimit, there are other areas of interest in the temple complex. Visitors can learn about the history of the gold Buddha statue in the third-floor museum and the Chinese community in Bangkok on the second floor.

Is there any dress code or attire requirement for visiting Wat Traimit?

Yes. Since Wat Traimit is an active place of worship, visitors should be respectfully dressed to enter the temple complex. Visitors should wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders, arms, and legs to enter. Visitors must also remove their shoes before entering certain parts of the temple complex.

What is the history behind the discovery of the Golden Buddha statue at Wat Traimit?

In 1955, the Buddha statue (then encased in stucco) fell to the ground while being moved by workers. This caused the outer layer to break, revealing the gold statue underneath. The statue is believed to date from the 13th or 14th century and covered with stucco to keep it safe from invaders and looters.

Is Wat Traimit wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the current temple at Wat Traimit dates from 2010 and is wheelchair accessible. Although the Golden Buddha statue is located on the top level of the four-story structure, a mechanical lift at the rear of the building allows wheelchair users to bypass the stairs to the different levels.