Welcome to my latest blog post, where we’re about to explore this must-see temple in Bangkok. Wat Traimit is home to the most expensive golden Buddha in the world. In today’s dollars is valued over $500 million USD (time of this writing).
History of Wat Traimit’s Golden Buddha:
Although it was created in the 13th – 14th century, it was covered under stucco and plaster for hundreds of years, so Burmese invaders wouldn’t plan a caper and steal it. What’s crazy is that it was forgotten until 1955, when it was dropped during a move. This solid gold 10-foot tall Buddha is made up of approximately 83% pure gold and weighs five and a half tons!
The official name of the Buddha is Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon.
Understand that Wat Traimit isn’t just one building but you have complex with four floors.
- Phra Maha Mondop houses the iconic Golden Buddha statue. This is the main building on the 4th floor.
- Chinatown Heritage Center on the 3rd floor.
- Museum and gift shop on the 2nd floor.
I visited this incredible site right before my Thai Intro 12 Day tour started, since I flew in early and wanted to take advantage of Bangkok as much as possible.
Directions to Wat Traimit:
The trek to the temple was incredibly easy; I stayed next to Chatuchak Market which was a 2 minute walk to the MRT train station. I started at the Kamphaeng Phet station (platform 1) for a 20-minute ride to Hua Lamphong station and took exit 3. From there it was a 10-minute walk…very close to Bangkok’s Chinatown district on Yaowarat Road.
Hot Tip: I didn’t bother using the Grap app, the 1 way MRT ride was a mere 50 BHT ($1.58 USD). The public transportation in Bangkok is cheap and efficient.
What you need to know before visiting Wat Traimit:
- Respectful attire is required. Wat Traimit is a sacred Buddhist temple, so management insists that visitors dress in a respectful manner. This means that men must wear long pants or shorts covering the knees and t-shirts or long-sleeved shirts (no tank tops or sleeveless shirts). Women must wear skirts or pants extending at least to the knee, and no tops that reveal bare shoulders. Hats are also not allowed.
- Visitors are allowed to take photographs in any area of the complex. However, you CAN’T take any video of the Golden Buddha…photos are okay.
- Before entering the temple on the 4th floor, you must take off your shoes. No need to worry, right outside there are shoe racks where you can place them.
How get your tickets:
Scoring tickets is super easy, the ticket office is located next to the temple (right side) and it only costs me 100 BHT ($3.15 USD), which takes you to the 4th floor only to see the Golden Buddha. You can spend as much time as you want. The ushers inside the temple didn’t clock anyone, only telling people to remove their hats and not to take video.
I have to admit, I spent as much time there as I could…I mean, I just stood there awestruck. It’s not every day I see a Buddha worth over $500 million.
Behind the central Golden Buddha are tables where you can purchase souvenirs of the Buddha image (cards), bracelets, and small Buddha pendants. I’m not Buddhist, but I still respected the impressive Golden Buddha and the importance of this historic religious relic.
Extra attraction at Wat Traimit:
For an extra 100 BHT, I also purchased a ticket to see the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center. The museum celebrates the contributions the Chinese made over the centuries. The museum also forbade any video inside however I did take as many photos as I could.
Honestly, it’s very small and I was able to walk through it in 15 minutes (taking my time to read some of the history).
That same ticket also gave me access to the Wat Traimit Museum, which is dedicated to the statue’s history.
The main attraction is the Golden Buddha of Wat Traimit, which will only cost you 100 BHT, so worth going to see this golden marvel in Bangkok.
Don’t forget the souvenir shop on the 2nd floor! I went in being curious and their fridge magnets were great and 50 BHT a piece! That’s cheap considering I was at a very touristy location, and it was high quality.
Wat Traimit’s two smaller temples
Right in front and on the right side are two smaller shrines. I have no clue about the names of these but from the looks of it, they’re meant for prayer. They’re free to visitors, so that’s an added bonus.
Don’t forget that you’re right there on Yaowarat Road…go and explore the best in Bangkok’s street food scene. This area is known for its incredible street food. You can also visit the Yaowarat Road Night Market, open daily from 6 pm to midnight, they too are KNOWN for some of the best food in Bangkok.
Final Thoughts and Recap:
It’s 100% making a day trip to Wat Traimit, if all you want to do is see the Golden Buddha it will only cost 100 BHT. You’ll also have access to the 2 smaller shrines outside as well. On top of that you’re on Yaowarat Road, where you can eat awesome street food and enjoy the Yaowarat Road Night Market.
