Wat Traimit Verified listing

Wat Traimit, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, is a revered Buddhist temple located in Bangkok’s Chinatown district near Hua Lamphong Railway Station. It is famous for housing the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, weighing approximately 5.5 tonnes and standing about 3 meters tall. This remarkable statue, believed to date back to the 13th or 14th century Sukhothai period, was originally covered in plaster and coloured glass to protect it from invaders, concealing its true value for centuries. It was only in 1955, during a move to a new building, that the plaster cracked and revealed the golden statue beneath. The temple itself was founded during the early Rattanakosin period and was originally called Wat Sam Chin before receiving its current name in 1940.

Visitors can explore Wat Traimit daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is 40 THB for adults, with an additional 100 THB fee for access to the museum within the complex. The temple is easily accessible via public transport, including the MRT and BTS systems. Modest dress is required to respect the temple’s religious nature, with shoulders and knees needing to be covered. The temple is located at 661 Charoen Krung Road in the Samphanthawong district of Bangkok.

Besides the Golden Buddha, the temple complex also houses the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Centre, which showcases exhibits about the history of Chinese immigrants in Thailand, particularly in the Chinatown area. The museum offers insights into the development of the Chinese community in Bangkok and their contributions to the city’s growth. The temple is situated in a lively neighbourhood filled with bustling markets and street food vendors, making it a great starting point for exploring the rich culture and flavours of Bangkok’s Chinatown.