Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)

Temple in Bangkok

Wat Traimitt Temple, Which Houses The Golden Buddha
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ian Gratton

Located on the eastern edge of Chinatown, Wat Traimit Witthayaram is famously known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. It houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, standing 3 meters (9.8 feet) tall and weighing an impressive 5.5 tonnes. This stunning masterpiece, crafted in the elegant Sukhothai style, reflects a luminous brilliance that seems to blur its edges, inspiring awe in all who see it.

The statue, worth millions of dollars at today’s gold value, has a fascinating history. Originally cast in the 13th century, it was later covered in plaster and adorned with colored glass, likely to conceal its true nature from Burmese invaders. For nearly two centuries, its golden core remained a secret until 1955 when a mishap during relocation caused the plaster to crack, revealing the magnificent treasure beneath.

Today, the Golden Buddha resides on the highest level of Wat Traimit, while fragments of the plaster that once hid it are preserved in a display case nearby. The temple also features two engaging museums: the second floor explores the history of Bangkok’s Chinese community, while the third floor delves into the remarkable story of the Golden Buddha itself. This combination of art, history, and cultural significance makes Wat Traimit a must-visit destination.

The Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bangkok!

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Visiting Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)

Hours:

Daily 8am until 5pm

The museum is open Tues-Sun from 8am until 5pm (Only the museum is closed on Mondays)

Price:

100 Baht per person for museum entrance + 40 Baht per person to view buddha image.

Address: Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram Worawihan, ถนน เจริญกรุง Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Thailand

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