Wat Traimit: Visiting Bangkok's Temple of the Golden Buddha
Few temples in Bangkok capture the imagination quite like Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan, better known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. Standing at the gateway to Chinatown, it is home to Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon, the largest solid gold Buddha image in the world, weighing around 5.5 tonnes. Its story of rediscovery is every bit as remarkable as the statue itself.
This guide covers the temple's history, what to see inside, practical visiting tips, and where to stay if you're looking for a well-connected hotel in Bangkok for your trip.
The History of Wat Traimit
From "Wat Sam Chin" to Wat Traimit
The temple was originally called Wat Sam Chin, said to have been founded by three Chinese men. It was later renamed Wat Traimit Witthayaram, a name that keeps the original meaning of "three friends". Set in the Samphanthawong district, long the heart of Bangkok's Chinese community, the temple reflects a blend of Thai and Chinese faith and culture.
A Golden Secret Revealed
For centuries, the Buddha was covered in a thick layer of stucco and looked like an ordinary plaster image, most likely disguised to protect it from invaders. In 1955, while the statue was being moved to a new building, the plaster cracked and a gleam of gold shone through. Once the coating was removed, the entire statue turned out to be solid gold, a discovery that remains one of Bangkok's best-loved stories.
The Golden Buddha: Sukhothai Elegance
The Golden Buddha is cast in the graceful Sukhothai style and sits in the "Subduing Mara" posture. Its lap spans roughly 3 metres and the gold weighs about 5.5 tonnes. Many visitors come to pray for prosperity, good fortune and stability in life.
Inside the Phra Maha Mondop
Today the Golden Buddha is enshrined in the Phra Maha Mondop, a gleaming white hall crowned with gold, built to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej on his 80th birthday. The building is arranged over several floors:
2nd Floor: Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center
An engaging exhibition on the Chinese immigrants who settled in Siam, their trades and daily life, and how Yaowarat grew into today's Chinatown, brought to life with dioramas and street-scene models.
3rd Floor: Golden Buddha Exhibition
Traces the statue's journey, from its creation and many relocations to the day its golden body was revealed beneath the plaster.
4th Floor: The Golden Buddha
The highlight of any visit. Pay your respects to the Golden Buddha up close, then step out onto the terrace for views over Chinatown.
Visitor Information
- Address: 661 Charoen Krung Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
- Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (exhibition floors may close on Mondays)
- Admission: Roughly 40–100 THB for international visitors depending on the area visited (prices may change, so check before you go)
- Getting there: MRT Hua Lamphong Station, Exit 1, then a walk of about 200 metres
Tips for Your Visit
- Dress modestly: no shorts or sleeveless tops.
- Come in the morning for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
- Allow 1–2 hours to see all the exhibition floors.
- Continue on foot to Yaowarat Road for an evening of street food.
Nearby Attractions
After your visit, explore Yaowarat Road for its famous food stalls and gold shops, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Noei Yi), Bangkok's best-known Chinese temple, and the Talat Noi neighbourhood with its street art and cafés in old shophouses.
Where to Stay: The Victory Bangkok Hotel, a Central Hotel in Bangkok
If you're planning to explore Wat Traimit and the old town, choosing a central hotel in Bangkok makes getting around far easier. The Victory Bangkok Hotel is located on Soi Sri Ayutthaya 12 in Ratchathewi, close to Victory Monument, with easy access to the BTS Skytrain and taxis. The temple is about a 20–30 minute taxi ride away, depending on traffic.
With clean, quiet rooms and warm, attentive service, The Victory Bangkok Hotel suits families, culture lovers and business travellers alike — the perfect place to unwind after a full day in Chinatown.
Conclusion
Wat Traimit is more than the home of the world's largest gold Buddha; it is also a window into the history of Bangkok's Chinese community. If Chinatown is on your itinerary, stop by to pay your respects to the Golden Buddha, and make The Victory Bangkok Hotel your base for a smooth, comfortable stay.
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