One-Day Temple Hopping in Bangkok Old Town
From Pranakorn Heritage Hotel — your hotel near Grand Palace
surrounded by the charm of Bangkok’s Old Town, stepping outside already feels like the beginning of a one–day temple journey. From our location, you can walk, hop on a tuk tuk, or weave through the old streets of Rattanakosin Island to visit five important temples that are both beautiful and famous for granting blessings for a better, luckier life.
You might start at Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan, better known as the Golden Mount. This ancient temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period and was later restored in the early Rattanakosin era. From the hotel, you can slip through small alleys until the Golden Mount appears ahead of you. Slowly climb the steps, listening to the soft sound of the bells and the wind as you ascend. Down below in the ordination hall (ubosot), many locals come to pray for a smooth “new beginning” – a new job, a new project, or a new life path. At the top, where the golden chedi stands, visitors often make wishes for progress in life, success in exams, and a brighter future, then pause for a moment to take in the panoramic view of Bangkok’s Old Town spread out beneath them.
From Wat Saket, you can continue on foot to Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara, built by King Rama III for his granddaughter. The highlight here is the unique Loha Prasat – a metal spired structure, the only one of its kind in Thailand, with 37 spires symbolising the 37 qualities leading to enlightenment. Inside, the atmosphere is so quiet you can almost hear your own breathing. It’s a place where many come to pray for wisdom, clarity, and success in study and work. Some choose to climb up to the upper levels of the Loha Prasat, sit in silence for a moment, and then quietly wish for inner strength to keep moving forward with confidence.
Crossing over toward the Grand Palace and the Chao Phraya River, the spiritual route continues at Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn, better known as Wat Pho. This is the royal temple of King Rama I, famous for its giant reclining Buddha and as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Visitors usually begin by paying respect to the reclining Buddha, asking for blessings related to health and true rest for both body and mind. Afterwards, they visit the main ordination hall to pray for harmony and balance in family life. Many end their visit with a Thai massage or foot massage within the temple grounds, easing away the fatigue from walking between temples – a beautiful way of “making merit for your own body” that leaves you feeling both spiritually and physically restored.
Not far away, if you take a short ride or a boat trip towards the Thewet area, you’ll arrive at Wat Thewarat Kunchorn Worawiharn, a riverside temple on the Chao Phraya that blends the atmosphere of an old royal temple with the energy of modern spiritual beliefs. Inside, you’ll find the main Buddha image, various deities, and several prayer points. The most talked–about, especially on social media, is the “Prompt-Blessing Deity” (Thewarat Nemit), whom many believe grants wishes quickly when you focus on just one clear request – most people choose wishes related to career, luck, or special life opportunities. Before leaving, visitors often enjoy feeding the fish and sitting by the riverbank, watching the Chao Phraya drift by and letting their minds feel just a little lighter.
Of course, no journey through Bangkok’s Old Town would be complete without a stop at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, better known as Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Located within the Grand Palace, this is the spiritual heart of the nation. Inside the ordination hall, the Emerald Buddha – considered the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand – is enshrined high above, drawing both Thais and international visitors all year round. Here, people usually pray for stability in life, protection for their family, security in their work, and safety for their loved ones. After paying respect, you can stroll along the cloister lined with Ramakien murals and admire the golden chedis and palace buildings that symbolise prosperity, honour, and royal glory. Many visitors connect these spaces with wishes for recognition, reputation, and success in their careers.
When your five–temple journey comes to an end, you can return and unwind at Pranakorn Heritage Hotel, where the warm, contemporary–Thai atmosphere feels like a welcoming home in the Old Town. If you’d like help planning your route, arranging a car, or booking a boat, our Front Desk and Concierge teams are always happy to design a personalised Temple Hopping Day that matches your travel style and the kinds of blessings you hope to receive. So your day in Bangkok’s Old Town becomes not only a day of merit–making, but also a collection of beautiful memories you’ll carry home with you. 🌿🙏✨
If you’re planning a full day of exploring Bangkok Old Town, staying at Pranakorn Heritage Hotel makes everything easier. As a charming, quiet hotel near Grand Palace, the hotel is perfectly located for walking to several temples, markets, and cultural spots.
Guests love:
✔️ Warm, contemporary-Thai design
✔️ Calm atmosphere in the heart of the old city
✔️ Walkable access to major temples
✔️ Concierge service for personalised Temple Hopping Day itineraries
Your journey through the old capital becomes smoother, more meaningful, and filled with beautiful memories.
Photo Credit : เฉลิม อัชชมานะ ,wikimedia
Pranakorn Heritage Hotel
