Also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, Wat Traimit is home to one of the world's largest solid gold Buddha statues. This statue is three meters (10 feet) tall and is made of five and a half tons (5,500 kilograms) of gold. It was rediscovered by accident in 1957. The 13th-century Sukhothai style Buddha had been brought to Bangkok by King Rama III, who had encased it in stucco to protect it. This is an essential part of any Chinatown exploration.

A stirring representation of religion and history, this resplendent wat (temple) was built during the reign of King Rama III in 1846. Situated not far from the King Rama II Memorial Plaza, this temple is believed to be the only existing brazen temple (a structure whose roof is clad in bronze tiles) in the world. The centerpiece of the temple is the glorious Loha Prasat, a spectacularly-tiered structure standing proudly under a string of 37 gleaming spires which symbolize the 37 Buddhist virtues of enlightenment. Exuding a profound sense of palatial splendor, this invigorating temple is a spectacular sight to savor, especially during night, when it, in its entirety, is set alight by wonderful lighting. The temple has a well-known market selling Buddhist amulets, or magic charms, which are believed to protect the wearer from physical harm. Awash in splendid Buddhist architectural semblances unique to Sri Lanka, this historic temple is an incredible canvas of ancient magnificence.

Characterized by a gleaming nexus of intricate spires that shoot upwards, and a spectacular sprawl of regional architecture, the iconic Wat Pho is counted among Bangkok's oldest temples. This royal temple was built by King Rama I on an erstwhile temple site, and while the original features of the temple are still exquisitely preserved, the temple underwent remodeling during the reign of King Rama III. The crown jewel of the stunning Wat Pho is the languorously reclining statue of the Buddha, stretching across 46 meters (150.9 feet) of glistening gold. Apart from the lifelike Buddha statue, the temple is also home to the most extensive collection of Buddha images, and one of Thailand's earliest hubs of religious education. Wat Pho boasts of a northern compound called the phutthawat, which constitutes some of the temple's most impressive buildings, including the one within which the Reclining Buddha is housed. The southern compound remains closed off to visitors, and comprises of a school and accommodation for resident monks. While many are aware that Wat Pho is a revered religious and educational symbol, few know of its association with the traditional practices of Thai massage. From 1955, the temple has been operating as a center for Thai medicine, besides also displaying endless plaques and inscriptions related to this traditional therapy within its vast complex.

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Bangkok, Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple named after the Hindu god of dawn, Aruna. The temple features a 79-meter (259 feet) central pagoda whose porcelain-encrusted facade famously sparkles in the sun. It also houses four towers symbolizing Mount Meru, a sacred peak believed to be the terrestrial representation of the 33 heavens. In 1767, King Taskin selected Wat Arun as a royal temple because it was the first place in Thonburi to catch the early morning light. The site also notably housed the iconic Emerald Buddha between the time it was recaptured from Laos and later relocated to Wat Phra Kaew in 1875. A visit to Bangkok is incomplete without admiring this stunning architectural landmark.

Located in the Dusit Palace is the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, a former reception hall. It's grand facade is due to Renaissance and Neo-Classic influences; the building is constructed from marble and features domes and lavish amounts of gold paint. Proper attire is required for visitors and the ticket office closes at 3:30pm.

The Dusit Palace complex is one of the most visited sites in Bangkok. Constructed in the early 19th century, this palace complex was a vital government building and was dotted with the residences of the royals and important court members. This magnificent property is spread across 64,749 square meters (696,950 square feet) and boasts of Thai architectural grandeur. While the Vimanmek Mansion is the oldest structure to sit within the complex, the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, and the Chitralada Royal Villa have all been built around the same period that ranges between 1904 to 1913. Today, though only a few buildings in this property are open for public visits, it still manages to allure and enthrall art and architecture enthusiasts from all over the globe.