Attraction
The Grand Palace
Bangkok's former royal residence, a walled complex of throne halls, courtyards and the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha beside the Chao Phraya River.
Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)
A Chinatown temple housing the Golden Buddha, a solid-gold seated image weighing about five and a half tonnes, displayed in a multi-tiered marble hall.
At a glance
- Type
- Buddhist temple
- Area
- Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Why we recommend it
At the Hua Lamphong end of Chinatown, Wat Traimit is home to the Golden Buddha, a seated Sukhothai-style image cast in solid gold and weighing around five and a half tonnes. For centuries it was hidden under a plaster coating, and its true nature was only revealed in 1955 when the covering cracked during a move.
The image now sits at the top of a gleaming white marble pavilion, with an exhibition below on the history of Bangkok's Chinese community and the story of the statue's discovery. It is an easy first stop before walking deeper into Yaowarat, and MRT Hua Lamphong is close by. As with all temples, cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes where indicated.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) FAQs
What is special about the Golden Buddha?
It is a seated image made of solid gold, weighing about five and a half tonnes, once hidden under plaster.
Is it near Chinatown?
Yes, it stands at the eastern end of Yaowarat, near MRT Hua Lamphong.