Guide to visiting Wat Suthat

Hey there! I’m excited to share with you all about Wat Suthat, an incredible Buddhist temple that you definitely should visit when you’re in Bangkok, Thailand.

1. Location, Accessibility & Why Visit

Where is Wat Suthat? How do I get there?

Wat Suthat is in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon District. Here is the address:

Address: 146 Bamrung Muang Rd, Wat Ratchabophit, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

You can get there by public transportation:

1. Take the MRT Blue Line to Sam Yot Station. Walk 1 km (15 minutes).
2. Take a boat to Tha Tian Pier. Walk 1.5 km (20 minutes).

Is Wat Suthat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The temple grounds are mostly flat. Ramps at the main entrance and key buildings.

Why visit Wat Suthat?

Wat Suthat is old and important. It has:

• A big red swing gate called Sao Ching Cha

• An 8-meter bronze Buddha statue called Phra Si Sakayamuni

• Wall murals showing Buddha’s past lives

See Thai Buddhist culture and the temple’s grandeur.

What should I see and do at Wat Suthat?

Must-see:

1. The giant red swing gate (Sao Ching Cha)
2. The main hall with the Phra Si Sakayamuni Buddha statue
3. The painted wall murals

Must-do:

• Walk around the temple grounds
• Watch monks’ daily rituals
• Light incense and pray at the main Buddha statue

2. Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

Want to know when to visit Wat Suthat and how much cash to bring? I’ve got you covered.

When is Wat Suthat open?

Wat Suthat is open every day. Check out the hours:

Hours	Open	Close
Daily	8:30 AM	9:00 PM
Last Admission	–	8:30 PM

Make sure to come before 8:30 PM, or you might miss your chance to get in.

How much are tickets?

Here’s the deal with ticket prices:

Ticket Type	Price
Standard Adult	100 THB
Child (under 120 cm)	Free

Adults pay 100 THB, but kids under 120 cm get in free, which is a sweet deal for families. As far as I know, there aren’t any discounts for locals or seniors, but 100 THB is still a fair price to see such an amazing temple.

Any free admission days?

Sorry, no free days or hours that I’m aware of, but trust me, the experience is totally worth the price of admission.

3. Guided Tours and Audio Guides

Can I take a guided tour of Wat Suthat?

Wat Suthat doesn’t offer official guided tours. But you can arrange a private tour through a third-party operator if you want someone to show you around.

What about audio guides?

Unfortunately, audio guides aren’t available at Wat Suthat.

4. Visitor Facilities and Amenities

What facilities are available at Wat Suthat?

Here’s what you can expect:

• Restrooms: You’ll find gendered restrooms near the main entrance. I couldn’t verify if they’re accessible, though.
• Drinking Water: No info on drinking fountains or refill stations.
• Gift Shop: There’s a small gift shop selling Buddhist amulets, prayer beads, and other religious items.
• Baggage Storage: Couldn’t find any official baggage storage or lockers.
• Wi-Fi: No word on Wi-Fi availability.

5. Dress Code and Photography Policies

What should I wear to Wat Suthat?

Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is a must. You’ll also need to remove your shoes before entering the main assembly hall. Just a heads up, there aren’t any clothing rentals available on-site.

Can I take photos inside Wat Suthat?

You’re welcome to take photos in most areas of the temple grounds. However, photography inside the main assembly hall is a no-go.

6. Nearby Attractions and Dining Options

What else can I see and do near Wat Suthat?

There are a few other cool spots within walking distance:

1. Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha)
   • Right in front of Wat Suthat
   • A prominent landmark with historical significance
2. Wat Ratchanatdaram
   • 400 meters away (5-minute walk)
   • Known for its unique metal spires
3. Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
   • 1.2 kilometers away (15-minute walk)
   • Offers panoramic views of Bangkok

Where to eat Near Wat Suthat

• Jay Fai (High-end Thai cuisine) – 1.5 km, 20-minute walk. Michelin-starred, expect higher prices.
• Krua Apsorn (Mid-range Thai cuisine) – 1.6 km, 20-minute walk. Popular for authentic flavors.
• Old Town Cafe (Budget-friendly Thai and Western food) – 1 km, 15-minute walk. Good for casual meals.
• Street food – Explore vendors along Bamrung Muang Road and Tanao Road for a variety of local snacks and dishes.

7. Visitor Tips and Recommendations

When is the best time to visit Wat Suthat?

I recommend going early in the morning (8:30–10:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) to beat the heat and crowds.

How long should I plan to spend at the temple?

Plan to spend about 1-2 hours exploring Wat Suthat.

What’s the best way to see everything?

Here’s a suggested route:

• Start at the main entrance and check out the giant red swing gate.
• Walk around the temple grounds in a clockwise direction.
• End your visit at the main assembly hall to see the Phra Si Sakayamuni Buddha statue.

What should I bring with me?

Definitely bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a water bottle. And remember to dress modestly.

Any cultural customs I should be aware of?

Be respectful of the monks and worshippers. Take off your shoes before entering the main assembly hall. And avoid pointing your feet towards Buddha statues or monks.

8. Must-Do and Must-See

Alright, let me highlight the top experiences and sights you won’t want to miss at Wat Suthat:

1. Marvel at the grandeur of the giant red swing gate (Sao Ching Cha) at the temple entrance.
2. Admire the intricate carvings and painted murals on the outer walls of the main assembly hall.

9. Tips for Solo Travelers & Families

Is Wat Suthat easy to visit as a solo traveler?

Absolutely! The temple is safe and easy to navigate on your own. Just be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

What about visiting with kids?

The temple grounds are stroller-friendly, with mostly flat surfaces. I couldn’t verify if there are changing rooms available, though. And there aren’t any specific child-oriented activities or exhibits.

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know to plan your visit to Wat Suthat. Trust me, this incredible temple is an experience you won’t forget. Happy travels!

FAQ

1. Are there any audio guides available in languages other than English?
   • Unfortunately, audio guides are not available at Wat Suthat in any language.
2. Is there a fee for guided tours arranged through third-party operators?
   • Fees for guided tours may vary depending on the third-party operator. It’s best to contact the tour provider directly for pricing information.
3. Are the restrooms at Wat Suthat accessible for visitors with disabilities?
   • The accessibility of restrooms at Wat Suthat could not be verified. It’s recommended to inquire with temple staff upon arrival.
4. Is there a place to refill water bottles at Wat Suthat?
   • Information regarding water bottle refill stations at Wat Suthat could not be found. Visitors are advised to bring their own water.
5. Can visitors store their luggage or bags at the temple?
   • No official baggage storage or lockers were found at Wat Suthat. Visitors should plan to keep their belongings with them.
6. Is there free Wi-Fi available for visitors at Wat Suthat?
   • No information could be found regarding Wi-Fi availability at Wat Suthat.
7. Are there any exceptions to the dress code at Wat Suthat?
   • All visitors are expected to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. No exceptions to this dress code were noted.
8. Can visitors take photos or videos inside the main assembly hall with special permission?
   • Photography and videography are not permitted inside the main assembly hall, and no information was found about obtaining special permission.
9. Are there any vegetarian or vegan dining options near Wat Suthat?
   • While several dining options near Wat Suthat were mentioned, none were specifically noted as vegetarian or vegan. However, many Thai dishes can be easily adapted to accommodate these dietary requirements.
10. How much time should visitors allocate for a guided tour of Wat Suthat?
    • The suggested visit duration for Wat Suthat is 1-2 hours. However, specific information about guided tour durations could not be found.
11. Are there any special events or festivals held at Wat Suthat throughout the year?
    • No information was provided about special events or festivals at Wat Suthat.
12. Can visitors participate in any workshops or classes at Wat Suthat, such as meditation or Buddhist teachings?
    • No mention was made of workshops or classes available for visitors at Wat Suthat.
13. Are there any discounts available for students, seniors, or large groups visiting Wat Suthat?
    • The article states that no discounts for locals or seniors are known. No information was provided about discounts for students or large groups.
14. Is there a preferred method of transportation for getting to Wat Suthat from popular tourist areas in Bangkok?
    • The article mentions taking the MRT Blue Line to Sam Yot Station or a boat to Tha Tian Pier, followed by a short walk to Wat Suthat. However, no preferred method was specified for reaching the temple from popular tourist areas.
15. Are there any nearby hotels or accommodations that offer easy access to Wat Suthat?
    • No specific information was provided about nearby hotels or accommodations offering easy access to Wat Suthat.