Temples in Thailand are not only used to serve religious purposes, but also to preserve knowledge and provide education to the community. Long before the modern education system was discovered, the temple was where people came and studied. You can easily notice this kind of culture from many temples across the country. The very simple example is Wat Pho, where the knowledge of Thai massage was recorded there. At Wat Trai Mit, this culture also exists. However, the form of knowledge preservation at this temple is really modernized. It is not the mural paintings or sculptures around the temple area, but it is a modern museum with great immersive settings which makes you forget that you are at the temple.
As a local, it is even more interesting because the museum tells a very interesting story about how this area has become a Chinatown, which is a topic that is closer to many people including me as a partial Chinese blood. I highly recommend this place if you plan to visit Bangkok’s Chinatown or locally called Yaowarat area.
Not only the museum, but the temple also has many interesting things to see. Every highlight of this place you are about to read are all located inside the tallest white building which is called Phra Maha Mondop Chalerm Phrakiat. Just walk to the giant stairs at the front side and climb up!
Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center
On the 2nd floor of Phra Maha Mondop Chalerm Phrakiat, you will find the museum I was talking about which is called “Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center.” The museum is dedicated to the history of Chinese immigration in Thailand. Telling the story through multimedia displays and historical artifacts, the museum provides a deeper understanding of the multicultural roots, the cultural integration, and the lasting contributions of the Chinese immigrants to Thai society which shape modern Bangkok until today.
Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon: The Golden Buddha
This is another highlight of Wat Trai Mit you cannot miss. At the top of Phra Maha Mondop Chalerm Phrakiat, you will see a large room where the largest solid gold Buddha statue in the world is enshrined. This Golden Buddha weighs approximately 5.5 tons. It is believed to have been crafted during the Sukhothai period, reflecting the elegant and graceful style of that era. For centuries, the statue was hidden beneath a layer of plaster to protect it from theft or destruction during times of war. It wasn’t until 1955, during an attempt to relocate it, that the plaster cracked and revealed the gold underneath.
If you want to know more about the history of the Golden Buddha, you can enter the exhibition on the 3rd floor which gives you a detailed narrative of the Golden Buddha’s history, its artistic features, and the fascinating story of how it was rediscovered.
Opening hours
Wat Trai Mit open daily from 8:00 until 17:00
Entrance fee
Walking around the temple does not cost anything. However, if you want to climb up to the Phra Maha Mondop Chalerm Phrakiat, here is the ticket cost.
– 20 Baht for non-Thai citizen
– 0 Baht (Free) for Thai citizen
How to get there?
Wat Trai Mit is located at the end of Yaowarat Road near Hua Lamphong terminal. Below are modes of transportation we recommend. Also, there are many interesting places nearby within walking distance. You can find more information about the transportation in this area from this link
- By MRT
Get off the train at MRT Wat Mangkorn Station and use exit 1. Cross Plaeng Nam street and walk along the Charoenkrung towards the southeast for 250 meters. At the Mor Mee intersection, cross the street to the UOB bank and continue to walk for another 200 meters. The entrance to the temple is on the left.
- By Car
Wat Trai Mit has a free car park. However, it is usually full. If you drive a car and would like to park here and visit the other place nearby as well, it is recommended to purchase a ticket or donate some money to the temple as a parking fee. 20-40 Baht should be fine. - By TukTuk/Taxi
The driver may offer or charge you an overpriced rate but you can always negotiate for a lower price. It is better to negotiate first before entering the vehicle.
