Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
8.2Friend Score / 10#8 of 19 Attractions in Bangkok
Known formarble templewat benchamabophitroyal templebuddhist temple
The Marble Temple — a working royal monastery in Dusit built of Italian Carrara marble, symmetrical and serene, with a gallery of 52 Buddha images and resident monks chanting at dawn. Entry is about 50 baht and tour buses mostly skip it, which is exactly why you shouldn't. No rail nearby; take a taxi or Grab.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 08:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | None close — taxi/Grab from Phaya Thai BTS or Sam Yot MRT area; khlong boat to Thewet vicinity plus a walk |
| Time needed | 45 minutes – 1 hour |
| Best time to go | Early morning around 6–8am for monks chanting and soft light on the marble |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.2/10- Value9.0
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level8.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility5.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a dress code at Wat Benchamabophit?
- Yes, standard temple rules strictly applied at a royal monastery: shoulders and knees covered, shoes off in the ordination hall, hats off, and keep voices low — this is an active place of worship, not a photo set.
- Is Wat Benchamabophit crowded?
- Rarely — it gets a fraction of the Grand Palace's traffic because it's off the rail grid and off most one-day itineraries. Even mid-morning you can often have the cloister of 52 Buddhas nearly to yourself. That calm is the whole point.
- How much does Wat Benchamabophit cost?
- Around 50 baht for foreign visitors — reports vary slightly and it may change, but it's firmly in pocket-change territory. Thais enter free or nearly so. There's no ticketing hassle; pay at the entrance.
- Why is it called the Marble Temple?
- The main ordination hall was built in 1899 for King Rama V using Carrara marble imported from Italy — walls, pillars, and courtyard all gleam white. It's a unique fusion: classic Thai roofline and gold detailing on a European material, designed in part by the king's half-brother, Prince Naris.
- How do I get to the Marble Temple?
- It's in Dusit, which has no BTS or MRT — a taxi or Grab is simplest (10–15 minutes from the old town or Victory Monument area). Many people pair it with Dusit-area sights or hit it en route between the old city and Chatuchak.
- Fun fact — is this temple on Thai money?
- Yes — Wat Benchamabophit appears on the back of the 5-baht coin. Fish one out of your pocket and compare it to the ordination hall in front of you; it's a nice little moment.
- Can I see monks at Wat Benchamabophit?
- Yes — it's a working monastery of high royal rank. Come very early (around 6am) and you'll see something unusual: here, laypeople bring alms to the temple gates rather than monks walking the streets. Morning chanting in the marble hall is worth setting an alarm for.
- What are the highlights inside Wat Benchamabophit?
- The marble ubosot with its Sukhothai-style Phra Buddha Chinnarat replica (ashes of Rama V are enshrined beneath it), and the cloister behind it holding 52 Buddha images collected from across Thailand and Asia — a crash course in Buddhist iconography in one courtyard. The bridge-and-canal grounds are lovely too.
Nearby in Ask Bangkok
- Dusit Zoo (Khao Din Wana)Attraction0.92 km · 12 min walk
- Rattanakosin Exhibition HallMuseum1.65 km · 21 min walk
- Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)Attraction1.66 km · 21 min walk
- Krua Apsorn (Dinso Road)Restaurant1.77 km · 22 min walk
- Raan Jay NuanRestaurant1.87 km · 23 min walk
Where to stay near Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
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