Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
Elegant early-1900s temple clad in Italian marble, famous enough to feature on the back of the 5-baht coin.
- Category
- Temples (Wat)
- Entrance fee
- ~50-100 THB for foreigners (as of 2026, confirm locally)
- Hours
- Daily ~08:00-17:30 (confirm locally)
- Best time
- Morning light on the white Carrara marble; early to catch monks.
- Time needed
- 45-60 minutes
About Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
The Marble Temple is one of Bangkok's most elegant and one of its most overlooked. Clad in Italian marble, it's an early-1900s design that's polished enough to have earned a spot on the back of the 5-baht coin. It sits in the Dusit royal district, well away from the main tourist crush, so it stays peaceful.
Go in the morning when the light plays off the white marble and you have a chance of catching monks. The courtyard of Buddha images gathered in a range of styles is the quiet highlight and rewards a slow wander.
Because it's a little out of the way in Dusit, most day-trippers skip it, which is precisely why it's worth the short taxi ride if you want a temple without the noise.
Highlights
- White Italian marble facade
- The courtyard lined with Buddha images in varied styles
- Peaceful setting away from the tourist crowds
- The temple that features on the 5-baht coin
Tips
- Come in the morning for the best light on the marble and a chance to see monks
- It's out in Dusit, so a taxi or Grab is the simplest way in
- Budget under an hour, then move on to nearby Dusit sights
- Dress respectfully as at any working temple
How to get there
Taxi/Grab from centre ~100-150 THB, or bus; in the Dusit royal district near the old parliament.