The golden statue of the seated Buddha, located in Wat Traimit temple in the city centre, is one of Bangkok's most valuable religious statues and most visited sites.
The Golden Buddha is shrouded in many legends and mysteries, and just the fact that it is unknown exactly when, where and how the statue was made adds to its magic. However, it is generally believed that the statue dates from the 13th to 14th century.
5.5 tons of gold
The golden Buddha weighs more than 5,500 kg and measures over 3 metres tall. The value of the gold alone is estimated at around $250 million, but the historical value is incalculable.
The body of the Buddha is covered with 40% gold, the head with 80% and the hair with 99%. For nearly 200 years between the 18th and 20th centuries, the statue was covered with a layer of stucco and stained glass. It was not until 1955, when the statue was moved, that the plaster was chipped away to reveal the golden form of the Buddha after a long time.
The entrance to Wat Traimit temple
The statue is located in the main nave of Wat Traimit Temple and is open to the general public. As in all other Buddhist temples, you must be clothed before entering the interior and veiled shoulders and knees are required.
Wat Traimit Temple is open daily from 8am-5pm.
Ticket prices for the Golden Buddha room are 40 thb, and for the adjacent museum tracing the history of the statue are 100 thb. Payment is by cash only.
Transportation to Wat Traimit
The temple is about a 5-minute walk from the Hua Lamphong Blue Line subway station.
Bus routes 4, 25, 40, 53, 73, 85, 507 and 529 also pass through the street where Wat Traimit stands.
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