Temples without the crowds

Last royal temple built under the old traditions — King Rama V combined Thai spires with Italian marble floors and Gothic-style stained glass windows inside. Almost never crowded. Free, open daily 08:00–17:00.

Tiny, immaculate temple next to Saranrom Park — marble tiles, gilded teak, vivid murals, almost zero tourists. Cross the small bridge from Wat Ratchabophit and do both together. Free to enter.

Temple of the Bell on the Thonburi bank — take the cross-river boat from Tha Chang pier (3 THB). Historical royal library on the grounds, almost no organised tour groups. Free entry.

One of Bangkok's largest seated Buddhas sits inside this quiet riverside temple on the Thonburi side. White walls and colourful roof tiles, best visited by boat from Tha Tien pier. Free entry.

Royal monastery in Banglamphu with remarkable 19th-century murals depicting Western life — Western ships, portraits in Thai style. Kings Rama IX and X were ordained here. Free, open daily 06:00–18:00.

Bizarre and beautiful: a turtle pond landscaped from a heap of melted candle wax, surrounding a white bell-shaped pagoda. Turtles are released here for merit. Near Memorial Bridge, almost no foreign tourists. Free, open 09:00–18:00.