Wat Traimit

Overview

Wat Traimit houses the world's largest solid-gold seated Buddha, a 3-metre, 5.5-tonne Sukhothai-era statue made of 18-karat gold. The gleaming image was hidden under plaster for centuries until accidentally revealed in 1955.

Highlights

• Golden Buddha: The statue is valued at approximately US$250 million and dates from the 13th–14th century Sukhothai period.
• Discovery Exhibition: A multimedia exhibit on the upper floors tells the story of how the golden image was concealed to protect it from Burmese invaders.
• Chinatown Location: The temple sits at the gateway to Yaowarat (Chinatown), making it a natural starting point for a Chinatown food walk.

History

The statue was covered in plaster — likely in the 18th century to hide it from invaders — and sat unrecognized in various temples for centuries. In 1955, while being moved by crane, the plaster cracked, revealing the gold underneath.

Visitor Tips

• Three-floor museum: Separate tickets for the ground-floor temple (free) and upper exhibition halls (40 THB each).
• Combine with Chinatown: Walk from here straight into Yaowarat for street food.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.