Discover the sacred "Wai Phra 9 Wat" route in Bangkok, a traditional journey to 9 auspicious temples to bless your life with victory, wealth, and stability for the New Year 2026.
by Thairanked Guide
December 23, 2025 09:31 AM
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In Thai culture, there is no better way to start a New Year than by performing "Wai Phra 9 Wat" (paying respect to 9 temples). The number 9 (pronounced "Kao" in Thai) sounds like the word for "step forward" or "progress," symbolizing movement forward in life.
For 2026, we have curated the ultimate route. This isn't just a list; it's a strategic guide to the 9 most powerful temples in Bangkok, each offering a specific blessing, from winning over office politics to financial success.
Here is the Top 9 Temples Tour to bless your year, ranked by their spiritual significance and popularity for New Year merit-making.
For Limitless Prosperity & National Blessings
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Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand’s most sacred temple, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, carved from a single block of jade. The complex showcases dazzling Thai royal architecture, golden roofs, intricate carvings, and guardian statues that guard the temple gates.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds
Entrance Fee: Around 500 THB (includes Grand Palace entry)
How to get there:
MRT/Boat: Take the MRT to Sanam Chai Station (Exit 1) and walk 15 minutes, or take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang Pier (N9).
Essential Information
Daily, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
For Victory Over Obstacles
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The name literally translates to "Temple of Victory in War." This is the go-to temple for anyone facing a difficult boss, a lawsuit, or fierce competition in 2026. Worshippers come here to pour water over the Buddha image to "wash away" enemies and ensure triumph in all battles of life.
How to get there:
Walk/Taxi: It is directly opposite the entrance of Khao San Road. You can walk here from the Phra Arthit Pier.
Essential Information
Chakrabongse Road (Near Khao San Road)
Daily, 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
For a Prosperous New Beginning
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Wat Arun symbolizes the rising sun and the dawn of a new era. It is the perfect place to pray for a "fresh start." If 2025 was tough, come here to leave it behind and ask for your life to shine as brightly as the temple's porcelain pagoda reflecting the morning light.
How to get there:
Boat: Take the cross-river ferry from Tha Tien Pier (just 5 Baht) directly to the temple entrance.
Essential Information
158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun
Daily, 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM
For Fame & Popularity
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"Rakhang" means Bell. The belief is simple: if you make merit here, your name and reputation will resonate far and wide like the sound of a ringing bell. It is incredibly popular among actors, politicians, and anyone who needs public favor and likability in the coming year.
How to get there:
Boat: From Wat Arun, take a taxi or a quick boat ride north to Wang Lang Pier (Siriraj). The temple is a short walk from the market.
Essential Information
Arun Amarin Road (Thonburi side)
Daily, 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
For Peace & Good Health
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Home to the magnificent Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is the center of Thai healing and massage. Merit-making here is focused on "Rom Yen Pen Suk" living a cool, peaceful, and undisturbed life. It is the best stop to pray for good health for yourself and your elderly family members.
How to get there:
Walk: It is just a 5-10 minute walk south from the Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew).
Essential Information
2 Sanam Chai Road (Near Grand Palace)
Daily, 08:00 AM – 07:30 PM
+66830577100
For Good Friends & Safe Travel
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"Kalayanamit" means "True Friend." In the modern world, connections are everything. Visiting this temple is believed to attract sincere friends, good business partners, and loyal colleagues into your life. It sits by the river, and its giant seated Buddha (Luang Phor To) is revered for protecting travelers.
How to get there:
Boat: Take the ferry from Pak Khlong Talat (Yodpiman Pier) across to the Wat Kalayanamit pier.
Essential Information
New Arun Amarin Road (Thonburi side)
Daily, 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
For Vision & Broad Perspective
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Located facing the famous Giant Swing, Wat Suthat is a temple steeped in legend. It is believed that paying respect here grants you "Vision," the ability to see the right path, make wise decisions, and have a broad perspective on life problems. It is a favorite for students and executives.
How to get there:
MRT/Taxi: From Wat Pho, take a Tuk-Tuk (approx. 60-80 THB) or walk 15 minutes to the Giant Swing. MRT Sam Yot Station is also nearby.
Essential Information
Bamrung Mueang Road (Old City)
Daily, 08:30 AM – 08:00 PM
For Protection & Good Fortune
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This temple has deep ties to the Chakri Dynasty; it is where many Kings (including Rama IX and Rama X) were ordained as monks. The main Buddha image is believed to have "supernatural powers" to protect worshippers from danger. Praying here connects you to the Royal grace, ensuring a safe and stable year.
How to get there:
Walk: It is located near Khao San Road and Wat Chana Songkhram. You can easily walk between these two.
Essential Information
Phra Sumen Road (Banglamphu)
Daily, 06:30 AM – 04:00 PM
For Stability & Rising Up
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To end your tour, climb the 344 steps to the top of the Golden Mount. The act of climbing symbolizes rising above your problems. Reaching the golden chedi at the top signifies achieving the pinnacle of success. The breeze at the top will cool you down, symbolizing a "cool" and happy heart for 2026.
How to get there:
Boat/Taxi: Take the Saen Saep Canal Boat to the final stop (Panfa Leelard Pier). The temple is right next to the pier.
Essential Information
Boriphat Road
Daily, 07:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Route Strategy: To avoid traffic, use the Chao Phraya Express Boat. Start at Wat Saket early in the morning (cool climb), move to the Old City temples (Wat Suthat, Wat Bowon, Wat Chana Songkhram), then hit the River Temples (Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho), and cross the river to the Thonburi side (Wat Arun, Wat Rakhang, Wat Kalayanamit) in the late afternoon for sunset.
by Thairanked Guide
December 23, 2025 09:31 AM
"9 Temples Tour: How to Start 2026 with Good Luck"
Here you will find answer to the most popular questions.