Temples & religious sites
Devasathan
What it is
Devasathan is a small Hindu temple compound run by the Court Brahmins, who conduct royal and religious ceremonies for the Thai monarchy. Founded in 1784 by King Rama I, it functions as the official centre of Hinduism in Thailand, despite being surrounded by an overwhelmingly Buddhist context. Travellers come here less for grand architecture and more for the contrast: a working Brahmin institution, with its distinct shrines, tucked into a quiet corner of old Bangkok.
Getting there
Devasathan sits in the Phra Nakhon District, right by Wat Suthat. From central Bangkok, a taxi or ride-hail from areas like Silom or Sukhumvit takes roughly 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. If coming via the river, take a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Phra Arthit or Tha Tien pier, then walk or grab a short tuk-tuk ride the rest of the way, since there's no BTS or MRT station within easy walking distance.
Time to allow
It's a compact site, so 15-30 minutes is usually enough to look around the shrines and courtyard.
When to go
Mornings are cooler and more comfortable for walking this part of Phra Nakhon, which has limited shade. The temple itself doesn't draw large crowds compared to nearby landmarks, so timing is more about the heat and general foot traffic in the old city than about avoiding queues here specifically.
What to combine it with
This is an easy add-on to a walking route through old Bangkok:
- Sao Chingcha (0.1km) - the Giant Swing, right next to Devasathan
- Democracy Monument (0.5km) - a short walk away
- Khaosan Road (0.8km) - for food and a break afterward
- Sanam Luang (0.9km) - the open ceremonial ground near the Grand Palace area
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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