Assumption Cathedral

This gothic-looking church, is the main Roman Catholic cathedral and has been visited by the Pope Francis and Pope John Paul II. This impressive church is the work of a French architect and was completed during the reign of King Rama II, in 1821. The church has resisted world events, such as the bombings of World War 2 where it saw significant damage. A crypt is located underneath the cathedral where the remains of missionaries and bishops are kept. The church holds Mass every week, and is the centre of the Roman Catholic diocese. This should certainly be top of your list when visiting churches in Bangkok.

Nearest station: BTS Saphan Taksin station
Opening days: Every day
Opening times: From 8:30am until 5pm (8:30am until 12pm on Saturday & Sunday)

Christ Church Bangkok

If you’re looking to enjoy a service which both an English and Thai congregation, then Christ Church has such a congregation, with around 400 members of this fine Anglican Church. With its Gothic architecture and design, it is truly is a breath taking place to visit. Inside, visitors can find decorations that match the splendour of those found from outside – a marble sanctuary, boasting the only pipe organ located in Thailand, cane armchairs, and a truly stunning stained-glass window. The parish is visibly proud of its church and its historic foundations.

Nearest station: BTS Sala Daeng station
Opening days: Every day apart from Saturdays
Opening times: 8:30am until 4:30pm (7:30am until 1pm on Sundays)

St Nicolas Church in Bangkok

This church boasts a very rich history and is the flagship of Russian Orthodoxy. It boasts tremendous architecture and inside, you’ll find relics of the Orthodox saints. If you’re looking for peace, tranquillity, a stunning building, and a sense of calm in an otherwise bustling city, then this church is definitely worth visiting. You should allow around 2 hours of time to visit this church and there are a number of nearby parks that can be enjoyed after visiting.

Nearest station: BTS Udomsuk station
Opening days: Every day
Opening times: From 8am

Santa Cruz Church

The Santa Cruz church is a Roman Catholic church and place of worship with again a great history. It was the seat to the Apostolic Vicariate of Siam – until the Assumption Cathedral was built in 1821. The current church boasts what is called a Renaissance Revival style and was built between 1913 and 1916 to replace the original structure from 1845.

Nearest station: MRT Itsaraphap station
Opening days: This is closed presently but will open soon
Opening times: It’s temporarily closed but will be open again shortly

Holy Rosary Church

This impressive place of worship is a Roman Catholic church by faith. The original church dates back to 1769 but was rebuilt in 1838 and then again in 1897. The current building takes its inspiration from the Gothic period. Originally its parish comprised settled Portuguese Catholics, but today it is now the place of worship for many Chinese immigrants. The building boasts Gothic-arched doors, a Gothic gable, and stunning stained-glass windows throughout.

Nearest station: MRT Hua Lamphong station
Opening days: Every day
Opening times: From 8:00am until 5:30pm

Visiting these beautiful places of worship can be something different to do when visiting Bangkok, All these churches are free to visit which means they can be enjoyed on a small budget, and as they are off the beaten track, you can expect to find fewer tourists than found at the more traditional historic temples and monuments in Bangkok city.

Photo Credit: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons