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What is it: The oldest Hindu temple in Bangkok and arguably its most visually arresting. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple was built in 1879 by Vaithi Padayatchi, a Tamil Hindu immigrant. Its facade is in strikingly florid style – a riot of different colours with carved images of various gods and goddesses in different shapes and sizes. At the entrance rises a six-metre gopura tower covered in deities. Inside, the main hall houses a full pantheon – Ganesha, Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Kali, Saraswati – with the central shrine devoted to Goddess Mariamman, the powerful motherly deity worshipped for protection, health and prosperity. What makes Wat Khaek particularly remarkable is who shows up: it draws Tamil Hindus, Thai Buddhists and ethnic Chinese devotees in roughly equal numbers, with many Thai visitors believing that Hinduism is not a separate religion but a branch of Buddhism. That's Bangkok – plural, pragmatic and spiritually generous.
What to wish for: Health, protection from illness, fertility and general life blessings.
Time Out tip: Friday visits are considered especially auspicious – the temple stays open until 9pm and an oil lamp ritual is performed at midday on most Fridays. Come in the morning to avoid crowds, remove your shoes outside and note that photography is not allowed inside.
2 Pan Rd, corner of Silom Rd, Bang Rak. BTS Saint Louis. Open Mon-Thu 6am-8pm; Fri 6am-9pm; Sat-Sun 6am-8.30pm.