Amid Bangkok’s shimmering skyline and gilded temple spires lies a lesser-known story: the city’s historic mosques—sacred spaces that whisper tales of migration, trade, and cultural exchange. Beyond their spiritual significance, these architectural gems stand as living chronicles of Bangkok’s diverse heritage, shaped by centuries of global influences.
From the 400-year-old Tonson Mosque, adorned with Ayutthaya-era craftsmanship, to the Gothic-tinged Saifee Mosque, a legacy of the Dawoodi Bohra merchants, each site offers a glimpse into the city’s layered past. Ottoman-inspired motifs at Bang Uthit Mosque and the Mughal-style domes of Bang O Mosque speak to Thailand’s enduring connections with the wider Islamic world.
For travelers seeking beauty beyond Bangkok’s iconic wats, these historic mosques offer a rare and fascinating perspective on the city’s multicultural soul.
Tonson Mosque
Nestled in the heart of Thonburi, Tonson Mosque is Bangkok’s oldest Sunni mosque, with roots stretching back over 400 years to the Ayutthaya period. Originally a modest wooden structure with a thatched roof, the mosque has evolved into an architectural gem with a light grey facade, a striking green dome, and symmetrical towers.
The mosque’s green dome, topped with a golden finial, reflects Egyptian Islamic architectural styles dating back to the Islamic Hijri calendar year 800 (1397–1398 AD). A rare highlight is its Ayutthaya-style mihrab, adorned with intricate Kankhot (vine pattern) carvings, inlaid glass, and gold lacquer. Adding to its historical depth is a meticulously engraved teak plaque on the qibla wall, featuring Arabic inscriptions, depictions of the Kaaba, and a map of Mecca’s mosques—believed to originate from an older Ayutthaya mosque.
Getting There: A 13-minute walk from Itsaraphap MRT station. Open daily from 10am to 4pm.
Saifee Mosque
Tucked away in the labyrinthine alleys of Bangkok’s riverside, the Saifee Mosque is an architectural and cultural treasure of the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community. These Indian Shia Muslim merchants, prominent traders since the early days of Bangkok, brought not only commerce but also their distinctive architectural influences.
Built by the Abdulrahim and Mogul families—who supplied luxurious goods and fine silverware to Thai royalty—the mosque blends Gothic-inspired wooden structures with Indian mosque elements. Its marble flooring, repurposed from the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, and vibrant stained-glass windows create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Uniquely, the mosque lacks a minbar and a minaret, setting it apart from traditional Islamic places of worship.
Getting There: Located on Soi Somdet Chao Phraya 5, an 18-minute walk from Khlong San BTS station. Alternatively, take a ferry from Ratchawong Pier (Chinatown) to Tha Din Daeng Pier.
Bang O Mosque
Once a humble raft house along the Chao Phraya River, Bang O Mosque has transformed into a striking blend of Renaissance symmetry and elaborate Baroque detailing. The main structure, built of brick and mortar, features twin Mughal-style domes with green hues, influenced by Persian and Indian aesthetics. The adjacent Charoen Wittayakarn building showcases gingerbread-style wooden houses with intricate carvings and stained-glass windows, while the gable bears a Tughra, the stylized royal seal of the Ottoman Sultan—a rare emblem of Thailand’s historical ties with Turkey.
Getting There: Situated in Soi Charan Sanitwong 86 Alley, a 10-minute walk from Bang O MRT station. Open daily from 8am to 5pm.
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Bang Uthit Mosque
Standing along Charoen Krung Road, Bang Uthit Mosque is a testament to the enduring cultural ties between Thailand and Turkey. Once known as “Surau Mae Bang,” this mosque has undergone a significant transformation, with Turkish funding aiding its restoration. The entrance proudly displays the Ottoman Empire’s coat of arms, symbolizing centuries of diplomatic and cultural exchange.
Originally built with timber, the mosque now features a modern minaret and a refined interior with a marble mihrab and raised minbar. Hand-drawn Arabesques—intricate floral and geometric motifs characteristic of Islamic art—adorn the ceilings and walls, adding a distinctive Turkish artistic flair.
Getting There: From Saphan Taksin BTS station, take a free shuttle boat to Asiatique Pier. The mosque is a short walk from Asiatique The Riverfront. Open daily from 5am to 9pm.
Ban Tuk Din Mosque
Hidden in the historic Tuk Din community near Dinso Road, Ban Tuk Din Mosque stands as a beacon of resilience and tradition. Rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1982, its pristine white facade, crowned with a crescent-topped dome, contrasts against the bustling old quarter. A taller dome on a square base marks the minaret, offering panoramic views of Bangkok.
The mosque’s name originates from the Tuk Din community, famed for its traditional Thai paper and pencil-making during the Ayutthaya period. Initially a madrasah for Muslims of Pattani descent, the mosque remains a centre for Islamic studies and a bridge to Bangkok’s deep-rooted Muslim heritage.
Getting There: Located near Dinso Road, a short walk from Democracy Monument. Open daily.
Explore the Heart of Bangkok’s Historic Mosques with a New Guide from the Tourism Authority of Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has released an interactive guide, Mosque Tour – The Way of Life, Culture, and Experience, to help visitors explore Bangkok’s historic mosques. This digital flip-book offers a deep dive into the city’s rich Muslim heritage, architecture, and traditions. Explore it at TAT’s website.
