Thailand’s temples, or wats, are among its most popular tourist attractions. There are more than 30,000 temples scattered across this Southeast Asian country. These wats are sacred places that many people visit every day to pray, meditate, and seek counsel from monks.
Thailand’s temples are colorful, ornately decorated complexes that are as beautiful as they are sacred. With multi-layered roofs, distinct stupas or chedis (bell-shaped mounds atop the temple) and holy relics, they are architectural treasure troves in their own right.
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which temples to visit. Which is why we’ve put together this list featuring ten of the country’s most impressive temples. You can visit some of these temples as part of our Vietnam vacation.
Please note that most temples have a dress code. Men and women alike must cover their shoulders and wear full length pants, skirts, or dresses.
This stunning complex next door to the Grand Palace houses the breathtaking Reclining Buddha. The gold-plated sculpture is 150 feet long and is a representation of Buddha at the moment he enters the state of Nirvana, which is believed to put an end to all reincarnations. Wat Pho has about 394 Buddhas, in addition to the colossal Reclining Buddha.
Don’t Miss: Indulge in a massage from one of the students of the Reclining Buddha Thailand school of Thai medicine. The Wat Pho massage was first developed at this temple, where it is still taught and practiced.
The Wat Phra Kaew temple complex was built in 1782 to provide a fittingly grand home for the Emerald Buddha. The 26-inch-tall statue carved from green jasper was known to perform miracles and provide divine protection. Whoever possessed the statue was considered the legitimate ruler of 18th century Thailand, which is one of many reasons why it has been so revered. Even today, the king, the designated protector of Thailand’s Buddhist faith, is the only person permitted to touch the Emerald Buddha.
Rising high above the Chao Phraya River, the Temple of Dawn is iconic. Wat Arun’s central spire is a defining feature of Bangkok’s skyline, standing 270 feet above the city. The temple is covered in a mosaic of seashells and Chinese porcelain, which light up like pearls at sunset and sunrise.
Wat Saket is a sacred pilgrimage site standing tall over the city of Bangkok. It is built on a 240-foot-tall man-made hill that King Rama III commissioned during his 19th century reign. Wat Saket is crowned by a golden chedi (or stupa), which pilgrims reach after walking up 300 steps that wind around the central structure. At the top, you’ll find numerous historic relics and a lush garden with spectacular views of Bangkok Old Town.
One of the newest temples in Chiang Rai, the Blue Temple is a nondenominational devotional center—a sacred quiet space for prayer, yoga and meditation, painted in an utterly brilliant shade of sapphire. The original temple that once stood here was known as the Temple Of The Dancing Tiger, as tigers were believed to roam freely in the region. The temple lay abandoned for several decades, and sometime in 2005, work on the new temple on the same site began. Fusing Buddhist culture and Thai architecture, the temple catches your eye with its intricate detailing and gold accents.
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The elegant Wat Rong Khun is built to look like a lavish Buddhist temple, but this privately owned art museum is a calmingly spiritual, but not necessarily religious escape. The goal of the site is to provide a beautiful respite—which the White Temple does in spectacular fashion. The almost blindingly white building is covered with glass and mirrors that make it sparkle in the sun. Under the moonlight, its striking design makes for a hauntingly beautiful beacon in the dark. The many ivory buildings and gorgeously landscaped grounds contain a wide collection of peculiar sculptures and murals—this is an art museum, after all.
You’ll feel on top of the world at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a gorgeous temple overlooking Chiang Mai. At the top of a mountain, up a 306-steps staircase, the 14th century northern Thai-style temple is topped by an immense golden chedi that holds numerous statues and holy relics. The grounds are simple yet beautiful and offer some of the best views of the city.
The 17th century Wat Chaiwatthanaram is just outside of Ayutthaya Historical Park and is a popular site for visitors to central Thailand. Designed in the Khmer style, this royal temple was a symbol of the Ayutthaya Kingdom’s strength and invincible power. It was heavily damaged by the Burmese army in 1767, but despite the ravages of time and war, its 100-foot-tall central prang or spire and surrounding structures remain a testament to ancient Siam’s artistic and engineering skills.
The wooden Sanctuary of Truth is a carved teak museum that fuses the aesthetics of traditional temples, castles, and Ayutthaya-style architecture. The all-wood complex spills out onto a sandy beach overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The water laps just feet from the sanctuary, providing a gorgeous view and relentless weather damage. The tallest structure is a massive wooden spire that stands more than 300-feet above the waves. The unfinished museum aims to preserve the ancient art of wood carving, while giving visitors a glimpse into ancient Buddhist and Hindu scriptures and philosophy.
Arguably Thailand’s quirkiest wat, the Temple of a Million Bottles is probably the result of the world’s most productive game of 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall! In 1984, Buddhist monks challenged themselves to do something useful with the countless discarded beer bottles they picked up on their walks through the quiet countryside. Using concrete and a million and a half donated glass bottles, the monks have so far built 20 buildings across their ever-expanding Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew complex.
If these incredible temples, museums, and exhibits fascinate you, you’ll have a chance to see many of them in person with YMT Vacations. Our guided tours take the guesswork out of international travel, allowing you to focus on the incredible, essential sights and experiences that make up our tours.
Whether you want to cruise down Halong Bay in Vietnam or unearth the treasures of Thailand, our group tours are a great way to explore the country with like-minded travelers. You can even combine the best of both countries on a value-packed Ultimate Tour. Speak to us today for more details!
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Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
Delve deeper into the many wonders of Southeast Asia on a fun cruise. Discover tropical beaches, ancient temples and bustling cities across five stunning countries in the region!
