All of us are aware that Thailand is globally renowned for its beautiful islands, buzzing nightlife, affordable luxury, delicious cuisine, and shopping. But behind the modern, tourist-friendly surface, there is a deeper, spiritual side that has influenced the country for many years. With more than 40,000 temples spread throughout the country, The Buddhist heritage of Thailand is not just a part of its history; it is a big part of everyday life. These temples, from the shining royal Wats in Bangkok to the old ruins in Ayutthaya, tell the story of a rich culture. For over 2,000 years, spirituality and daily life have been inter-connected in Thailand. Visiting these temples in Thailand is important for anyone who wants to understand the real Thai culture.
Thailand tour packages usually focus on the popular beaches and shopping areas. However, the temples help visitors learn about the real Thai culture.
Also Read: Top 5 Reasons Indian Tourists Love Traveling to Vietnam and Thailand
Wat Pho is one of the ancient Buddhist temples in the capital city. Now, this temple is also popularly known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It is the first of six temples in Thailand that are considered the best royal temples. The huge gold-plated figure measures over 150 feet long. It depicts Buddha in a serene, contemplative pose. It has a 46-meter-long Buddha lying down, showing Buddha’s path to Nirvana. You can find 91 stupas, about 1,000 Buddha statues, and a branch of the sacred Bodhi Tree from Bodhgaya, India, here. Wat Pho is considered one of the largest temple complexes in Thailand, attracting many visitors to experience its historical significance and spiritual atmosphere.
The White Temple or Wat Rong Khun is the most beautiful in Thailand and maybe even in Asia. It looks like a scene from a Narnia movie, with its white castle-like temple surrounded by a pond and lush greenery, creating a dreamlike view. It has white outer walls that set it apart from other temples. The white Buddha statue stands for purity, and the mirrors around it show the Buddha’s wisdom. It is one of the most visually stunning and thought-provoking temples in Thailand, drawing visitors from around the world.
Also Read: Songkran Festival Traditions: History and Modern Celebrations of Thailand’s Water Festival
Wat Arun is the most unique temple in Thailand and is commonly featured on souvenirs and postcards from the country. It is one of the six Royal Temples in the country and the most beautiful among them. It stands along the Chao Phraya River, with its golden 80-meter tower reaching into the sky. Known as the Temple of Dawn, it is breathtaking in the morning light. Its central tower, built in Khmer style and covered with colourful porcelain, shines brightly in the sun. This tall stupa glows with a soft pearly shine as the sun rises over Bangkok.
Image Source: https://smarthistory.org/
Wat Phra Kaew is the most holy and most visited temple in Thailand. It is also known as The Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is within the Grand Palace and houses this holy statue. Wat Phra Kaew has a Buddha statue that may look like it is made of emerald, but it is crafted from green jasper or jade. This jade Buddha is seated in a meditative lotus position. It is 26 inches tall, dressed in golden attire, and is considered a sacred symbol of Thailand. The statue, seen as the protector of the country, can only be touched or closely approached by the King.
Also Read: Thailand’s Night Markets Unveiled: A Guide to Shopping, Street Food, and Culture!
Image Source: https://forevervacation.com/
Wat Saket is one of the ancient temples in the country, built during the Ayutthaya era. It was originally a place for the ashes of those who had passed away, especially during King Rama II’s time, when many people died in an epidemic, and their ashes were placed there. The beautiful golden stupa sits on a hill called the Golden Mount, while the temple is at the bottom of the hill. Most people bypass the small temple at the bottom and go straight to the hilltop, where Buddha’s relics are stored.
You may know Wat Benchamabophit from its image on the back of the common Thai 5 baht coin. It is also known as the Marble Temple, is made of white marble that was brought in from Italy. It is one of the few first-class royal temples in the country. The temple, courtyard, and pillars are made of marble, giving it a serene look. The temple has traditional Thai architecture, with white and gold decorations, layered roofs, and lion motifs at the entrance. Galleries next to the main hall have 52 different Buddha images in various styles and from different times.
Also Read: 7 Famous Thai foods To Try On Your Trip To Thailand!
The Monastery of the Lion Buddha or the Wat Phra Singh, is an ancient but beautiful temple in Chiang Mai. It was built in the 14th century when the Lanna Kingdom was around. The temple shows beautiful traditional Lanna-style architecture. Many pilgrims visit Wat Phra Singh to pay respect to the famous Buddha statue called Phra Singh or Lion Buddha. This statue is in a small chapel just south of the stupa at the back of the temple. The assembly hall has beautiful gold and ochre carvings, with walls that tell stories from the life of Buddha. The temple grounds also include a library with ancient texts, monk residences, and a building with a golden reclining Buddha.
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/
Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya, Thailand is a well-preserved 17th-century Buddhist temple. It is built in the Khmer style. The temple was made to honour a king’s mother. The temple sits by the Chao Phraya River, offering beautiful panoramic views. Tourists on boat trips along the river can see the impressive temple from a distance. This temple is also a great spot to watch the sunset, and tour guides ensure visitors enjoy the beautiful view over the river. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is famous for its detailed design, which is typical of the 17th-century Khmer style. The main tower, called a prang, is very eye-catching.
Also Read: A Traveler’s Guide To Koh Samui Island Thailand!
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most important temples in northern Thailand. It is one of the top places to visit in Chiang Mai. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is about 15 km from Chiang Mai and is an active Buddhist monastery built in the 14th century. The temple is a lovely example of northern Thai design. You can get to it by climbing a staircase with 306 steps decorated with mythical sea serpents. Climbing these steps is a way for visitors to earn Buddhist merit. According to locals, you have not really explored Chiang Mai until you have visited Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Image Source: https://www.tripadvisor.in/
Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao Temple in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand is a stunning Buddhist temple known for its unique architecture. It is on a hilltop overlooking the Mekong River. The pavilion has carvings of famous characters on the walls and bright, glowing images on the floor. This temple is also known as the Glowing Temple. The most unique feature of the temple is its gold-plated roof, which shimmers in the sunlight. After sunset, parts of the floor and walls light up because of the fluorescent paint used to decorate the temple. This temple is visually stunning, attracting religious pilgrims and tourists looking for a deep cultural experience.
Also Read: 5 Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts In Thailand In 2024-25!
As the sun sets over the ancient temples in Thailand, the warm light focuses on the beautiful carvings and shiny rooftops. It shows why these sacred places have lasted for so long. For travellers looking to explore Thai spirituality, visiting these temples is a great way to connect with it. Watching the sunrise at Wat Arun in Bangkok or the peaceful beauty of Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai are experiences that can leave a lasting memory. Adding temple visits to your Thailand holiday package lets you explore famous sites while learning about the beliefs that have shaped the country for centuries. It is a chance to experience more than just sightseeing.
I Mrs. Ketika Shah (Sales Manager, Flamingo Transworld) Joined Flamingo Transworld in 2002 and started the outbound tour department. I got a chance to explore many countries, took international tours, deal with many people, and understood customers’ psychology. I graduated with B.sc and entered in Aviation and Tourism Industry with the certified course of IATA. I believe in selling quality tours to our customers as our employees are our biggest strengths.
