Thailand’s temples have a subtle and enticing blend of the exotic and the spiritual. They are of course places of prayer and meditation, but they are also some of the most beautiful places you might ever visit.
From the architectural design of their buildings, to the murals, religious symbols and images they house, temples are a visually dazzling array of colours and textures coupled with exotic smells and mystical imagery. To Thais, temples are an integral part of every day life. As such the temple plays an important role in shaping Thai society and values. Of course, Thailand’s temples have also played an integral part in Thailand’s history. Many have seen war and invasion, others played pivotal roles in the development of Buddhism in Thailand. If you are in Thailand for a limited amount of time, the following temples are ones you really 'must see' before you go.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is an imposing monastery located in the west
of Ayutthaya on the Chao Phraya River. It was built by King Prasat Thong in 1630
and its architecture is similar to th...
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Built in the reign of King Boromtrilokanath, Wat Phra Sri San Phet was the biggest temple in the area at its peak and is historically very significant. The temple is situated in a compound (similar...
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is located near the main Ayutthaya ruins and a short distance from the walls of Ayutthaya. It is famed for an impressively large statue of the Reclining Buddha inside the templ...
Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit contains one of the largest bronze Buddha images found in Thailand and also houses numerous smaller images. Destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, the temple was returned to it...
The Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew really are places you must visit while you are in Bangkok. Both have considerable historical significance and are extremely beaut...
Wat Pho (or Wat Phra Chetuphon as it is known locally) is famed for the massive ‘Reclining Buddha’ it houses. At 46 meters long and 15 meters high, this gold-plated Buddha image depicts the Buddha...
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is probably Chiang Mai's most important site for visitors, and certainly its most visible. Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep nestles into the side of Doi Suthep some 3,000 fe...
Located next to Mae Hong Son market, Wat Hua Wiang is a temple with a large compound featuring a large Burmese-style bronze Buddha image as its focal point. The compound also features a two-storey ...
Burmese-style Wat Pha That Doi Kong Moo is located around 1,500 meters up Doi Kong Moo hill. The temple is famous for its view of the valley it overlooks. In the morning visitors can look out over ...
Wat Pho Chai is located in the south-east of Nong Khai. The temple is famed for a large bronze-Buddha with a solid gold head decorated with precious stones (rubies). The temple building houses a numbe...
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Must see
From the architectural design of their buildings, to the murals, religious symbols and images they house, temples are a visually dazzling array of colours and textures coupled with exotic smells and mystical imagery. To Thais, temples are an integral part of every day life. As such the temple plays an important role in shaping Thai society and values. Of course, Thailand’s temples have also played an integral part in Thailand’s history. Many have seen war and invasion, others played pivotal roles in the development of Buddhism in Thailand. If you are in Thailand for a limited amount of time, the following temples are ones you really 'must see' before you go.
