Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles”, which can be found in abundance from the friendly locals. But do you know what else is overly abundant in Thailand? Temples! There are over 40,000 temples in the country and roughly 30,000 of them are in use. This can make it quite confusing as to which ones you should see when traveling through the country. Keep reading to learn all about which ones are the must visit Thailand temples.
Must Visit Thailand Temples: Dress Code
If you wish to enter a temple, you’re required to dress appropriately. This means keeping your shoulders covered and wearing pants that fall below the knee. A lot of tourists invest in elephant pants (God help us all) to keep them cool while avoiding any issues when temple hopping.
Having said that, my attire for most temples was basically shorts, a T-shirt, and hiking shoes (although there were a few temples where I had to put on pants). I also saw plenty of tourists dressed similarly and were also allowed in. This could be due to the fact that Thailand gets incredibly hot and humid during the day, so the locals understand that tourists need to dress a certain way to keep cool. But as long as you aren’t wearing anything too revealing, or your attire isn’t isn’t sloppy or falling apart, you should be fine.
When entering a temple, you’ll also be required to remove your shoes. There’s usually a shoe rack set up at the entrance where you can stash your footwear. If you’re concerned about theft, it’s pretty rare. If anything does go missing, it’s likely because someone grabbed an identical-looking pair of footwear by mistake.
Thailand’s Top Temples
A trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without a visit to some of its Buddhist temples (wats). The majority are free to enter although some require you to pay a small fee. As they’re spread throughout the country, I’ve grouped them into regions for easy reference.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai (aka “The Rose of the North”) is located in the north of Thailand and contains 117 temples. The city is known as the spiritual center of Thailand, and has a laid-back, slow-paced vibe.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep is the most impressive temple in Chiang Mai. It’s located on the outskirts, more specifically on Doi Suthep mountain, which overlooks the city. Its history dates back to 1383 when the first stupa was built. To get to the temple it’s a 15-minute drive from the city center. If you prefer, you can walk up the Monk’s Trail, but be prepared as this takes anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Once you arrive, a 309-foot staircase leads you to the temple, although a tram is also available. The temple is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in Thailand, seeing upwards of 120,000 visitors daily (pre-COVID), although there can be even more during holidays.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/yUhnpYec8vNKXdL38
Hours: 6am to 8pm
Wat Pha Lat
Wat Pha Lat (which translates to “Monastery at the Sloping Rock”) is a hidden jungle temple located on the Monk’s Trail. It’s accessible by car but many tourists walk the 2-kilometer hike which takes about 40 minutes. Due to its seclusion, it sees less foot traffic and is considered to be a hidden gem when it comes to temples and Chiang Mai attractions. Built in 1355, the temple was originally used as a resting point for those making the pilgrimage up the mountain. The site has impressive architecture, as well as statues and other temple artwork. Those that are looking for a tranquil temple away from the city should definitely pay a visit.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/KhTygQpBa11vEhhSA
Hours: 6am to 6pm
Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple)
Nicknamed The Silver Temple for its silver exterior, Wat Sri Suphan was built in the 16th century and served as the main temple for a silversmith village. It was only in 2008 when it was decided to redecorate the temple by covering as much of it (including statues) in silver. The interior is adorned with silver, mirrors, lights, and vibrant colors. The downside to this temple is women are forbidden to enter it due to ancient Lanna beliefs. At night, the temple is illuminated by spotlights which change the silver exterior into different colors. Near the temple is the Wualai Walking Street Market, which brings in a lot of foot traffic on Saturday nights.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/yAPTqjsdhGWHPNEk8
Hours: 6am to 6pm
Wat Chet Yot
Sometimes called Wat Jed Yod (but officially named Wat Photharam Maha Wihan), this 15th-century temple’s main chedi was built as a smaller replica of Bodh Gaya in India. While most temples in the north of Thailand use Lanna-style architecture, this is one that follows Indian architecture. The main attraction is the 7-spire Maha Chedi, which symbolizes the 7 weeks it took the Buddha to reach enlightenment. When the temple was constructed, a Bodhi tree was planted, and over 560 years later it still stands tall. The temple grounds are vast, filled with ruins of chedis, pagodas, as well as statues, ancient trees, and flowers.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Z5YKwdFdtRkecWJJ8
Hours: 7am to 6pm
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang is probably the most popular temple in Chiang Mai, as its location is right in the heart of the city. It’s instantly recognizable from the partially crumbled chedi which is believed to protect the city. This was caused by an earthquake in 1545, which collapsed the upper 30 meters of the structure. UNESCO and the Japanese government financed the reconstruction of the chedi in the early 1990s. The temple also once housed the Emerald Buddha, an important religious relic that has since been moved to Bangkok. Wat Chedi Luang has large grounds to wander and includes 2 viharas, the city pillar shrine, a reclining Buddha, and a secondary temple, Wat Phan Tao.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/b33Lo5t4KGJEsnJRA
Hours: 8am to 5pm
Wat Suan Dok
Also called Wat Buppharam, Wat Suan Dok is an interesting temple that photographers flock to. Its name translates to “Flower Garden Temple”, as it was built on the site of a former royal flower garden in the 14th century. It’s characterized by its abundance of small white chedis which surround a 48-meter high golden chedi. Many of the white chedis contain the ashes of several generations of Chiang Mai’s Royal Family. The temple was built to house a relic that was believed to be the shoulder bone of the Buddha. In the 1930s, the temple’s ubosot and virharn were both renovated, and a 5 meter high Buddha that was cast in 1504 sits inside.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/TCUyQhnZy75kWSsV9
Hours: 6am to 9pm
Wat Pra Singh
Another temple located in Chiang Mai’s Old Town is Wat Pra Singh, which many consider the most beautiful temple in the city. Its Lanna-style architecture dates back to the 14th century, with teak woods, Buddha murals, and immaculately kept grounds. An active temple where monks live and study, it’s referred to as “The Monastery of the Lion Buddha”, with ornate gold chedis marking the site. The largest building is the Viharn Luang, which houses a gold and copper Buddha that was cast in 1477. Equally impressive is the Ho Trai scripture library building. It was built on a high stone structure to protect the ancient Buddha scriptures inside from floods and unwanted pests.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/mSfwo4vre5mwEAnw9
Hours: 9am to 6pm
Chiang Rai
3 hours north of Chiang Mai is Chiang Rai, which is near the borders of Laos and Myanmar. It’s a sleepy town that tourists haven’t quite yet discovered, but it has some stunning temples you should check out if you’re in the area.
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Probably the most famous of Chiang Rai’s attractions, Wat Rong Khun is more commonly known as The White Temple. Unlike other Thai temples, The White Temple is a privately-owned art exhibit. After falling into a state of disrepair, it was rebuilt by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a Chiang Rai visual artist who used his own money to finance the restoration. His intention was to create a center for learning about Buddhism, and its impressive design is a mixture of traditional and modern art. There are nine buildings in total, including the ubosot, meditation hall, art gallery, and living quarters. Construction on the site is ongoing with 2070 being the aim for completion.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/RmnaUst4M7fnYmrD8
Hours: 8am to 5pm
Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
Switching from light to dark, we have Chiang Rai’s Black House, which was designed by the late Thai artist Thawan Duchanee. It’s part museum, part art studio, and part private residence, though no one lives there anymore. The house is a stark contrast to almost every other temple in Thailand, embracing more macabre ideals and decor. It’s built mainly from wood that’s been stained black and dark brown, with modern chedis contrasted in white. Inside you’ll find intricate wood carvings and artwork, as well as things like skulls, horns, and animal skins. Also on site is a black, submarine-like structure where Duchanee lived while creating this masterpiece.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/WvAF892PjbVsxxfc7
Hours: 9am to 5pm
Wat Rong Seua Ten (Blue Temple)
The Blue Temple is located a few kilometers outside of Chiang Rai. While it’s only 5 years old, it’s already built a reputation as one of the most stunning temples in all of Thailand. Translated to “The House of the Dancing Tiger”, this temple is a mixture of blue and golden colors. In Buddhism, blue symbolizes purity, ascension, healing, tranquility, and the infinite. The contrasting colors make everything pop, looking bold and vibrant. The temple was designed by Putha Kabkaew, an apprentice of The White Temple’s designer, Chalermchai Kositpipat. Naga serpents guard the entrance of the temple, and once inside you’ll be treated to a visual feast for your senses.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/9z1s3ahgoENuULvE9
Hours: 7am to 8pm
Bangkok
The city of Bangkok is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it’s also home to over 400 temples. Many are huge complexes with lavish decor, although there are smaller less-assuming temples as well. Here are the ones you shouldn’t miss.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho (or Wat Phra Chetuphon) is known as “The Temple of the Reclining Buddha”. It houses the largest reclining Buddha in the country – a 46-meter long by 15-meter high statue covered in gold leaf. The temple is a restoration of an earlier temple, Wat Phodharam. It features Ayutthaya-designed architecture, and some structures in it were salvaged from the town of Ayutthaya (see Wat Mahathat below). Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and a massage school was established inside the complex in 1962. As it’s the oldest wat in Bangkok, there are over 1,000 images of the Buddha (more than any other temple in Thailand). Additionally, a Buddhist monastery where monks live and study is also included in the complex.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/CwntMZXyQ1RhBr989
Hours: 8am to 6:30pm
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Kaew is the home of Thailand’s most important statue, The Emerald Buddha. The temple is found inside the grounds of Bangkok’s Royal Palace and is regarded as the most sacred temple in the country. The Royal Palace is the most visited tourist attraction in Bangkok. The Emerald Buddha statue is actually made of jade stone, stands 65 centimeters tall, and is believed to protect and bring prosperity to Thailand. Before taking up its current residence in 1784, the statue traveled extensively through Cambodia, Laos, India, and Sri Lanka and was believed to perform miracles. It now sits on a throne of intricately carved wood and is re-dressed three times a year by the reigning King of Thailand.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/hiHHR5F2nTZF129L7
Hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Wat Arun
Wat Arun (also known as Wat Arun Ratchawararam) is located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River and is recognizable by its ornate Khymer-style prang (spire). It takes the name of Aruna, a Hindu god associated with the rising sun. Wat Arun dates back to the 17th century, and over the years porcelain, tin-glazed pottery, and seashells have been added to the prang’s exterior. For photography buffs, the golden hour produces the best light to shoot the temple. Getting to the wat can be done for a small fee via water taxi/ferry, and you can also get great views of Arun from the water or across the river.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/nkQEXngC4f2GVHw49
Hours: 8am to 6pm
Wat Saket
Wat Saket (aka Phu Khao Thong) is a hilltop temple that provides sweeping panoramic views overlooking Bangkok. It’s commonly referred to as “The Temple of the Golden Mount” for its large gold chedi. It was originally built during the Ayutthaya period but was reconstructed in the 20th century using Carrara marble. To get to the top, tourists have to climb 318 steps, which takes around 15 minutes. There are small gardens and statutes along the way, with many people stopping to admire and take photos. The temple is busiest at the end of the day, as you’ll get a dramatic look at the setting sun over Bangkok in a tranquil setting.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Bj57BMdBqD7Uknrf6
Hours: 7am to 7pm
Phuket
The island of Phuket is one of the most visited regions of Thailand. While it has a relaxed, tropical vibe and beautiful white sand beaches, it also has 29 Buddhist temples for tourists to visit.
Wat Chalong
If you’re going to visit any Phuket temples, Wat Chalong should be on the top of your list. Built in the 19th century, it’s the largest temple in Phuket and has three levels you can explore. It’s dedicated to 2 revered monks who led the citizens of Chalong Sub district in fighting against the Chinese rebellion in 1876. The temple’s pagoda features a 60-meter high chedi that houses a bone fragment of the Buddha.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/shez391LxPVLv9XM8
Hours: 8am to 5pm
Big Buddha
Probably the most well-known tourist attraction in Phuket is the Big Buddha. It’s a massive seated Maravija Buddha statue made of concrete and marble and it’s the main Buddha of the nearby Wat Kitthi Sankaram temple. Construction of the 148 foot-tall structure took place between 2004 and 2018. The Big Buddha is so big it can be seen from various areas in southern Phuket. At the site, tourists can take in panoramic views of the island.
Google Maps: https://g.page/BigBuddhaPhuket?share
Hours: 8am to 6pm
Honorable Mentions
Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya
The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya is a hybrid temple/castle that stands 20 stories high and is built entirely out of wood. The temple is a work in progress. Construction started in 1981 and completion is aimed for 2025. All idols and sculptures are made out of Mai Deang , Mai Takien, Mai Panchaat, and Teak woods (they don’t even use nails!). The main wood used is Mai Takien, as it’s expected to last around 600 years. The design is one of Ayutthaya and Buddhist beliefs. The temple has an interior space of 2,115 square meters and a spire reaching 105 meters. The amount of craftsmanship is staggering, and it’s definitely one of the top must visit Thailand temples on this list.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/EWh8i5zPzTnpwhfRA
Hours: 8am to 6pm
Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya
The temple ruins of Ayutthaya’s Wat Mahathat are not to be missed. Historians put its construction around 1374, during the reign of King Borommaracha I. It follows a Khmer-style temple construction (like Angkor Wat in Cambodia), and its claim to fame is a Buddha head statue engulfed by a Bodhi tree. Its name translates to “Monastery of the Great Relic,” and the temple is believed to house a relic of the Buddha. As with all ruins, you’ll see crumbled structures and chedis, faded wall murals, and headless/armless statues.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/v673kaXjdyNh85GF9
Hours: 6am to 5pm
Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave), Krabi
The Tiger Cave Temple is a mountain temple in Krabi. It’s famous for three things: tiger prints in its cave, a large Buddha statue, and a 30-minute climb up 1,260 stairs to reach the summit. Its foundation was discovered in 1975 when a monk meditated in the cave and realized there were tigers roaming around inside. The stairs have been recently renovated, and they lead you 309 meters up to the summit where you’ll see the Buddha statue as well as stunning views of the Krabi region. The busiest times are either in the morning or at sunset when the heat isn’t as intense.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/fMH4TrAb9qF4Qzt3A
Hours: 8am to 5pm
Don’t Miss Thailand’s Temples
This list of must visit Thailand temples could’ve been much longer. However, these are the top ones that you should take the time to see. Now that you have a greater understanding of each temple’s history, you’ll be able to appreciate them more when you experience them in person.
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