Top 25 Must-See Temples in Thailand for an Unforgettable Experience

Thailand hosts an impressive total of 40,717 Buddhist temples, of which 33,902 are actively utilized today. As a predominantly Buddhist nation, these temples play a significant role in daily life, serving as venues for prayer, merit-making, and interactions with monks.

These structures attract numerous visitors, not only due to their spiritual and cultural significance but also because they rank among the most aesthetically pleasing and architecturally impressive edifices worldwide.

Selecting merely 25 temples for this enumeration was a formidable challenge, as a wide variety of locations and architectural styles needed to be represented.

1. Wat Rong Khun

Located in Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun, also referred to as the ‘White Temple,’ is among the most photographed and recognized temples in Thailand. Its pristine white exterior, accentuated with mirror pieces embedded in the plaster, radiates in sunlight. The temple’s color represents the purity of Buddha, while the glass signifies his wisdom. Although construction commenced in the late 20th century, efforts are ongoing to complete the temple, which will eventually consist of nine distinct buildings, including living quarters for the resident monks.

2. Wat Tham Pha Plong

Perched halfway up a mountain near Chiang Dao, Wat Tham Pha Plong is ensconced within a serene forest environment, providing a tranquil retreat. Access to this temple requires ascending 500 steps, rewarding visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding greenery. Monks residing at the temple offer accommodation and meditation classes, commencing daily at 3:00 AM. This site was the final teaching location of the esteemed monk Looang Boo Sim Buddhacaro.

3. Wat Suthat

Wat Suthat, one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, was built during the reign of King Rama III and is conveniently situated near the Grand Palace. A striking red swing, towering over twenty meters, stands at the temple’s entrance. Inside, visitors will find a large seated golden Buddha statue that serves as the room’s focal point. The outer walls are adorned with 156 Buddha images and feature four intricately designed entry gates.

4. Wat Pho

Wat Pho, commonly referred to as ‘The Temple of the Reclining Buddha,’ is a must-visit site for anyone traveling to Bangkok. Registered as one of the largest temples in the city, it houses the iconic reclining Buddha statue that measures 46 meters in length and is entirely covered in gold leaf. The soles of the Buddha’s feet display 108 images, each symbolizing the actions contributing to his enlightenment. Additionally, the temple includes a renowned massage school recognized as the finest in Thailand, providing a rejuvenating experience after a day of exploration.

5. Wat Arun

Known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun stands majestically on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Distinct from many other temples, it features an array of intricately decorated spires. The tallest spire reaches over seventy meters and is adorned with small pieces of Chinese porcelain and colored glass. Visitors can ascend the central prang to enjoy panoramic views of the river and nearby landmarks.

6. Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat serves as the center of Thailand’s monastic order, making it a vital location for studying Buddhism and meditation. This historic temple was initially constructed to house a significant relic of Buddha and is among the oldest temples in Bangkok. While visiting the temple, guests can engage with monks for fortune readings. Adjacent to the temple, Bangkok’s largest amulet market occurs every Sunday, offering a variety of amulets, charms, and healing medicines sought for good fortune and protection from malefic spirits.

7. Wat Ku Tao

Constructed in 1613, Wat Ku Tao in Chiang Mai was originally designed to care for the ashes of Prince Saravadi, a Burmese overlord. The temple’s name derives from the northern Thai term for melon. Its pagodas feature a distinctive design, likely influenced by Chinese architecture, characterized by five spheres representing the five Buddhas of the current age. The temple complex includes several buildings worth exploring, including a contemporary-looking viharn.

8. Panturat Temple

Panturat Temple is nestled within Khao Sok National Park’s jungle reserve in Southern Thailand. Renowned for activities such as elephant trekking, it is recognized as the world’s oldest evergreen rainforest. Often referred to as the “Monkey Cave,” the temple is situated on a broad limestone plateau frequented by vibrant long-tailed monkeys. These monkeys are known for their playful interactions with visitors, including attempts to snatch food directly from their hands.

9. Wat Phu Khao Thong

Commonly known as the Golden Mountain Temple, Wat Phu Khao Thong is situated in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. This temple commemorates King Naresuan’s victory over the Burmese. The structure showcases a blend of Burmese and local Ayutthaya architectural styles, with a chedi ascending approximately eighty meters, crowned by a gold ball weighing about two kilograms. Within proximity to the Chedi stands a statue of King Naresuan, also popular among visitors.

10. Wat Benchamabophit

Wat Benchamabophit, also known as the Marble Temple, ranks among Bangkok’s most exquisite temples, constructed from white Carrara marble imported from Italy. Rather than a single central structure, the temple comprises several smaller edifices. European influences are evident, particularly in the captivating stained glass windows. Notably, the current King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, once resided here for several days as a monk prior to his coronation.

11. Wat Chet Yot

Wat Chet Yot is an elegant temple located in Chiang Mai, set within tranquil green grounds. Constructed to host the eighth World Buddhist Council in 1453, the temple derives its name from its seven spires, which depict the seven weeks Buddha spent in meditation at the Mahabodhi Temple in India during his path to enlightenment. The temple showcases eclectic architectural styles influenced by Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Lao cultures. One of the smaller chedis contains the remains of King Tilokkarat, who once presided over the kingdom.

12. Wat Phra Kaew

Located within the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew is considered the most significant temple in Thailand, as it houses the Emerald Buddha, which was meticulously carved from a single piece of jade. The Emerald Buddha is exclusively approached by His Majesty the King, who changes its seasonal robe thrice annually to symbolize the changing seasons. The temple does not accommodate resident monks but contains a series of sacred edifices, pagodas, and statues.

13. Wat Bowonniwet Vihara

Situated in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is a first-class royal temple established during King Nangklao’s reign in the early 19th century. The temple has numerous connections to the Thai royal family. In 1836, Prince Mongkut became the temple’s abbot before later ascending as King Rama IV. Additionally, King Bhumibol also resided at the temple for a time. The temple features a fifty-meter tall chedi that contains several sacred relics and a statue of Buddha depicted in the Abhaya mudra.

14. Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang, also known as the Temple of The Big Stupa, is a historical ruin located in the heart of Chiang Mai. Dating back to the 14th century, this temple was originally intended to house the ashes of Ku Na, the father of King Saen Muang Ma. It is noteworthy that this temple previously sheltered the Emerald Buddha before it was removed to Laos and eventually relocated to Bangkok. A devastating earthquake in 1545 caused significant damage to the great spire, which was further compounded by an attack from the Burmese, leading to incomplete restoration efforts.

15. Wat Traimit

Despite not being the most visually striking temple, Wat Traimit attracts visitors primarily for one compelling reason—it houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue. Weighing five and a half tons and composed of 83% gold, this statue stands fifteen feet tall and is valued at millions. Constructed in the 13th century, its rich history, including a phase where it was concealed beneath a plaster coat to deter theft, can be explored at the temple.

16. Sanctuary Of Truth

Located in Pattaya, the Sanctuary of Truth is an entirely wooden temple that contains no metal components. Designed by Thai millionaire Lek Viriaphant, this construction has been underway for thirty years and remains incomplete. Towering twenty stories tall, each level is adorned with intricate carvings depicting Hindu and Buddhist deities. Visitors can join guided tours departing every thirty minutes, as well as enjoy daily Thai dance performances on-site.

17. Wat Ratchapradit

Situated not far from the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Wat Ratchapradit is a compact temple established by Rama IV. The temple’s large chedi is embellished with small gray to white tiles, giving it a checkerboard appearance. Surrounding the ordination hall are sizable prangs reflecting Khmer architectural influences. Inside, several paintings depict royal ceremonies and the solar eclipse phenomenon.

18. Wat Chaiwatthanaram

In the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, the ruins of Wat Chaiwatthanaram can be found outside the primary island where the city was established. This temple features a prominent tower sentineling over the banks of the Chao Phraya River, built in 1630 AD in honor of King Prasatthong’s mother. The symmetrical design consists of a central tower encircled by eight smaller ones. Inside, visitors can explore numerous Buddha images and admire murals adorning the temple walls. Before becoming a ruin, the site served as an army camp before the Burmese invasion.

19. Wat Raatchabophit

Wat Ratchabophit is positioned in close proximity to numerous other temples and the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The site features a prayer hall and a space designated for ordaining priests. A round courtyard at the center features a golden chedi draped in yellow tiles, alongside a statue of Buddha. Visitors will note an array of international architectural influences, including Thai, Sri Lankan, and Italian designs. Additionally, the temple grounds contain a Royal Cemetery where many members of the royal family are interred. Uniquely, there is also a Christian church and a space where monks reside.

20. Wat Lan Kuad

Wat Lan Kuad presents a distinctly unique architectural style that is rarely seen elsewhere. Located in Thailand’s northeastern region near the Cambodian border, the temple is constructed from over one million repurposed beer bottles. The monks began collecting these bottles in 1984, and as the collection amassed, they opted to utilize them as building materials, eventually leading to the creation of a complex with twenty structures. The temple consists of both Chang and Heineken bottles, and mosaics of Buddha crafted from bottle caps can be found within the premises.

21. Wat Phitchaya Yatikaram

Wat Phitchaya Yatikaram, located in Ayutthaya, the historic capital of Siam, lacks a complete historical account. The principal prayer hall features a remarkable watercolor mural depicting a Chinese warrior stepping on a lion, along with other notable paintings, including one of an angel wielding a double-edged dagger. At the temple’s rear, large prangs were established to contain the ashes of That Bunnag’s family; the largest prang features four Buddha images gazing in opposite directions.

22. Wat Suwannaram

Wat Suwannaram, dating back to a period prior to the destruction of Ayutthaya, is located within Bangkok’s Noi district. Originally a monastery, it has undergone multiple restoration and renaming processes. Throughout its history, significant events have occurred at this temple, including the execution of Burmese prisoners of war and the cremation of notable officials and royal family members. The temple’s walls boast numerous classical Thai-style paintings, created with the intent for viewers to observe them from above.

23. Wat Phra That (Doi Suthep)

In Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep is often mistaken as the name of the temple, while it actually refers to the mountain where Wat Phra That is located. Constructed in 1383 atop the mountain, it remains an active monastery. Upon reaching the car park, visitors should ascend 300 steps to access the temple, where a prominent golden spire is positioned at the center. Notable elements include a shrine dedicated to The White Elephant, alongside a depiction of the temple’s historical origin.

24. Wat Sri Suphan

Wat Sri Suphan, located in the silver village of Chiang Mai, was constructed over five centuries ago, but much of its original structure has been lost. Nevertheless, significant renovations are underway, with the main hall being entirely covered in silver, both internally and externally. The roof features silver-plated tiles, and an active silverworking school operates at the temple, ensuring the craft is preserved for future generations. Additionally, the weekly monk chat program encourages visitors to engage in dialogue with monks, providing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange.

25. Wat Phra Singh

Located in the ancient city of Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh is arguably the most expansive temple in the area, inviting exploration. Known as ‘The Monastery of the Lion Buddha,’ it is an active temple with hundreds of resident monks. The architecture is distinctly Lanna, featuring a large chedi constructed in 1345 to enshrine the ashes of the father of King Pha Yu. The assembly hall contains a highly revered Buddha image, known as Phra Singh Buddha, which is paraded through the streets during Songkran for locals to bless with water.