Top 10 Best Temples to Visit in Thailand
Thailand is the perfect place for a wide range of activities, including art, beaches, culture, food, fun, and history. But no matter where you go in the ... read more...country, you will undoubtedly come upon a temple. In Thailand, there are more than 40,000 temples, and here are some temples in Thailand that are worthy of your time to visit.
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One of the most well-known temples in Thailand is Wat Rong Khun, also known as "the White Temple". The temple attracts a large number of visitors, both Thai and foreign, making it one of Chiang Rai’s most visited attractions.
Wat Rong Khun is a unique temple that stands out due to its white exterior and use of glass in the plaster, which glitters in the sunlight. The color white represents the Buddha's purity, while the glass symbolizes his wisdom and the Dhamma, or Buddhist teachings. Famous Thai visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat designed the Wat Rong Khun. Even if the former temple is already magnificent, renovation work hasn't stopped and won't be done until 2070. The completed compound will consist of nine buildings, including living quarters for monks.
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The "Temple of Dawn", also known as Wat Arun, is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Wat Arun, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Aruna, is most beautiful in the morning when the sun shines through the Chinese porcelain blossoms and mosaics made of silver and reddish glass that decorate the walls of the temple.
It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok, not just because it is situated by the river but also because its design is so unique from the other temples in the Thai city. The option of climbing the vertical staircase built on the outdoor wall is one of the attractions of this temple. You'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and the gabled roofs of other temples and structures across the water provided you're not frightened of heights and can manage the narrow steps.
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One of the biggest temples in Bangkok is Wat Pho, popularly referred to as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The total area of the temple grounds is approximately 80,000 square meters, but only half of it is accessible to tourists; the other half is home to a school and the living areas for the monks.
Even though the open area of the temple has a number of buildings, the 46-meter-long and 15-meter-tall statue of the reclining Buddha, which is covered in gold leaf, is what draws the majority of visitors. The Buddha's feet draw the most attention, even though the entire statue is magnificent. The feet have mother-of-pearl inlays, are etched with auspicious symbols, and have a chakra (energy point) right in the middle.
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For tourists who speak English, Wat Rong Seua Ten is most commonly referred to as the Blue Temple or "Templo Azul". It is one of Chiang Rai's newest and most beautiful wats, as well as one of the most visited.
In a country where most temples are built of gold, this stunning color is uniquely used as decoration on the walls, roof, and surrounding statues of the temple. This hue denotes purity, wisdom, and the lack of materialism that Buddhists strive for. Despite being very small, the Blue Temple's gold ceilings and deep sapphire blue walls give it an almost magical appearance. The temple's gate is bordered on either side by two vibrant Nagas, semi-divine snake-like creatures, which add to the temple's magnificent atmosphere. There has a big white Buddha statue that welcomes visitors inside, as well as carved Buddha statues, mosaic-like blue paintings, and murals.
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The Tiger Cave Temple (officially Wat Tham Suea) is located just outside Krabi. The complex is divided into many levels, and to reach the top, you must climb a 1,260-step stairway, some of which are over 30 cm tall, passing by caves decorated with tiger print paws and golden Buddhas.
A big golden Buddha, a tiny shrine, and some of the most open views of the town below await anyone who can conquer the 278-meter height of the stairway. The hill and the steps are surrounded by a tropical jungle. Visits to the complex's caves are also highly recommended. Some are perfect for just taking a rest in a quiet, tranquil area before you continue up the staircase, while others are popular places for Thais to light incense.
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The Temple on a High Glass Cliff, also known as Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, is located about five hours north of Bangkok. Due to its remote location, this temple is often not included in the low-budget trip plans that many people take. But if you have the time, this is one of Thailand's most impressive temples.
The surrounding hilly terrain, which the temple overlooks, makes for a stunning background. The location at Khao Kho was chosen to inspire meditation because of its stunning natural environment. Set against the serenity of the mountains is the site’s most striking feature, the ice-white temple itself, representing the traditional five Buddhas who visited the Earth. The Buddhas are nested together in the meditation position, gazing out over the valley.
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The term "Silver Temple" (officially Wat Sri Suphan) refers to the building's unique appearance, with its walls and roof made completely of pure silver or an alloy containing zinc.
A magical bouncing of light and images creates the illusion that the temple is endless in all directions. Inside, even the statues and some of the decorations are covered in silver, as are the frames of the many mirrors. The wat was covered in silver because, in the 1500s, a silversmith village was located nearby. Visitors today can find plenty of silver studios around the temple, and craftsmen sell their silver goods there as well. Several times a week, monks lead meditation classes here, and the neighborhood's Saturday Walking Street Market provides an opportunity to buy a variety of souvenirs and crafts.
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The most well-known temple in Ayutthaya is surrounded by numerous other breathtaking ruins and is situated in the middle of a historical park. Ayutthaya was formerly the center of government for Bangkok and the biggest city in the world by the year AD 1700.
Wat Mahathat may not be the biggest temple in Ayutthaya, but the main viharn (the living quarters) and impressive ubosot (the ordination hall) are still breathtaking. A temple complex is a spectacular group of temples that draws plenty of visitors, even though the central prang (tower-like spire) collapsed long ago and just the base remains. The stone head of a Buddha locked in the roots of a tree is one of the temple's main attractions.
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Bangkok's Wat Saket, also known as the Temple of the Golden Mount, is a historic temple that dates back to the Ayutthaya Period. This landmark, just on the only hill in Bangkok, is a great destination for all followers of The Lord Buddha.
It is one of Bangkok's oldest temples and a renowned destination for visitors during the Loy Krathong festival in November. Until you see the beautiful views of Bangkok Old Town from the temple, which is perched on top of an 80-meter-tall hill, you will forget about the heat and the climb to get you here. Ancient trees, a bell wall, golden Buddha sculptures, and a shaded 300-step stairway leading to the chedi are among the decorative elements on the temple's grounds. Wat Saket is an obscure temple where you won't see many visitors but is a great place for contemplation and photography.
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The most well-known and respected temple in Thailand is The Emerald Temple or Wat Phra Kaew. The Wat Phra Kaew temple complex, which has stunning architecture, serves as the spiritual center of Thai Buddhism and the monarchy.
The Emerald Buddha statue, regarded as Thailand's protector, is housed there. The statue is made of a deep green, single piece of jade stone. It stands 66 centimeters tall, and it's dressed in a special cloak changed personally by the king three times a year, as the seasons change. The three jeweled garments are made of gold and represent the three seasons that exist in Thailand: hot, cool, and rainy. The most affordable and enjoyable way to go to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew is by river taxi.