Buzz
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM.
- Ticket price: 500 baht.
The Emerald Buddha Temple is situated within the grounds of the Royal Palace of Thailand, renowned as the most famous temple in Thailand and considered the most sacred in the Land of Golden Temples. With a history spanning over 230 years, the Emerald Buddha Temple houses the iconic jade Buddha statue - a national treasure of Thailand.
The architecture of the temple is uniquely designed with a strong Eastern influence, complemented by intricately decorated palaces surrounding the temple. Thai locals and tourists frequently visit the Emerald Buddha Temple seeking peace and luck for themselves and their families. Additionally, it serves as a venue for various traditional Buddhist festivals of the Land of Golden Temples.
The Emerald Buddha Temple - an icon of Thailand
Wat Pho - The largest temple in Bangkok
- Address: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict.
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM.
Ticket price: 100 baht.
Wat Pho stands out as the most talked-about temple in Bangkok, boasting the title of the largest temple in Thailand with an area of 80,000m2. Located at 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Wat Pho is divided into two main sections. The southern area is the monastery of the monks within the temple. The northern area is home to a traditional massage school and the 46m long and 15m tall reclining Buddha statue. Notably, the reclining Buddha statue attracts many visitors not only for its gold plating but also for the 108 auspicious scenes adorning its feet.
The statue of the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep - The most beautiful temple in Chiang Mai
- Location: 9 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
- Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM.
- Ticket price: 40 baht.
If you're visiting Thailand, skipping Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep would be a major oversight. Known as the most beautiful temple in Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep boasts a long history intertwined with the legend of the Buddha. Constructed in the late 14th century atop a hill over 1600km above sea level, it's said to enshrine the Buddha's relics. The temple also houses numerous precious Buddhist scriptures and rare Buddha statues dating back 600 years.
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep - the most beautiful temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn
- Location: Th Arun Amarin.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily.
- Ticket price: 50 baht.
If there's a title for the most romantic temple in Thailand, it's likely Wat Arun. Also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun sits majestically on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Despite its name, Wat Arun exudes its most romantic and mystical charm at night. In the darkness, the temple stands out with its central tower soaring 80 meters high, surrounded by four shorter towers. The temple showcases a blend of Khmer architecture and intricate porcelain decorations imported from China. When touring Thailand, don't miss the chance to visit and stand on the temple's balcony to admire the serene beauty of the Chao Phraya River.
Wat Arun - the most romantically beautiful temple in Thailand
Wat Yannawa - the unique Boat Temple
- Location: 40 Charoen Krung Road, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand.
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily.
Wat Yannawa - the most sacred temple in the Land of the Golden Temples. A must-visit on any all-inclusive Thailand tour itinerary, Wat Yannawa was built during the reign of Rama III, designed to resemble a ship, hence its nickname, the Boat Temple. Its distinctive feature is the gracefully curved roofs adorned with intricate golden motifs.
This temple is renowned for housing a vast array of Buddha relics, ranging from large to small, in various hues. Visitors here have the opportunity to purchase fresh lotus blossoms to offer in homage for peace. The resident monks also conduct ceremonies, offering scented water to wish travelers a smooth journey. Additionally, visitors can request a blessed Buddha relic to express reverence and seek personal peace.
Outside Wat Yannawa, there's a unique boat-shaped structure
Wat Mahathat - An ancient revered temple
- Location: Phra That Road, Old City.
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
- Ticket price: approximately 30 baht.
While not the most opulent temple in Thailand, Wat Mahathat stands as the foremost religious sanctuary of the country. Built during the Ayutthaya period, its purpose was solemn: to serve as the royal ceremonial center. At Wat Mahathat, don't miss the chance to witness the iconic Buddha head entwined within the roots of a tree, exuding a serene and compassionate countenance amidst the lush foliage, like a peculiar and enigmatic painting.
The Buddha head within the ancient tree roots at Wat Mahathat temple
Wat Traimit - The renowned Golden Buddha Temple
- Location: Chinatown center.
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
- Ticket price: 40 baht
One of Thailand's must-visit tourist destinations is the Golden Buddha Temple, Wat Traimit. This temple attracts tourists from all over the world because it houses the largest solid gold Buddha statue in the world, standing at 3 meters tall and weighing over 5 tons. The statue symbolizes strength, prosperity, and purity. Thai locals and tourists often come here to pray for health, peace, and luck for their families and loved ones.
The courtyard outside Wat Traimit temple
Wat Saket - The temple located on Golden Mount hill
- Location: 344 Thanon Chakkraphat Di Phong
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
- Ticket price: free.
Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mount temple, is part of the Golden Mount tourist complex highly favored by many tourists in Thailand. The temple hosts numerous grand festivals in the Land of the Golden Temples, with the most notable being the Loy Krathong festival in November each year.
Wat Saket has a long history dating back to the Ayutthaya era and has been renovated since the reign of King Rama I. Inside Wat Saket is a giant Buddha statue and a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures. During the reign of King Rama II, the area around Wat Saket was used as a burial ground for victims of epidemics. Hence, Thai people believe that the spirits of these souls still linger around the temple, adding to the sacredness of this famous temple.
The prominent Golden Mount temple Wat Saket
Wat Suthat - One of the largest temples
- Location: Bamrung Muang Road, opposite Bangkok City Hall.
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM.
- Ticket price: 20 baht.
Wat Suthat, officially known as Wat Suthat Thepwararam, is one of the largest temples in Thailand and houses the most gold Buddha statues, always listed among the most fascinating destinations on popular Thailand tours.
Wat Suthat was constructed in the early 19th century by King Rama I, completed and opened during the reign of King Rama III. Behind the temple lies a spacious library preserving numerous Buddhist scriptures and documents. Additionally, the temple courtyard is entirely paved with glossy granite stones, always kept clean.
Wat Suthat temple with its meticulously paved granite courtyard
Wat Benchamabophit - The Marble Temple
- Location: 5 Dusit, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
- Ticket price: Free
Wat Benchamabophit is one of Thailand's oldest and most revered temples, also known as the Marble Temple. It was built in the late 19th century with a unique architecture featuring marble columns and a courtyard paved with marble stones. Inside the temple, the interior is adorned with intricate gold leaf decorations, housing a Buddha statue named Phra Buddha Jinaraj, cast in the 20th century. Wat Benchamabophit is not only one of the most impressive temple designs in Thailand but also one of the most beloved destinations on international tours in Thailand.
The Marble Temple Wat Benchamabophit
Notes for visiting temples in Thailand
According to travel experience in Thailand, you should take note of the following points when visiting temples here:
- When visiting Thai temples, it's advisable to dress modestly, with pants and skirts below the knee. Avoid tight-fitting or revealing clothes, and wear sandals with straps at the back. Check out the article “What to Wear in Thailand to Suit Each Destination” to prepare the most suitable attire for your trip.
- Remove shoes or sandals before entering temples. Also, avoid pointing your feet towards Buddha statues as Thais believe that feet are the dirtiest part of the body.
- Photography may be prohibited inside some temples in Thailand. Therefore, it's important to respect and adhere to these regulations. In places where photography is allowed, refrain from climbing or touching Buddha statues for photos.
- Avoid laughing or causing disturbances in temples, especially refrain from making comments or judgments about Buddha and Thai kings.
Due to the abundance of temples with unique architecture and distinctive features, Thailand is always considered an ideal destination for Buddhists, especially during New Year celebrations. Quickly book your flight tickets to Thailand at Mytour to not miss out on the most interesting experiences in the Land of the Golden Temples!
Thao Chi
Image source: Internet, Mytour.
