Top 10 Famous Temples in Thailand

1. Chiang Man Temple

Chiang Man Temple is one of the oldest temples located in the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Built in the 13th century, it predates even Chiang Mai itself. King Mengrai lived in this temple while the Lanna capital was under construction. Chiang Man Temple is famous for the crystal Buddha statue Phra Sae Tang Kamani, which was the cause of a war in 1380. To this day, on the 1st of April every year, the people of Chiang Mai celebrate the victory of obtaining this statue. The stone Buddha statue Phra Sila is also an equally iconic symbol in the temple, carved in India in 900 AD.

Chiang Man Temple is a captivating destination in Thailand with depictions of 15 elephants facing different directions. It also houses the oldest standing Buddha statue in the Lanna Thai kingdom, aged 542 years, and stone carvings near the ordination hall depicting the city's formation, the Lanna Thai empire, and contributors to the temple. The main hall of Wat Chiang Man has a stone inscription dating back to 1581, providing insights into the temple's establishment by King Mengar. The Ho Trai library is another highlight, featuring Thai cultural design with simple yet intricately carved wooden details that captivate onlookers.

2. Wat Arun Temple

Wat Arun stands as one of Bangkok's ancient and revered temples, known as the Temple of Dawn. Legend has it that when King Thaksin decided to build a new capital in Thonburi, he visited here at sunrise. The temple was later renamed Wat Chaeng. Under the reign of King Rama II, it underwent expansion, including the central prang adorned with grandeur, becoming the focal point of the temple. This place was once considered the home of the Emerald Buddha before the capital and royal palace moved across the river.

The temple is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River (Thonburi). From central Bangkok, you can reach here by elevated train and then take a taxi directly to the temple. However, many prefer the more exciting experience of crossing the river by ferry. The majestic temple stands over 70 meters tall. Around the spires, small pieces of colored glass or ceramic are intricately decorated, creating a vibrant and captivating aesthetic, making it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand.

Wat Phra Kaew, a temple situated in the heart of the Bangkok, within the grounds of the Royal Palace. It is surrounded by walls over a mile long, as if to protect its sanctity, for the ancient Thais believed that if the precious statues inside the temple were lost, their dynasty would perish. While there are many temples of various sizes within the palace grounds, Wat Phra Kaew remains the most revered, as it houses the invaluable Emerald Buddha, of immense significance to all Thai people.

Unlike other temples with resident monks, Wat Phra Kaew is unique as it lacks living quarters for monks and instead is adorned with precious statues, intricate buildings, or towers. In the past, only kings were allowed to reside here, and no one else was permitted to enter the temple grounds. When mentioning Wat Phra Kaew, the first thing that comes to mind for Thais is the seated stone meditation Buddha on the golden lotus, also known as the Emerald Buddha. To truly understand the reverence, one must witness how this statue is arranged within the temple. People believe that the Buddha statue brings good fortune and prosperity to the country.

With an age of over 200 years, Wat Pho is known as one of the oldest temples in Thailand. Not only that, it is renowned for the gigantic reclining Buddha statue and over 1,000 other Buddha images in various sizes. With its impressive records, it becomes one of the top tourist attractions in Thailand. Wat Pho, Thailand, has the full name Wat Phra Chetuphon, or widely known by many tourists as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Adjacent to this architectural marvel is another famous temple, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. With a convenient location for transportation and visits to other attractions, this temple is a popular choice among tourists visiting Thailand.

More than just a religious site, Wat Pho offers many fascinating aspects for visitors. The highlight is undoubtedly the massive reclining Buddha statue, measuring an impressive 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height. The outer layer of the statue is made of plaster, while the inside is constructed with bricks and entirely covered in gold leaf. The reclining Buddha lies on a large platform adorned with intricate and exquisite patterns. This platform is also attractively gilded. If you observe closely, you will notice delicate floral patterns meticulously inlaid on the soles of the Buddha's feet. These patterns represent the 108 auspicious symbols of Buddha according to Buddhist beliefs.

Wat Saket Temple, also known as the Golden Mount or Phu Khao Thong. To visit this temple, tourists have to climb 318 winding stairs to the mountain's summit. The path to the temple is winding, surrounded by lush greenery. There are some directional signs in English. At the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of modern Bangkok. As you approach Wat Saket, you'll encounter a 58m tall Chedi tower, overshadowing the entire temple, a mausoleum-like structure called the Golden Mount, once the tallest structure in Bangkok. The Golden Mount Temple is located right beneath this tower, featuring a massive Buddha statue.

During the Ayutthaya era, the temple was named Wat Sakae. Later, King Rama I renovated and renamed it Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan. Under the reign of King Rama II, this area became a mass grave during a disease outbreak in Bangkok during King Rama II's time. The main area, Phu Khao Thong, or the Golden Mount, is the main bell-hanging area. Initially, King Rama III built the Chedi tower, but it collapsed. King Rama IV reinforced it with wood, and it was completed with a golden spire by King Rama V in the late 19th century.

Wat Traimit Temple is located on Yaowarat Road, near Hualampong Station, in the Samphanthawong district. It is also known as the Golden Buddha Temple and is a renowned temple in Bangkok for its unique beauty and history. The golden Buddha statue here is considered the largest and most beautiful in the world, standing at 3 meters tall and weighing around 5.5 tons. Thai people believe that this golden Buddha statue symbolizes prosperity, purity, power, and strength. The ideal time for visitors to explore the temple is early in the morning when there are fewer people around, making it easier to capture photos of the statue in the relatively narrow main hall. The Golden Buddha Temple is one of the few temples in Bangkok that allows visitors to get close to such an important Buddha statue.

According to records, the Golden Buddha statue was cast in the 13th-15th centuries, during the Sukhothai period. When Thailand was invaded by Myanmar, to conceal the statue, locals covered it with a layer of concrete. Until 1950, the statue was buried in a pile of debris, and the golden statue remained forgotten for a long time. An elderly monk had a dream, finding the statue. After breaking the outer concrete layer, people were amazed at the brilliant gold of the statue and brought it to Wat Traimit for worship. Since then, the Golden Buddha Temple has become a must-visit attraction in Bangkok, where Buddhists express their reverence for the Buddha.

This is one of the 6 Royal Temples built during the Ayutthaya period. Located east of the former Ayutthaya palace, within the area of Chee Kun Road and Naresuan Road. Constructed since 1374, it was a significant temple in the royal compound at that time. In 1767, the temple was almost entirely destroyed by the Burmese army, and the entire structure was nearly burnt down. The temple is also part of the historical park with the same name, considered the central monument of the Ayutthaya palace. Wat Mahathat, along with Wat Arun, is among the oldest Buddhist structures in Thailand, attracting tourists, especially during the pilgrimage season when visitors come naturally for spiritual solace and reverence to the Buddha.

The Buddha statue within the tree trunk not only was unearthed unexpectedly but also emanates a serene, tranquil, and sacred expression. The face of the Buddha is still intact and remains an essential part of this sacred historical site. The temple, with its vestiges of decay, creates a mysterious ambiance for visitors. Despite some restoration, statues without heads or peeling brick walls are still preserved, bearing witness to a historical period and serving as an accusation against war.

Wat Bowonniwet Temple is a renowned temple located in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. This temple serves as the center for the Thammayut sect and is frequented by the Chakri dynasty kings. Built in 1936, the temple holds historical significance as it witnessed the ascension of King Rama IV to the throne and the enactment of laws. A trip to Thailand would be incomplete without visiting this unique temple and capturing memorable photographs.

Prince Mongkut visited the temple in 1836 and became the first abbot. Later, he ascended to become King Rama IV. His eldest son, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was ordained at the Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew) and resided here for a brief period after becoming king. The abbot Bhumibol of Somdet Phra Yanasangworn eventually became the abbot of the temple. Subsequently, the Supreme Patriarch of Thai Buddhism, in exile during the authoritarian rule of Thanom Kittikachorn, returned to Thailand as a newly ordained monk at Wat Bowonniwet, leading to large public protests and a bloody crackdown in October 1976. King Bhumibol Adulyadej's son, Prince Vajiralongkorn, was ordained and spent a brief time at this temple, along with some of the prince's own sons.

Loha Prasat Temple is situated on Maha Chai Road in the Phra Nakhon district and is a unique temple in Thailand. The temple stands out with its concentric metal roofs around a central spire, different from most temples visitors commonly see in this country. This destination provides a multifaceted perspective on Thailand's rich and unique cultural heritage.

Built in 1846 by the order of King Nangklao (Rama III) and inspired by similar temples in India and Sri Lanka, Loha Prasat is a 36-meter high structure with 37 metal spires symbolizing the 37 virtues towards enlightenment. The temple is constructed in a unique manner with multiple concentric cube-shaped layers stacked atop each other in a harmonious way. The Buddha's relics are preserved in the topmost layer. 'Loha Prasat' is an ancient Indian term from the time of the Buddha, associated with building a multi-tiered metal structure for monks. Only three such structures exist worldwide, and the one in Bangkok is the sole surviving example.

Built during the reign of King Rama III, Wat Prayoon or Wat Rua Lek is located on Thonburi Road just under the Memorial Bridge (Saphan Phut) near the former Portuguese community and on the tranquil western bank of the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, becoming an attractive destination for tourists. From a distance, you'll be impressed by the giant white bell-shaped Phra Maha Chedi Boromthat (Great Chedi), towering at 80m, surrounded by a colonnade and 18 other satellite stupas.

Still featuring gradually smaller tower-like structures as you ascend, but not made of gold like other typical Thai temples, it exudes a sense of pure white, resembling a 'miniature Tibet within Bangkok.' To enter Wat Prayoon Temple, you must pass through a vibrant red iron fence, 1.5m high, adorned with images of ancient weapons like swords, bows, axes, preserving the solemnity and architectural value of this structure.

What makes this temple similar to other traditional Buddhist temples is the inclusion of an event hall, meditation hall, preaching hall, the Great Chedi, and a library, especially featuring a prominent gold Buddha statue in the Bao Dai tower area (main tower) - considered a talisman and treasure of Wat Prayoon Temple as they were discovered and unearthed in 2006 beneath the Bao Dai tower. The meticulously designed and presented grounds are a harmonious blend of Eastern architectural style and Western architectural beauty, leaving everyone impressed and delighted.