Temples of Thailand - The Most Beautiful to Visit

Dieser Artikel ist auch verfügbar auf: Deutsch

Thailand is not only a country that offers many fantastic vacation spots, paradise beaches, and nightlife. Culture is highly valued here, and Buddhism plays a significant role in the lives of the people. As a result, you can find countless temples in Thailand in almost every town.

The Most Beautiful Temples in Thailand – 20 Places You Shouldn’t Miss

It’s not easy to narrow down the most beautiful temples in Thailand. That’s why we’ve selected temples in 20 different locations in Thailand. This way, you can get an overview of what you can find in many parts of the country. These places are meant to give you an insight, although beauty is, of course, a matter of personal taste.

Enjoy exploring the most beautiful temples in Thailand!

1. Ang Thong – Wat Muang

Wat Muang is mainly known for its 93-meter-high golden Buddha statue and is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand by many. It is located off the tourist routes, a bit outside of Ang Thong (north of Bangkok, not to be confused with Ang Thong National Park), and is therefore rarely visited by foreign tourists.

In addition to the statue, the ordination hall (Ubosot) is also worth a visit. It is surrounded by a large lake with giant lotus flowers. Moreover, there is a museum on the upper floor, and you shouldn’t miss the Hell Garden during your visit. Various statues are displayed here to illustrate what happens to people who sin.

2. Ayutthaya – Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

The city of Ayutthaya is famous for its Historical Park with countless temple ruins. But even outside this park, there are interesting temples like Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. Originally built in 1357, the enormous Chedi, which was added later, is particularly fascinating.

Today, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon is still an active temple where monks reside. It is open daily from 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM, and admission costs 50 Baht for visitors.

More Temple Tips: Since Ayutthaya has many temples to offer, it’s difficult to make a selection here. Wat Mahathat, with the Buddha head entwined in a fig tree, or Wat Phra Si Sanphet, with its three Chedis, are also worth a visit.

For even more tips, check out our Ayutthaya temples article (coming soon in English).

3. Bangkok – Wat Phra Kaeo

Wat Phra Kaeo is not only one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand but also one of the most significant. It stands in the center of the complex that encloses the Royal Palace (Chakri Maha Prasat). Inside, you will find the famous statue of the Emerald Buddha. Apart from that, the temple is worth visiting for its Chedis and other structures, statues, and shrines surrounding it.

The entire complex consists of four different parts, with Wat Phra Kaeo being just one of them. The others are the outer and inner courtyards and the central courtyard. You can visit Wat Phra Kaeo daily from 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM, and the admission fee is 500 Baht. You can also rent appropriate clothing here to cover your shoulders and knees.

More Temple Tips: The Thai capital has many other temples to offer. Worth mentioning are the beautiful Wat Pho with its large reclining Buddha statue, Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn by the river), Wat Saket on a hill, and also the new Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen with a giant golden Buddha statue.

Find out more about the temples of Bangkok here.

4. Chiang Mai – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai is probably the temple city in Thailand. You can discover countless temples there, some of which we would consider among the most beautiful temples in Thailand. A landmark of the city is the Wat Phra Thai Doi Suthep, which sits high up on the Doi Suthep Mountain with a great view of the city.

The royal temple is very popular due to its golden Chedi, said to contain a relic of Buddha, and is a worthwhile half-day trip. Admission costs 30 Baht, and you can reach the temple by stairs or pay an additional 50 Baht for a lift ride.

More Temple Tips: In addition to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, as mentioned earlier, there are many more temples. We would recommend you also explore Wat Doi Kham, Wat Chiang Mai, and Wat Sri Suphan (the Silver Temple).

If you need more inspiration, check out our Chiang Mai temple guide.

5. Chiang Rai – Wat Rong Khun

The Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai is also considered one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand because of its appearance. The White Temple, as it is also called, is located slightly outside the city and is the reason for many visitors to travel to Chiang Rai.

The complex of Wat Rong Khun is something special, and to enter the temple building, you walk from hell to heaven, so to speak, over a bridge. The temple, which is predominantly white and silver, is also impressive on the inside, with murals depicting all sorts of figures, from celebrities to comic book characters like Superman. By the way, you can visit it for free, so don’t miss it when you visit Chiang Rai.

More Temple Tips: For some time now, there has been another highlight in Chiang Rai, the Wat Rong Suea Ten. This is the Blue Temple, and it was completed only in 2016. Therefore, it is still relatively new and not as well-known as the White Temple.

6. Kanchanaburi – Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua)

When you hear the name Tiger Cave Temple, most people think of Krabi (see point 9), but there is also one in Kanchanaburi. The temple was built in 1973 and is located on a hill that you can climb via 157 steps.

At the top, you will find an 18-meter-tall Buddha statue that is truly impressive. It is named Chin Prathanporn. Wat Tham Sua, as the Tiger Cave is actually called, is connected to Wat Tham Kao Noi. Particularly beautiful are the pagoda roofs and the 7-story Chedi, which offers a fantastic view of the surroundings and the Buddha. You do not have to pay an entrance fee here. Only 10 Baht are charged if you use the small cable car lift instead of the stairs.

7. Khon Kaen – Wat Thung Setthi

Wat Thung Setthi is located about 15 minutes outside of Khon Kaen and does not visually resemble other temples in Thailand but rather a kind of palace. Inside, you will find a black Buddha statue, and the temple is surrounded by a small lake.

If you walk along the lake, you will then end up in the Hell Garden. Here, figures depict what happens when you disregard the Buddhist rules. It is definitely a hidden gem, as you will most likely not encounter other foreign tourists there.

More Temple Tips: Another highlight would be Wat Nong Waeng, with its 80-meter-high stupa. It is one of the most famous attractions in Khon Kaen and is located almost at Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake.

You can find more information in the Isan Khon Kaen Highlights article (coming soon in English).

8. Koh Samui – Big Buddha

The Big Buddha of Koh Samui is located at Wat Phra Yai. The 12-meter-high statue is considered the landmark of the island and was built in 1972. The Big Buddha is situated in the district of Bangrak on the small adjacent island of Koh Fan, which you can reach via a causeway.

You don’t have to pay an entrance fee to visit the Big Buddha, but make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. Otherwise, you can borrow something on-site for free. You can find out more in our article about the Big Buddha of Koh Samui (coming soon in English).

More Temple Tips: Koh Samui is not a small island, and there are other noteworthy temples on-site as well. Mentioned here is Wat Plai Laem, with a huge Kuan Yin statue or a statue of the fat Buddha. There’s also the Khao Hua Jook Pagoda, perched over Chaweng, offering great views of the airport and Chaweng Lake.

You can find more temples on Koh Samui here (coming soon in English).

9. Krabi – Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua)

Not only in Kanchanaburi, but also in Krabi, there is a Tiger Cave Temple. The Wat Tham Sua was built in 1975 and is located just outside of Krabi Town, but it’s also a popular excursion destination from the vacation spot of Ao Nang. The reason why Wat Tham Sua is considered one of Thailand’s most beautiful temples becomes clear once you reach its peak.

You will ascend over 1,237 steps from the temple grounds at the bottom to the top of the mountain, where a huge golden Buddha statue sits. The climb is very strenuous, and depending on your pace, it can take up to an hour to reach the top. However, you will be rewarded with a small temple complex and an impressive view over Krabi.

You can learn more about the Tiger Cave Temple here.

More Temple Tips: Another recommendation for a beautiful temple is the Buddha Mountain Temple in Ao Nang. Still quite new and not well-known, numerous statues have been built here on different tiers, including Nagas and a golden Buddha. The temple also offers a great view of the breathtaking nature of southern Thailand.

10. Loei – Wat Pa Huai Lat

The Wat Pa Huai Lat is located in the Phu Ruea district of Loei, at the foot of the mountain with the same name. From the outside, the temple exudes a very calm and peaceful atmosphere, with an adjacent small lake. Especially the statues in blue, like the Nagas, are beautiful to look at.

A visit inside Wat Pa Huai Lat is also worthwhile. Here you will find many monk statues adorned with gold leaf and a large white Buddha statue. If you are in Loei, you should plan a visit here, which is completely free of charge.

11. Mukdahan – Wat Phu Manorom

Deep in the Isan region, on the border with Laos, lies the town of Mukdahan. While many visitors from here only travel further into the neighboring country, you should not miss a visit to Wat Phu Manorom while you’re here.

The highlights are the 84-meter-high white Buddha statue and the 122-meter-long blue Naga statue. A replica of Buddha’s footprint and the view all the way to the Mekong River (which divides Thailand and Laos) are also part of the visit. It is open from 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM, and the visit is completely free.

12. Nakhon Pathom – Wat Samphran

West of Bangkok lies the province of Nakhon Pathom. It is not necessarily known to many tourists, but some have at least seen pictures of the Dragon Temple Wat Samphran. The temple is truly extraordinary with its round, pink building that is 17 stories high and features a dragon winding around it.

Wat Samphran is open from 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM, and a donation of 20 Baht is requested upon entry. By the way, you can also access the roof through a tunnel inside the dragon. But be careful, some of the stairs are said to not be in the best condition. From the top, you’ll be offered a great view of the surroundings.

13. Nakhon Phanom – Wat Phra That Phanom

Wat Phra That Phanom is the most significant Buddhist temple in the region and a highlight among the temples in Isan, Thailand. According to history, the first structures were supposedly built here shortly after the death of Buddha. The 53-meter-high stupa is also believed to have been built very early, possibly before the 12th century.

However, in 1975, the stupa was severely damaged by a storm and collapsed. Reconstruction took a few years, and it is said to have been fully restored by 1979 with the help of many donations. The pinnacle, according to stories, is made of 110 kilograms of gold. The temple grounds were even included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

14. Nakhon Ratchasima – Wat Ban Rai

The Isan province of Nakhon Ratchasima is also nationally known as Korat. Wat Ban Rai, also known as the Elephant Temple, is located approximately 70 kilometers west of the city of Nakhon Ratchasima. You won’t find many tourists here, even though this temple is absolutely impressive.

The temple was originally the home of the venerable monk Luang Pho Khun. He had the ideas for the mosaics you can see on-site. But most striking is the colorful pagoda in the middle of the lake, with an elephant head protruding from it. Hence, the name Elephant Temple. Inside, you will also find beautiful, gigantic paintings that you should definitely see when you are there.

15. Pai – Wat Phra That Mae Yen

The small town of Pai, located in the mountains of northern Thailand, has many highlights to offer. One of them is Wat Phra That Mae Yen, located outside the village. You can see it from many places in the vicinity because the white Buddha is perched on a high pedestal that you can reach via some steps.

The temple grounds themselves do not have much to offer, but due to the surroundings and the beautiful view of the mountains from the platform of the white Buddha statue, you should not miss this site. A quick stop while exploring Pai is definitely recommended.

16. Pathum Thani – Wat Phra Dhammakaya

Located slightly north of Bangkok in Pathum Thani, Wat Phra Dhammakaya is world-renowned and counted among the most beautiful temples in Thailand. It was founded in 1970, initially as a meditation center, and only a few years later, it officially became a temple.

The famous golden Chedi, resembling a UFO, was constructed between 1994 and 2000, adorned with 300,000 golden Buddhist statues on the exterior and another 700,000 inside. So, there are a million small statues there, some of which have names engraved by individuals who donated to the temple.

On certain Buddhist holidays, hundreds of thousands of followers gather here to meditate together. These events are sometimes featured in newspapers worldwide. Wat Phra Dhammakaya is one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in the world, covering 400 hectares. As a visitor, you are always welcome and can also attend services on Sundays.

17. Pattaya – Sanctuary of Truth

The Sanctuary of Truth, known as Prasat Sut Ja-Tum in Thai, is not a real temple but has been constructed in the style of a temple. It has been under construction since 1981 and is expected to be completed around the year 2025. Its location right by the sea and the many wood carvings make it a must-see in Pattaya. It is open daily from 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM with an entrance fee of 500 Baht.

More Temple Tips: But that’s not all Pattaya has to offer. The Wat Yansangwararam and Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain), located slightly outside the city, are both worth a visit. Pattaya is often associated with nightlife, but there are definitely other interesting things to see there.

18. Phetchabun – Wat Phrathat Pha Sorn Kaew

The Wat Phrathat Pha Sorn Kaew in the Phetchabun province is probably one of the most unique and beautiful temples in Thailand. It is situated on a mountain near the village of Khaem Son, away from the tourist routes, which is why you often encounter many Thai visitors there.

The temple was built in 2004, and the highlight, the white Five Buddha Statue, can be seen from a distance. But the rest of the complex, adorned with millions of mosaic tiles, is also absolutely worth seeing. The only problem here is getting there, as there is no public transportation available on-site.

19. Phuket – Big Buddha

The Big Buddha of Phuket can be seen from many places on the island. It is located in Chalong on the Nakkerd Hill and stands 45 meters tall. However, Phuket’s landmark was only completed in 2009, making it still relatively new.

You can visit the temple for free during the day from 6.00 AM to 7.30 PM. There are a few other things to see on the grounds, but the highlight is the massive white Buddha statue and the view of the eastern part of Phuket.

You can find more information in our article about the Big Buddha on Phuket (coming soon in English).

20. Sukhothai – Wat Sri Chum

Sukhothai is very popular among tourists due to the Historical Park, with many temples located within the old city walls. Outside the city, you can find Wat Sri Chum, where you’ll find the largest Buddha image in Sukhothai. The statue is 11 meters tall and surrounded by walls, which can make taking photos a bit challenging.

More Temple Tips: Also very interesting is the Wat Mahathat, the center of the Historical Park, where it is said that a relic of Buddha was once enshrined. Another beautiful temple is the Wat Sri Sawai, which originally was a sanctuary of Brahmanism.

You can find more information about the temples in our article about the Sukhothai Historical Park.

Which is the most beautiful temple in Thailand for you? Do you have any other recommendations that are not on the list? We look forward to your feedback on the temples of Thailand.

Photos: Photo 1 (Ang Thong – Wat Muang): Panwasin seemala/shutterstock.com – Photo 6 (Kanchanaburi – Tiger Cave Temple): FUN FUN PHOTO/shutterstock.com – Photo 10 (Loei – Wat Pa Huai Lat): Thanachet Maviang/shutterstock.com – Photo 11 (Mukdahan – Wat Phu Manorom): Jarun Permsup/shutterstock.com – Photo 12 (Nakhon Pathom – Wat Samphran): GagliardiPhotography/shutterstock.com – Photo 13 (Nakhon Phanom – Wat Phra That Phanom): tanoochai/shutterstock.com – Photo 14 (Nakhon Ratchasima – Wat Ban Rai): Various images/shutterstock.com – Photo 16 (Pathum Thani – Wat Phra Dhammakaya): OlegD/shutterstock.com – Photo 18 (Petchabun – Wat Phrathat Pha Sorn Kaew): NavyBank/shutterstock.com