Your Travel Guide to Thailand
All information & tips to prepare your trip in Thailand
The number is constantly evolving, rather increasing, but the latest estimate was over 40,000 temples in Thailand, 3/4 of which are in operation. While there are many architectural similarities between most of them, there are different styles in different parts of Thailand, and some temples are truly unique, standing out for their originality and magnifiscence. There are also historic temples, vestiges of the Sukhothai or Ayutthaya eras.
Visiting temples in Thailand is a plunge into Thai history, Thai culture and traditions. Obviously on Thailandee.com, I only list a tiny fraction of the temple sin Thailand but you wil find the most important or original ones. I list a few temples that are rarely mentioned on websites or travel guides. Temples that are well known to Thais, but much less so to foreigners.
temple especially interesting for its huge sitting Buddha 95 meters high, the highest in Thailand. You can touch Its hand from a little stage
and its many buildings with gilding and refined decorations. No entry after 15:30 is possible. Try schedule the visit in the morning to be sure.
which offers a beautiful view of the city and where you can see the contrast between modernity and the more fragile houses.
temple in front of which stands the big swing. Its courtyard is very nice and pretty. It is not far from the golden mountain.
This temple, not yet very known to foreign tourists, already attracted some of them thanks to the superb colored vault of its chedi, but it should attract many more once its large Buddha image will be completed.
a must see. On the top of a mountain, it is the most famous temple in the area. It is very popular with the thais and of course tourists and offers a magnificent view (often more clear in late afternoon) on Chiang Mai
the most visited temple in the city, it is a perfect illustration of the nothern architectural style
with its beautiful chedi. Here, you can meet and chat with buddhists monks in a dedicated spacee
is a charming forest temple with superb refined statues and a quiet and pleasant atmosphere. A small haven of peace often ignored by the many tourists who pass right by each day in their ascent to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep a few kilometers higher.
This temple lost in the jungle more than a 1h30 drive from Chiang Mai is a real little hidden gem that for the moment very few foreign tourists know about and yet it is worth a visit. Be careful, its access is a bit complicated, especially the last 5 kilometers of a dirt track in the forest.
the most famous landmark of the island of Phuket, it is quite new and still under construction but the main statue is completed, it's all the rest that need to be built or completes. And it will take years but you can already visit it. From there, you have a magnificent view aver the island and Chalong Bay.
the most visited temple in Ayuthaya, three chedis perfectly preserved make this wat very unique.
perfectly restored, a very beautiful temple with two large Buddhas on each side of the big chedi and a reclyning Buddha a little further. Around the main building a square with buddhas statues. It is better to visit it early in the morning around 8:30-9:00, there are very few visitors and you will practically have the temple for you alone.
Khmer-style temple outside the city. It can be accessed by longtail (boat) from the Chankasem Palace Pier.
This temple located in Bang Pa In 25 kilometers in the South from Ayutthaya is unique and surprising for two reasons: it is a Buddhist temple with a neo-Gothic church architecture and the way to access it is not common.
and its huge stone sitting Buddha. This temple is not in the center of Sukhothai Historical Park and is therefore sometimes overlooked by visitors and they really miss something!
located on a little hill not far from the railway, it consists of 3 prangs and is very popular with monkeys, it is the most famous monument in Lopburi.
This temple with its Khmer style pagoda (not period) built in the middle of a pond is very photogenic and is well worth a short visit, especially since in the area where it is located, there are other temples interesting to discover if you are transported.
probably the most interesting monument in Pattaya, this temple by the sea in the area of Naklua is gigantic wooden construction built according to ancestral techniques
perched on the hill between the sulfur area of South Pattaya and Jomtien, the 18 meters high statue of Buddha seems to watch over the city. This is the largest statue of its kind in the Province.
this Buddhist and Chinese temple is especially remarkable for its large statue of the goddess Guanyin and its 18 arms. Located near the Big Buddha, it may be interesting to add to the big Buddha visit.
Called Wat Tham Seua in Thai, it is the most interesting temple to visit in Krabi. It owes its name to one of its many caves (the tiger cave) and offers a magnificent view over Krabi province from a sanctuary on the top of a mountain. The climb is rough (1260 steps) but the view definitely worths it! This is one of the must visits in Krabi.
This magnificent green-emerald water swimming pool attracts more and more people. Open to the bath, its crystal clear water makes it a pleasant place to bathe. The Emerald Pool is about fifty kilometers from Krabi or Ao Nang.
This Buddhist temple, a good hour's drive from Krabi or Ao Nang, even if quite recently built, is remarkable for its architecture and its 95-meter-high golden chedi inspired by the Maha Chedi Phutthakhaya in India. It is a very photogenic temple and still relatively unknown to foreign tourists.
also known as Wat Yai, it is an important place of pilgrimage for the Thai. Its Chinnarat Buddha is one of the most revered in the country.
Built on the top of a hill, it is the first thing you will see when you arrive in Prachuap. The building itself is not very impressive but the view over the city and the two bays is just amazing. The other attraction of this mountain are the monkeys living there.
and its little herbal sauna open every afternoon. It welcomes you for a ridiculous price of 10 baht. The temple itself has nothing exceptional.
this temple is different from those we are used to cross in Thailand with their gilding and strong colors. Wat Rong Khun is completely white. It is located 13 km in the South of Chiang Rai at the intersection of highway to Chiang Mai and highway to Phayao.
in Lanna style, it housed the statue of Emerald that now is in Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok and has a copy of it.
Lanna style, it also has a namesake temple in Chiang Mai. The roofs of the temple are absolutely beautiful
Wat Rong Seua Ten is also known as the blue temple because it is its dominant color. A little outside Chiang Rai city, its interior with a magnificent white Buddha is just magnificent. Still little known by tourists because very recent, its popularity will certainly go growing very fast !
The temple is often mistakenly called Chiang Rai's Big Buddha, but its impressive white statue does not represent Lord Buddha, but Guan Yin, the goddess of Mercy. TAnyway, this recent temple, partly still under construction, worths a visit ! Located a few kilometers from the city, it is really beautiful!
This great meditation center is worth a visit. It is a beautiful place on the edge of a lake that breathes serenity. Besides the lake and the neighboring countryside are also worth a visit.
This amazing temple full of surprises is not in Chaing Rai but rather in Mae Sai. Actually 16 kilometers from Mae Sai. With its monkeys, fishes and cave, it is really interesting and still very little known by tourists. It must be said that foreign tourists are few to go here or in a hurry to cross the border to go to Myanmar.
This recent temple, its construction started in 2006, is about 50 kilometers from Chiang Rai city. It clearly worths the detour as it is certainly one of the most beautiful and impressive temples in the province.
This mountain a few kilometers outside Chiang Rai is interesting for the view it offers over the valley and for its pretty quiet lovely temple in the mountain. Inside the ordination hall, you will see a beautiful white reclining Buddha.
temple on a small hill located about twenty kilometers from Kanchanaburi, it has a gigantic Buddha and offers a 360 degrees view over the countryside
This very recent temple, which continues to expand, is about 20 km from Kanchanaburi city. Its carved wooden statues of the Chinese goddess Guan Yin are impressive.
emblematic temple of Lampang province, it is truly the place to visit here but it is about twenty kilometers away from Lampang City.
this is probably the most interesting temple inside Lampang city. It was the first one housing the Emerald Buddha which is now in Bangkok now.
This temple perched on a mountain is not to be missed ! This will certainly be your most memorable visit you will do in Lampang Province. It is 1 hour drive (by car) from the city and not easy to reach by public transport but worth it ! The temple itself is amazing and the view by the weather is superb !
This temple partly perched on a mountain about twenty kilometers from Lampang is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the province. It also offers a superb view, particularly popular at sunrise.
located on Lake Jong Kham, they are the oldest and the most famous ones in Mae Hong Son
white Shan temple built on a stretch of the mountain and offers a beautiful view of the city and surrounding countryside
at the foot of Kong Mu mountain , it houses a old tools museum and a reclining Buddha statue.
certainly one of the curiosities to be discovered in Ubon Ratchathani, this unique temple of this kind in Thailand is located on the outskirts of the city. It is a copy of the Mahabodhi Bodhgaya in India.
This small temple 1h30 drive from Ubon Ratchthani is particularly photogenic at dusk when the phosphorescent paintings of its rear facade are revealed. Not easy to photograph but beautiful !
This temple perched on a small hill about thirty kilometers north fromTrang city of is really worth a visit! For the temple itself but also and especially for the view it offers at the top. At the summit, not just from the part with the chedi. It is a recommended place to admire the sunrise.
It is the most visited and respected temple in Rayong City. Its long reclining Buddha, unique in its position, is very famous and makes it a must-visit places in Rayong.
This little-known forest temple located over sixty kilometers north of the city of Rayong is truly charming and unique, especially thanks to its pink ordination hall on stilts built on a pond.
located on Khao Thang Sai mountain, it overlooks the bay with its golden and sharp roofs and offers a view of Hat Sai Kaew beach
is the most worth visiting temple for its two Buddhas sitting in front of which is a reclining Buddha. They are present on all tourist brochures
This temple has one of the most amazing and striking architecture in Thailand. Its very photogenic hall, all in mosaic, built on a pond in the shape of a giant elephant, has made it a tourist hotspot in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
8 km from the Phanom Rung, this small Khmer temple has been wonderfully restored. A visit to do before or after Phanom Rung visit.
8 km from the Phanom Rung, this small Khmer temple has been wonderfully restored. A visit to do before or after Phanom Rung visit.
this cave in the mountain was turned into a temple and is particularly pleasant to visit when it's hot outside. It is probably one of the most interesting attractions in Petchaburi
temple 8 km outside the city with many interesting or funny statues and decorations. It is particularly famous for its chariot shaped building pulled by two oxen
or Wat Lan Khuat, entirely built with empty glass bottles and cement. This is certainly the curiosity of the province!
very interesting multi-level chinese temple located on a hill on top of which there you have a beautiful view over Koh Sichang.
temple more or less drowned in the lake depending on the time of year. It is most visible at the end of the dry season (March-April) and more immersed in the water at the end of the rainy season (October-November). It is only accessible by boat.
large square golden chedi whose style is inspired by Mahabodhi in Bodhgaya in India, it is one of the two Mon temples that are in Wangkha,the Mon part of Sangkhlaburi on the other side of the wooden bridge.
this is the spiritual center of Mon in Thailand. The temple is situated on a hill and houses the remains of Luang Phaw Uttama a Mon monk highly respected across the country.
the largest Buddhist monument in the world with its 127 meters high stupa. A important place for Buddhism in Thailand as it was erected where Buddhism was introduced into the country more than 2000 years ago.
It is with the Phra Pathom Chedi, the other must-see temple in the province. It is unique with its large 80-meter-high red tower and a dragon wrapped around. The ascent is done by walking inside the body of the dragon. The temple's garden are also pleasant and interesting.
the largest Catholic church in Thailand and probably the most beautiful. Built in the early 20th century in Gothic style, it has become the symbol of the city of Chanthaburi.
This temple, made entirely of intense blue and white ceramics, has become, in just a few years, the most famous and popular in Chanthaburi, eclipsing much older temples. It must be said that it's unique and very photogenic. And it makes for some pretty images for social media!
a recent temple, but certainly it worths a visit at least for its big reclining Buddha in the temple courtyard. There is also a golden chedi, a main building with a two naga staircase leading to it, as well as numerous statues. The temple is right next to Wat Luang.
literally translated Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It is true that the 9 meters long statue it houses is superb but the architecture and the fine decoration of the main hall are also very beautiful.
located 8 miles outside of Phrae on a small hill, it is THE temple to visit when you come here. There is a saying that states that if you came to Phrae without visiting the Wat Phra That Cho Hae you did not really come to Phrae.
The set of stairs and wooden footbridges installed in mountain flank and which allows to climb as the Phu Tok mount of 359 meters high on 7 levels is just impressive! And offers great views. On the other hand, it is not near Nong Khai but near Bueng Khan small friendly town and little tourist at 130 km from Nong Khai.
Every night, millions of bats fly in convoy out of the cave overlooking the temple to the valley where they go hunting for the night before returning in the cave in the early morning. Given their numbers, it's a really impressive !
This cave is worth visiting for its large seated Buddha installed at its mouth which makes a very photogenic image from inside. The interior of the cave is also interesting but it is absolutely necessary to be equipped with a powerful lamp to go deep inside. The surrounding countryside is also very pretty.
It is the most important temple in Nan? It houses murals among the most beautiful in Thailand and probably the most famous mural painting in the country that also became the emblem of Nan city. A must see when you visit to Nan!
Do not miss it when you come to Nan! Especially at sunset. The sight of the golden image of Buddha walking with the valley, the mountains and Nan city below is just amazing !
It is the emblematic temple of Khon Kaen. Coming here without seeing it, it is not coming in Khon Kaen! Just across the lake, it is a building with 9 floors, all with a balcony that offers such beautiful views of the city.
Its giant standing Buddha image which is nearly 60 meters high is the best known monument in Roi Et. It is also the largest of its kind in Thailand and the statue makes the city all around the country.
Very beautiful temple with one of the finest chedis in Thailand. Unfortunately it is a bit complicated to reach by public transport.
This temple located at 70 kilometres from Khao Sok or at the same distance from Surat Thani city offers incredible views from its elements arranged on 4 mountain peaks culminating at 300 meters of altitude for the highest. At sunrise, it's just magical!
Located in the center of Sakon Nakhon city, it is the most sacred temple in the province and one of the most important in Thailand. Beautifully lit in the evening, it is interesting to visit the place by day and in the evening before it closes.
This temple which is located in the mountain 25 kilometers from Sakon Nakhon city center is my favorite here. You will find several different elements, enjoy nature and a beautiful view. What more can you ask for ?
This is the iconic temple of Lamphun and also one of the most important in this part of Thailand, which was once an independent kingdom. With its large golden chedi, it's a magnificent Buddhist temple, a must-see if you visit Lamphun!
This is what could be called the old town of Lamphun, named Nakhon Haripunchai. The most picturesque part is just opposite Wat Haripunchai Temple, on the other side of the bridge, up to Wat Ton Kaew.
<p>Located 25 kilometers north of the city of Ratchaburi and a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok, this temple is one of the last places keeping the tradition of Nang Yai alive, a traditional Thai shadow theatre. It holds performances every Saturday and features a dedicated museum.</p>
<p>This is THE temple to visit in the city of Ratchaburi. It has stood the test of time and is as interesting historically as it is architecturally. In my opinion, even if you are a bit jaded with temples in Thailand, it's definitely worth checking out.</p>
This little-known by foreign tourists temple has a series of white sitting Buddhas arranged from smallest to largest, which is simply superb. The setting with the mountains all around is also very nice.
It is the most famous and visited temple, especially by Thais, in Uthai Thani province and it is therefore obviously a must-see place! And it is very photogenic, especially its Golden Castle!
This temple built in a beautiful mountain setting 90 kilometers from Uthai Thani city is one of the most beautiful in the province. From my point of view, it is worth the detour especially if you plan a itinerary between the Giant Tree, this temple, Wat Pha Thang and the hot springs.
Perched on a mountain right next to the city, this beautiful, golden Buddhist temple offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. It’s the one place you absolutely must visit in Nakhon Sawan — otherwise, it’s as if you hadn’t come at all!
one of our favorite temples in Bangkok. Peaceful with its small watercourse, it is pleasant to be. In the main bulding, the sitting Buddha with its blue background is beautiful on photographs.
not far from Wat Pho and Grand Palace, this architecturally refined temple is rarely visited but really worth a visit
known for its 3 meters high golden Buddha. It is the largest solid golden statue in the world. It stayed hidden under a layer of plaster for a very long time. Rediscovered in the 50s, it is now exposed at Wat Traimit.
interesting for its 32 meters hight big Buddha image decorated with glass and gold mosaics. Oddly little known, Wat Intharawihan worth a visit ofr its unique in Bangkok statue.
Even if its nickname is <em>the David Beckham Temple</em>, it is more for the small statues of various comic and manga characters that are among the statues decorating the exterior of one of the halls of the temple that it is fun to visit Wat Pariwat. It is a curiosity still little known by tourists and a unique temple marrying Buddhism, super heroes and cartoons.
This amazing temple opposite Koh Kret island on the outskirts of Bangkok is in my opinion a must see place when you go visit the island on the Chao Phraya river.
This Buddhist temple, located on the Thonburi side of the river, across from the Grand Palace, is rarely visited by foreign tourists despite its unique architecture and small Zen garden that I love. It can be part of a pleasant walking tour of this peaceful Bangkok neighborhood.
(the one just outside the city. There is another temple with the same name attractive in the city center ). In the forest, with underground sanctuaries, in the nature and with one little lake, Wat U Mong is a very relaxing place.
just a little outside of town on the the highway,he has beautifully preserved stucco carvings.
This temple stands on a hill 27 kilometers outside Chiang Mai and looks a bit like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep with its golden chedi but is smaller and less touristy. A little further up, there is a temple which offers a magnificent view of the surroundings especially during the rainy season.
The interior of this cave on the road from Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is really impressive. This is a stop that I recommend you to do before diving into the hot mineral water pool a few kilometers further or when you go to see Bo Sang handicraft village.
This gigantic temple about fifty kilometers from Chiang Mai city located in the Mae Taeng district is quite famous. There are many buildings and amazing statues sometimes flashy colors. Many people say it is the most beautiful temple in the area. I have a different opinion but go there to make yours.
especially noted for its columns and its ceiling decorated with brown and gold and its atypical Buddha
this temple often overlooked next to the main temples in the center worth a visit at least for its old chedi and its gold-coated Buddha relining
unknown by most tourists, it is located after the Wat Phra Neru and has a beautiful reclining Buddha more than 600 years old. The rest of the temple is less interesting
This small temple is very rarely mentioned in guide books but its ''Gate of Time'', a ruined arch in the roots of a tree, is probably one of the most photogenic places n Ayutthaya. I let you judge by looking at my pictures and decide if you want to go or not.
and its standing Buddha. This is one of the two really interesting temples outside the central area of Sukhothai Historical Park even if compared to Wat Si Chum its interest is much lower.
This temple located outside the paying area of Sukhothai historical park and 1.5 km from the main park entrance is interesting for its chedi whose base is surrounded by 32 elephant images. It is just behind the Legendha Hotel.
opposite to the train station, Khmer-style, you can discover its remains with its wihann and its prangs.
This sanctuary, if revered by locals, mainly attracts tourists for its horde of monkeys. It's a bit like their headquarters as I like to say. With the neighboring Prang Sam Yod, these are the two places in Lopburi where you will see the most numérous monkeys.
If there is a large golden Buddha image that should be available to visit in early 2020, people mostly come here for the challenge of climbing up Khao Wong Prachan Mountain which is behind the statue and is the tallest in Lopburi province.You can reach the summit after having climbed 3790 steps.
This mountain, which culminates at 800 meters above sea level, offers a nice view over the valley, the artificial lake formed by a dam and the longest railway bridge in Thailand. It is an ideally oriented point of view to enjoy a beautiful sunrise.
and its golden chedi temple close to Chaweng Beach. Perched on a hill, Kho Hua Jook pagoda offers a beautiful view on the airport runway and the lake
This small temple not far from the Laem Sor Pagoda is perched on a little hill in the South of Koh Samui and doesn't lack of charm with its refined white Buddhas. It also offers beautiful views on Koh Taen and Koh Matsum islands and the Bang Kao bay.
and its huge statue of one of the most respected and revered monks in Thailand, Luang Phor Tuad. A few kilometers in the North.
This perched temple often ignored by tourists even though it is only 3 kilometers from Ao Nang beach is an interesting place to visit with several beautiful golden statues including a large Buddha on the top. It also offers a nice dominant view from the top of its stairs.
right next to Wat Phra Si Mahathat Rattana, the main temple in Phitsanulok, you can see its chedi from the street
small temple on a hill which is especially interesting for its peaceful atmosphere among the trees and the view it offers on the area particularly beautiful at sunset. It is also a meditation center that regularly hosts foreigners.
which unlike Wat Ched Yod in Chiang Mai does not have the stucco carvings representing Boddhisatvas but houses a beautiful big sitting Buddha
This very pretty temple located in Chiang Saen is quite large. It is usually visited before going to the Golden Triangle 9 km away. From the platform next to its white perched chedi visitors can enjoy a panoramic view over the Mekong River.
This elegant royal barge-shaped temple is just over a kilometer from the city of Kanchanaburi, not far from the border with Suphanburi province and can therefore be visited from both cities.
This temple about twenty kilometers from Kanchanaburi down. It is mainly interesting for its large 2 floor cave with stalagmites and stalactites, statues of Buddha...
This temple located about fifty kilometers from Kanchanaburi has a magnificent park with the largest standing bronze Buddha Image in Thailand which is 32 meters high.
This small temple perched on a rock in the middle of a lake only accessible by boat is truly one of the hidden gems of the province of Kanchanaburi. Local beliefs forbid visiting women beyond the bridge which leads there.
This charming little bamboo bridge about thirty kilometers from Lampang city is particularly beautiful when the fields it crosses are covered with emerald green rice plants. Built in 2 months, it measures 360 meters and connects the temple to the main road.
example of burmese art , it is built according to mandalay art and houses the Chao Phalakeng, a beautiful bronze Buddha statue
This charming little bamboo bridge a few kilometers outside Mae Hong Son was bulit by locals in a pretty valley of rice fields. It connects the village to the temple which is at the top of the hill. A place with not many tourists where several times a year are held Buddhist ceremonies.
or Wat Phra Yai, Temple of the Big Buddha, it is worth visiting especially for the large sitting Buddha statue, the most revered of Ubon Ratchathani
one of the most interesting temple in Ubon Ratchathani. It is notable for having both the Ubosot and the Wiharn built atop replicas of river barges.
this temple is not very known but it is very interesting for the colorful murals that decorate its wiharn
This temple located near Khong Chiam 80 kilometers east of Ubon Ratchathani city offers a pretty dominant view over the Mekong with the Loas on the opposite bank, houses a huge Buddhist gong and a cave with the body of its founding monk very well preserved in a glass coffin.
Amazing temple whose walls are besieged in the roots of a tree. Its very simple building houses a golden Buddha image and a few mural paintings which are still visible on some parts of the wall. This is the most famous temple in Amphawa province.
is the second most interesting temple to visit in Historical Park because of its almost complete standing Buddha
in the Arunyik Area, it is especially interesting for the elephants that support its main building
in two parts, this is especially the temple over the pond and the Khmer sculpture of Vishnu that gives it its name, which makes its charm.
a little on the outskirts, behind the train station and more in nature, it is one othe the most important Buddhist places in the city. It houses the ashes of three highly revered monks.
This quite unique temple built on several floors on a mountain 12 kilometers from the northern entrance to Khao Yai National Park is especially interesting for its very astonishing architecture loaded with a lot of details and small atypical and varied elements.
this temple worths a visit for its mural paintings in the ordination hall, its wooden wihaan and its little pond
recent temple, its specific architecture and beautiful statues should not leave you indifferent
with its high white prang, it does not go unnoticed in Phetchaburi. It also houses a highly revered Buddha here
especially interesting for the almost 300 years old mural paintings of its main hall which retrace the life of Buddha
which is especially noticed for its Khmer-style building that was built in a recent past
in Uthomphon Phisai 24 km from Sisaket, this temple is a mixt of a Khmer temple and modern buildings in the classical style of Thai Buddhist temples.
a dozen kilometers from Sisaket, this recent temple is noted for its park with 28 white statues of Buddha
about thirty kilometers from Nakhon Pathom, this huge park is known for the big Walking Buddha statue standing at its center which is reportedly the largest in the world. Around it, monuments recall the main stages of the life of Lord Buddha and a temple houses the sacred texts of Theravada Buddhism carved in marble stone.
about thirty kilometers from Bangkok, this huge park is known for the big Walking Buddha statue standing at its center which is reportedly the largest in the world. Around it, monuments recall the main stages of the life of Lord Buddha and a temple houses the sacred texts of Theravada Buddhism carved in marble stone.
This temple located about twenty kilometers east of Nakhon Pathom has magnificent murals in its main hall. The chedi that is in the back is very interesting and has very photogenic details.
This temple dedicated to the deity Phra Rahu who swallows sun and moon. There are pretty halls with interesting or even surprising outdoor statues and one hall with a beautifully decorated vault.
, temple especially interesting for its large golden reclining Buddha, dating from the Ayutthaya period. This is probably, because of this statue, the most interesting temple to visit in Chanthaburi.
is usually the first temple of the old city Phrae that people visit. Its chedi is considered as the heart of Phrae city. Its Kosai Buddha image and the holly Buddha footprint are other elments that make it interesting to visit.
There are many interesting temples in the surrounding mountains in Phrae but this one with its bamboo bridge over the fields, its mountain with 2 caves and a superb dominant viewpoint is clearly one of my favorites. It is located 27 kilometers east of the city and is still very little mentioned in the book guides even in Thai.
This small temple is worth above all for its historical value with its 17th century ordination hall with partly preserved exterior and interior murals.
Completely white, this temple is surprising even if it is very modest compared to the beautiful White Temple in Chiang Rai. 2 minutes walk from Wat Phumin , take the time to pay him a visit.
Located 4 km outside the city, it is the most sacred temple in Nan provincebecause of its golden chedi built in the 14th century.
This small temple is especially interesting for its murals on the exterior walls of the building. The terrace of another tallest building offers a stunning 360 degree view over the city of Roi Et and its great Buddha who turns his back on you.
It is the emblematic temple of Nakhon Si Thammarat, the most important of southern Thailand and one of the most important in the country, because it is a first class royal temple. its big white chedi is the main element. It contains a relic of Buddha.
This temple located in a cave about fifteen kilometers from Phatthalung and less than 1 km from the Nam Yen Cave is interesting for its reclining Buddha and its murals. It is also close to the Khao Chaison Hot Springs.
This royal temple is mostly known for its cave but also has a chedi on a small hill that offers a dominant view over the city of Phatthalung. It is the most important temple in the city.
The Buddhist temple located on the edge of the forest on the road between Trang and Phatthalung is also a renowned meditation center. Apart from the fact that one can come here to meditate or learn to meditate, it is its large set of caves with a small river inside that makes them interesting to visit.
Located 34 kilometers from the city of Trang, this temple is interesting for its large cave with several rooms. It is also a meditation center on the edge of the forest. A nice stop between Trang and Phatthalung.
This hilltop temple, located a hundred kilometers from Lamphun city welcomes visitors with a huge statue of a standing monk whose temple also preserves the mummy. The temple also offers on its upper part a magnificent view over the valley and the mountains.
It is one of the two temples to visit in town in Uthai Thani. Located on the banks of the river, opposite the city, Wat Uposatharam is especially interesting to visit for its ancient murals. The morning alms giving ceremony to a monk on a boat is also interesting.
This temple in the city is partly perched on a hill. It is a high place of pilgrimage, the best known in Thailand for the Tak Bat Thewo ceremony which takes place at the end of Buddhist Lent. It also offers a very nice view overlooking Uthai Thani city.
A 5 minute walk from the famous Khao San Road, this temple is however not much visited by tourists. It is a very important place in the royal and religious history of Thailand. Several kings were monks there, including the late King Bhumibol who died in October 2016. The temple has a superb chedi and magnificent Buddha images in its main hall.
This unique seven-level architectural feature, adorned with 37 peaks, is worth a visit for its maze-like feel, its photogenic appeal, and the views it offers from its summit. Uncrowded, it's often peaceful, making the visit even more enjoyable.
This Buddhist temple in northern Bangkok, near Don Mueang, is starting to make a name for itself thanks to its fairly recently built Naga cave, dedicated to these mythological serpents. The rest of the temple is more traditional, although there is a fun little game to play while visiting.
and its magnificent Lanna style teak building which was a royal residence before being transformed into a temple.
this is the first temple built in Chiang Mai and therefore the oldest one in the city.
small temple that is often missed but has a large brick chedi and beautiful a wooden hall.
This temple full of charm is perched on a mountain and little known by foreign tourists. But is quite interesting and offers among other things a beautiful view over the valley where you can see the Royal Park Rajapruek. A nice place to couple with the visit of Rajapruek floral park .
This small temple and its wooden hall located about fifteen kilometers from Chiang Mai does not lack of charm. Very fe tourists go visit it. Foreigners are really not numerous to go there since many of whom are unaware of its existence but it is a nice quick stop to add on the road to Rajapruek Park or Wat Phra That Doi Kham.
You will not find this surprising little Chinese temple in any travel book guide. However, it is worth visiting it for its dragon and tiger statues crossed by corridors with colorful murals. An amazing visit that may change to all what you saw during your stay in Chiang Mai...
Little known temple but not lacking in charm. It has a lovely lanna-style ordination hall, a golden chedi and a reclining Buddha in one of its halls.
small temple. It only remains a stupa with its Buddha in front and the walls of a building housing a sitting Buddha
or Golden Mount, outside the city, it is a white stone staircase building with a golden tip
This temple is not the best known in Ayutthaya, it is rarely mentioned in guide books. Butit is one of the oldest if not the oldest in town. Visitors often remember its stone Reclining Buddha but its Khmer-style prang surrounded by a courtyard and a covered enclosure with sitting Buddhas is also interesting to visit.
This temple-palace is remarkable for its juxtaposition of the ruins of an ancient temple from Ayutthaya period and a more modern building built on its ruins more than two centuries after its sacking. Very little touristy, it is an interesting visit to add for those who want to get off the beaten track in Ayutthaya.
This temple in the province of Ang Thong in the north of Bangkok dates from the Sukhothai period and has the largest reclining Buddha in Thailand. All white, it is often covered with a yellow patchwork dress made of the prayers and words of visitors.
Wat Phanom Yong is not Ayutthaya's most unmissable temple to visit, but it houses a reclining Buddha and the colorful murals in its ordination hall are superb. Recent but superb!
This small temple of the province of Lopburi is remarkable for its unusual architecture. Indeed, its ubosot (ordination hall) is built on a giant turtle -shaped base.
on the hill between South Pattaya and Jomtien, just before the Big Buddha, this small Chinese temple is especially interesting for its wall where you can read short stories and Chinese legends
and its mummified monk with sunglasses. The building is modest but seing this well-preserved mummified monk in meditation position with his sunglasses is pretty funny.
This small temple still little known to tourists has a red hall with magnificent relief sculptures. Located on Hua Thanon beach in the south of Koh Samui, it can be accessed from the main road or from the beach via a staircase.
This temple with its pretty gilded ordination hall and located in a corner of the countryside and mountains is a very pretty architectural achievement. It offers a superb, serene natural setting conducive to meditation. Not a must-see but a beautiful little temple off the beaten track.
Located between Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, the most important temple in Phitsanulok City and the very interesting Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Nang Phaya is much less known and visited. But it houses a magnificent statue of Buddha and worth to make a quick visit.
If this is the whole Ao Noï bay area that I recommend you to visit, do not miss Wat Ao Noi's small wooden carved hall, located just alittle before the beach and the stairs leading to cave with the 2 reclining Buddha images.
The place is actually home to two caves. The most famous one is accessed by a path of steps in the mountains alongside the sea. It houses two reclining Buddha images. It's the whole bike ride to come here with the nearby Wat Ao Noi, the beach and even the fishing port that is really nice.
This small temple is worth a visit, especially if you are staying on Thong Nai Pan beach, for its chedi built with thousands of empty beer bottles. Its interior with the light passing through the colored glass is amazing! The temple is located at the end of the beach and is easy to access by walking.
temple of the Reclining Buddha, it is especially interesting for its beautiful red brick porch
The Khao Laem cave made the reputation of this temple but it should not be visitable for several more months (February 2020), remains the pretty ordination hall.
This temple is known for its floating nun, a ritual that has really become a spectacle which can be controversial in a Buddhist temple but the visit especially of the cave remains interesting.
This temple is known for its fascinating cave system, filled with natural rooms and lighted passages. Concealing nine caves decorated with Buddhist and Hindu sanctuaries, it is considered the most accessible cave temple among the many in the province of Kanchanaburi and its surroundings.
This small temple whose restoration work has been awarded by UNESCO does not lack of charm especially its elevated central part hosting a chedi, a hall with a reclining Buddha and a superb unique cruciform pavilion mixture of Lanna, Chinese and Burmese styles.
on the other side of the street than Wat Phra Non, it is its covered walkway that makes it different from other temples in the city.
which houses a highly venerated Buddha statue. The legend says water would have flowed from its head.
This large white Buddha is very recent, it is located on a hill overlooking the Wat Phra That Mae Yen which is already somewhat high. The visit is interesting for the Big Buddha certainly but also for the temple. Ddo not expect to see one of the finest Big Buddhas in Thailand, it is modest in size and quality.
This temple located 115 km from Udon Thani slowly became one of the must-visits in the province. It must be said that seen from the sky, it is really beautiful but by visiting it you will only see it from the ground. I advice you to cumulate its visit with other visits in the area. The temple's big reclining marble Buddha is superb !
This temple is very important and revered because it is supposed to house the Phaya Nak, the great sacred Naga snake that is very present in the architecture of temples in Thailand, especially in the North and North-East of the country. It is not architecturally the most beautiful temple in Udon Thani province but certainly the most visited by Thai Buddhists.
This lotus-shaped temple, built over a pond, is located not far from the Ban Chiang Museum. Aside from its unique shape, it's the interior vault paintings that are truly memorable.
This small, quick-visit temple is worth a stop for its very photogenic Naga serpent crossing a pond. You don't have to travel far to see it, but it's close to other interesting places and can make for a more pleasant stop.
whith on of the oldest ordination rooms in the province. It is a well-preserved example of Isan religious architecture
This botanic garden about ten kilometers from Trang is best known for its Canopy Walkway, a set of bridges suspended through the trees which culminates at 18 meters and allows you to walk at the top of the canopy. The rest of the park has interesting vegetation.
This chedi installed on the banks of the Rayong River has a particular history but a fairly classic architecture. You will probably enjoy strolling on the raised wooden walkways in the surrounding mangroves.
5 km before the Historical Park. It is across the suspension bridge near which the bus from Sukhothai drops you off. Its impressive wihaan and its Buddhas are a good introduction to your day trip in Si Satchanalai
in the second part of the Historical Park (Arunyik Area) just after Wat Phra SiAriyabot, there is a sitting Buddha on its center and another in a small building at the back
for his small wooden building on stilts over a pond that was used to store Buddhist scriptures and books and protect them from rats and termites
this temple has a completly artificial but still suprising cave temple. The boat shape main buiding is also interesting to see.
probably the most famous temple in Nakhon Ratchasima city for its architecture, which revisits the traditional building codes
Not a must see, especially since it's a little in the middle of nowhere. But if on a road trip between Khao Yai and Nakhon Ratchasima city, you pass nearby, go visit it and discover its Buddhas carved on the walls of the mountain.
This forest temple in height does not lack charm even if it is not a must and is a bit lost so requires a lot of road to reach it and the last stretch is a dirt track. It offers a friendly setting with lovely views of the surrounding area.
This temple has become more touristy since 2006, when its unique sandstone hall, set on a blue water basin, was finished. A very photogenic element for a temple not far from Pak Chong railway station, the arrival train station for visiting Khao Yai National Park.
and its many Buddhas statues all different. A park of sitting Buddhas seems to be in preparation.
the most important temple in the city, it houses including Buddha statue the most revered Surin
small ruin of a 12th century Khmer temple situated about 30 kilometers from Surin
temple opposite to the train station Sikhoraphum (34 km from Surin) with a nice walking Buddha statue that is worth visiting only if you are already in Sikhoraphum to visit its Khmer temple
near the train station, this is the most important temple in Sisaket. Its main hall behind two stone guardians houses the most revered Buddha image of Sisaket
easily identifiable thanks to the large yellow Buddha next to the temple, it consists of many caves. It is a high place of mediation where about 40 monks and nuns live
This golden temple is next to Wat Klang Bang Kaew, so I recommend you to visit it as well while you are in the area even if it is from my point of view a little less interesting. It is undergoing expansion and remains very beautiful ... if you like gold;)
pretty and quiet little temple with a Burmese-style chedi and a nice statue of Buddha standing in its main hall which is unfortunately often closed
a small temple on a hill which is accessed by a small stone staircase. It offers an interesting view and going there is a ride that will change a bit from the beach.
There is little or no mention of this temple in the city of Phrae in guide books. However it is beautiful place. I especially liked its front door and the Nagas heads that frame the staircase leading to the ordination hall.
This less known and therefore less visited temple is only 2 kilometers away from Wat Phra That Cho Hae. Personally, I like its atmosphere (except perhaps the ''garden of hell'' part although it is often undergoing renovation or extension. I advise you to visit it after Wat Phra That Cho Hae .
The highlight of this temple located 23 km east of Phrae, is its reproduction in more modest dimensions of the sacred golden rock in Myanmar but I think that all the small circuit on its brick paths is interesting. And by combining it with Wat Na Khu Ha and its bamboo bridge a little further, it's a nice trip.
this is the most important temple in Nong Khai. It is mainly the inside of the ordination hall with its beautiful murals and its sitting Buddha statue made of gold, bronze and ruby that worth the visit. The Buddha image has a interesting story that you can see on some of the murals.
This is the oldest temple in Chiang Khan, its construction dates from the 17th century but the original hall it only remains a few walls with partly erased frescoes.
This temple located on a small hill on the edge of the road that leads to Phu Ruea National Park is worth a quick visit there. There are several interesting elements and there should be even more when you go as it is constantly under construction.
This recent temple located by a lake and mountains is not very far from Phu Ruea National Park and given that it is very easy to get there from the main road, I recommend you to make a small detour and visit it. It is also on the road between Loei and Dansai for those who plan to go to attend the Phi Ta Khon Festival.
This temple is the most visited and important in the Dansai district except during the Phi Ta Khon festival which is held at Wat Phon Chai in town. Its deceased founding monk is one of the most revered in Thailand.
This fully golden temple is the second monochrome temple in Nan. It is located just a few minutes walk from Nan white temple.
Temple located just before Wat Phumin, it may be interesting to pay it a visit. It is one of the oldest temples in Nan. It houses the largest Buddhist manuscripts library in Thailand.
This temple is one of the oldest in the city. It houses qhat is probably the most beautiful Buddha in Nan, a 4 meters high bronze statue. Behind the main building, there is also an intreresting chedi.
This sanctuary houses the pillar that marks the site of the founding of the city. This small white building is interesting to see the tribute that the inhabitants dedicate to the pillar something we don't see in western countries and its decorations in stucco.
This small temple is interresting all for its 52-meter-high Big Buddha. If coming there just for visiting it is not essential, Wat Pha Thang can be a nice stopover between 2 other places that I highly recommend to visit in Uthai Thani province.
This royal Buddhist temple, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the Thonburi district, is one of the most important and popular temples in Bangkok. While architecturally, it doesn't stand out from many other temples, it's interesting to see the Buddhist rites performed there, and the entire area is worth a visit.
not particularly interesting to visit but like in Wat Chedi Luang you can meet the monks to discuss with them
It is with Wat Chang Lom, the most interesting temple outside the paying areas of Sukhothai Historical Park. Thre you can see 4 large Buddha images in relief. They are damaged and no longer have a head but you will not find such imageswithin the paying areas.
located at the southern tip of the island, on the rocky coast, it has a golden chedi and was built from thousands of golden tiles.
This temple is said to be the oldest in Phitsanulok province. It is an historic place, you can see the ruins of the original brick temple and a newer wiharn with refined details including beautiful window decorations.
located on a hill, it offers an interesting view of the city but the temple itself is very small and common
3 minutes walk from Wat Phra Kaew, it is an interesting step in the ascension of Doi Jom Thong on the way to Phrat That Jom Thong, the temple at the top of the hill from which you can have an interesting view of Chiang Rai.
This small perched temple can make an interesting stop on the road to the Wat Chalerm Prakiat mountain temple. It is about 10 kilometers before. It is accessed by a 220 steps Naga staircase. At the top, there is an ordination hall, a chedi, a standing Buddha and a small "magic" room.
Despite its name, this temple called Wat Chiang Rai is in Lampang city. It stands out from the other temples in the city by its whiteness that is reminiscent of a temple near Chiang Rai precisely. In addition to a daytime visit, I also advise you to come see it at night, it is then beautifully lit.
This temple is a perfect example of Burmese-style Buddhist temple architecture. Built in teak wood in the early 20th century by Burmese workers from Mandalay, its richly decorated main hall is its main attraction.
This Burmese style temple also worths a visit if you are interested in the architectural styles of the Buddhist temples. Its teak wooden hall is its most representative element but there is also a chedi containing relics of Lord Buddha.
which houses a large U Thong style Buddha of the Ayutthaya period. The villagers believe its has great powers and such as the power to stop the rain
More than a tourist attraction, this temple not far from Khao Yai National Park is a place for meditation. It has a system of caves galleries in the mountain arranged to accommodate monks and faithful for 2 meditation sessions per day.
perched on an hill it unfortunately does not offer interesting views but remains a charming temple although its architectural interest is quite limited.
This small chedi built in the middle of the sea is sometimes accessible by walking at low tide. It is not part of the must visit but coupled with the most famous viewpoint in Chanthaburi, it remains interesting to spend a few minutes there. The place is beautiful, especially in good weather.
temple with a large Buddha statue sitting on the roof where you can climb and have a magnificent panoramic view of the Mekong river particularly nice to watch the sunset.
This small charming temple in Lanna and Laos style is the largest and most sacred temple in Chiang Khan. It can be accessed on Chai Kong Road, the most famous street in the city.
This temple may be interest some visitors thanks to the curious exterior walls of one of its buildings. They are covered with plaster sculptures of animals and natural.
Nicknamed <em>Coral Pagoda</em> because its chedi was built entirely with coral stone, it is one of Khanom's well-known monuments. Not the most unmissable because even the view offered from its small hill is not the most incredible you can see but as a step on the road to other visits, why not ?
Wat Wang temple is one of the important Buddhist places of worship in Phatthalung city. It is architecturally interesting but if you have already seen many temples in Thailand, this may not be an must visit. It is next to Phatthalung Museum.
which has certainly a historical and architectural interest but is best remembered for his statue of Donald
It is the most important temple in Udon Thani, the most important in town, with the City Pillar Shrine. Visitors especially notice its chedi whose top floor is magnificent decorated and its ordination hall.
This temple perched about 30 kilometers from Chanthaburi city center is very visited by the Thai people for worship but does not present a major tourist interest, from my point of view. If you only stay in Chathaburi for a short time, there are other places that I think are more interesting to go first.
this Burmese style temple entirely built with teak wood is certainly not the most interesting visit to do in Phrae but for the curious who want to see a different architecture, why not check it out.
and its magnificent Buddhas wall. The temple is an very interesting architectural mix of styles from several times. Inside the main building, there are murals with stories of Buddhism in English.
There are many historical parks in Thailand, most of them listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The best known is Sukhothai Historical Park with its stone Buddhas, a must-see to discover the rich history of Thailand!
Floating markets are a Thai tradition that fortunately still survives in parts of the country, even if there are few of them and some have become rather touristy. The best known are near Amphawa, about 100 km from Bangkok.
There are two types of national parks in Thailand: land parks and marine parks. Both offer the extraordinary landscapes of a country blessed by nature, and Thailand's national parks are among the most beautiful in the world.
Thailand is a deeply Buddhist country with thousands of temples. It is impossible to visit them all, but we give you detailed practical information to discover many of the most famous temples in Thailand.