Thailand's temples, known as "wats," are not just places of worship but also architectural marvels that reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. From the gleaming spiers of Bangkok's grandest temples to the serene retreats nestled amidst lush greenery, each temple tells its own story and holds its own significance in Thai society.
Top 5 best temples in Thailand
In this introduction, we will explore the significance of Thai temples, their architectural features, and the role they play in the lives of the Thai people. From the iconic Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun in Bangkok to the hidden gems scattered across the countryside, join us on a journey to discover the spiritual heart of Thailand through its magnificent temples.
1. What to do in Bangkok ? Visit Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, or as locals call it, Wat Phra Kaew, was ordered built by King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok at the same time as the founding of Rattanakosin in 1782, and it was completed in 1784.
It is a temple located in the Grand Palais district. Inspired by the style of Wat Phra Si Sanphet from the Ayutthaya period, this temple is located in the outer royal area and is surrounded by a balcony. Unlike most temples in Bangkok, Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram is not inhabited by monks. It is used for the Buddhist retreat period and as a place of royal ordination, as well as for ceremonies before His Majesty, preserving the relics of Phra Phiphat Satya.
King Rama I decreed that this place would be home to the Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakon, better known as the Emerald Buddha. This image of the Buddha, of inestimable value in Thailand, is preserved at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram. Since its initial construction, the temple has been regularly restored under each reign, with major renovations every 50 years, particularly during the reign of King Nang Klao, due to its historical significance.
2. Wat Pho, a must-visit destination in Bangkok
Located on Maharat Road, next to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is a first-class royal monastery. It is an ancient temple that His Majesty King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great ordered to be built so that monks could study the Dhamma. This temple is associated with King Rama I. During the reign of King Nang Klao, King Rama III ordered the complete renovation of Wat Pho and introduced academic texts in various fields to be inscribed around the temple to spread knowledge among public. Thus, Wat Pho is considered the first university in Thailand.
Additionally, Wat Pho houses a large reclining Buddha. Built during the reign of King Rama III, it is made of brick and plaster, entirely gold-plated, and measures 46 meters long and 15 meters high. Each leg features a decorative pattern of beads depicting 108 auspicious symbols, in keeping with Indian beliefs about the characteristics of a great man.
The temple is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Entrance is free for Thais and costs 300 baht for foreigners. For more information, please contact the Wat Phra Chetuphon Office at
www.watpho.com.
3. Wat Arun
Located along the Arun Amarin Road, Wat Arun is on the bank of the Chao Phraya River on the Thonburi side, opposite Wat Pho. This temple has existed since the Ayutthaya period and was initially known as Wat Chaeng. Later, when King Thonburi moved the capital from Ayutthaya to Thonburi, he generously designated Wat Chaeng as a temple within the royal compound and made it a first-rate Woramahawihan-type royal monastery, where the Phra Phuttha is enshrined Maha Mani Rattana Patimakorn (Emerald Buddha) reported from Vientiane.
This temple underwent extensive renovations during the reign of King Rama II, earning it the status of a royal temple. After the restoration work was completed, it was renamed Wat Arun Ratchatharam. During the reign of King Rama III, the construction of a large prang, measuring 82 meters in height and 234 meters in width, was completed during the reign of King Rama IV, and the name was changed to Wat Arun Ratchawararam, as he is known today.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Entrance is free for Thais and costs 200 baht for foreigners.
4. Wat Saket
Wat Saket, also known as Wat Phu Khao Thong or Golden Mount Temple, is a venerable monument to Thailand's rich cultural and religious heritage. Located along the picturesque Mahanak Canal in Bangkok's bustling Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, this ancient temple carries centuries of history into its sacred domain.
The crowning glory of Wat Saket is the imposing Suwanbanpot Pagoda, which rises majestically to a height of 77 meters. At its summit is a pagoda containing revered relics brought from India, echoing tales of ancient spiritual connections and transcending time. This sacred place, along with the temple itself, serves as a focal point for spiritual seekers and devotees, attracting them with its serene ambiance and historical significance.
Welcoming visitors daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wat Saket offers a glimpse into the spiritual soul of Thailand. While Thais can enter for free, foreigners are welcome to contribute a nominal sum of 50 baht, ensuring that all who seek solace and enlightenment within its sacred precincts are warmly welcomed.
5. Wat Bowonniwet
It is a first-class royal monastery, Ratchawihan type, whose architecture combines Thai and Chinese elements. Once the residence of the king when he was ordained, this monastery was used during the reigns of King Rama IV until King Rama VII, as well as under His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX.
![Wat Bowonniwe - The combination in architecture of Thai and Chinese elements](/uploads/Travel-Guide-Thailand/Mai-Anh/Les-5-meilleurs-temples-en-Thailande/700-x-476-Wat-Bowonniwet.jpg)
Located on Phra Sumen Road in Bowonniwet Subdistrict, it is a first-class royal Ratchawihan monastery featuring Thai-Chinese architecture. Wat Bowonniwet, built between 1824 and 1832 during the reign of King Rama III, with Krom Phra Rajawang Bowon Maha Sakdiphonsep leading the construction, the pagoda features four arches leading to the entrance. In the center stands a gold-plated chedi containing the relics of the Buddha, surrounded by four other consecrated chedids, including the Phra Phairi Phinat Chedi, the Phra Chedi Boromarachanusorn, in commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the cycle of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, the Borommanat Bophit, a gilded wooden pagoda, and a gilded metal pagoda. The monastery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
What to do in Thailand? Here are the most general information about the
top 5 temples in Bangkok gathered by
thailand travel agency. Which of these Buddhist temples in Bangkok, Thailand, would you like to visit first? Let's turn your choice into reality, capture the most beautiful photos of these temples, and don't forget to dress respectfully when visiting these sacred places!
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