If you're into learning about world religions, you'll hit the jackpot in Thailand. The country is filled with magnificent Buddhist temples, some dating back centuries, others much, much younger. The temples in Thailand are made of wood, stone and even recycled beer bottles, yet they all offer a sense of peace to all who visit. You may take Thailand temple tours to visit those architectures and know about more Thailand's histories and cultures.
- Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Built within the grounds of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew or 'The Temple of the Emerald Buddha' is the most important and most visited temple in Bangkok. One of the most significant features of Wat Phra Kaew is the Emerald Buddha, carved from a 66 cm tall block of jade. This highly revered icon was first discovered in 1464 in Chiang Rai when the wat sheltering it was struck by lightning. It was taken to Laos before coming back to Chiang Mai and finally making a permanent home in Bangkok where you can admire it today. Now most of people like to travel to bangkok to visit the temples.
2．Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho, named after a monastery in India where Buddha is believed to have lived, is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Wat Pho is also known as ‘The Temple of the Reclining Buddha’ thanks to the 15-metre-high, 43-metre-long Buddha image it shelters, covered with gold leaf and baring 4-metre-long feet encrusted with exquisite mother-of-pearl (or nacre) decorations.
Located just next to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is also home to the first Thai massage school where Thai massage is taught at the Traditional Medical Practitioners Association Center, located in a shophouse outside the temple.
3．Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the must-sees when you’re visiting Chiang Mai. One of the most sacred temples in northern Thailand. The temple, about 15 km (10 miles) from Chiang Mai, is a working Buddhist monastery that was built in the 14th century. The top of the temple is decorated with a golden spire, surrounded by shrines and murals. A replica of the Emerald Buddha is on display.
4. Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of the most imposing ancient Buddhist monasteries, was established by the command of King Prasatthong in 1630 A.D. The reason for building this monastery was to make merit for his mother. Prince Damrong Rachanuphap noted that its architecture was similar to that of Angkor Wat and inferred that the wat might have been built to commemorate the king’s victory over Cambodia.
This wat consists of a main prang (Khmer-type tower) and four lesser prangs, all created on the same base ans surrounded by eight lesser prangs and a gallery.
5. Wat Arun
Wat Arun, the most iconic temple of Bangkok, is located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. The distinctive shape of Wat Arun consists of a central prang (a Khmer-style tower) surrounded by 4 smaller towers, all encrusted with faience from plates and potteries. The stairs to reach the balcony on the main tower are quite steep, usually easier to climb up than to walk down, but the view from up there is really worth it. The temple is just as stunning when lit up by the morning sun. The Khmer style tower, covered with colorful porcelain, glistens in the sun. Surrounding buildings are covered in seashells and more porcelain.
6. Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai
Wat Mahathat, located in northern Thailand’s Sukhothai Historical Park, is an ancient temple that is considered the park’s most important and impressive temple. Some 168 sculptings of Buddhist disciples with hands clasped decorate the base of the main stupa, which was built to contain relics belonging to Buddha. This is fitting as the name translates as “temple of the Great Relic.” A large sitting Buddha can be found at Orientation Hall, while a huge standing Buddha is nearby.
7. White Temple
The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is a gorgeous gingerbread creation that is one of the newest temples in Thailand, being built in 1997. Reminiscent of a fairy tale castle covered with snow, it might be the ogre’s home since statuary has a ferocious look. A highlight of this privately owned temple is the bridge of the “cycle of rebirth,” under which outstretched hands reach to the sky. Across the bridge is the Gate of Heaven where two creatures decide the fate of the dead.
8. Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew
Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew isn’t your usual Buddhist temple; indeed, it is one of the more unique temples in you’ll find in Thailand. The complex incorporates about 1.5 million recycled glass bottles in its design; glass bottles are even used in the toilets. Mainly green Heineken and brown Chang bottles are used; bottle caps are used to create mosaics. The complex has about 20 buildings, including prayer rooms and a water tower.
9. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is one of the most sacred temples in Thailand, home to a strand of Buddha’s hair. It also is considered one of the best examples of Lanna architecture. The 13th century temple has a conical spire, or stupa, that is more than 400 meters (125 feet) high. While other temples have been modernized, this temple has been restored to its original form.
10. Sanctuary of Truth
The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya gives new meaning to the world “impressive.” Intricate carving cover every inch of the wood structure, which is filled with traditional Buddhist and Hindu decorations. It is a newer temple, a work in progress; it began in 1981 and is scheduled to be completed in 2050. Its aim is to honor the traditional ancient values of earth, knowledge and Eastern philosophy by teaching about human responsibility, thought, cycle of life, and life’s relationship with the universe.
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