Thailand is a country that is known for being a hotspot for backpackers, who flock there every year to enjoy the beautiful countryside, laid back party atmosphere, and picturesque beaches. But one of the best things about Thailand is the religious sites that you can find there.
Buddhism is the main religion that is practised in Thailand and over the centuries, thousands of awe inspiring temples have been built and they still play a very important role in the lives of the locals. If you’re looking for some great insta-worthy spots in Thailand, you should definitely visit the temples. But you will get more than great photos when you visit these religious sites, you will get a life changing spiritual experience at the same time. Wherever you go in Thailand, you will find some amazing Buddhist temples but there are some that are particularly special. If you are planning a visit to Thailand in the near future, these are some of the best temples to visit.
Also if you are from another country and planning a drive in Thailand then you need to get an IDP on International Driver’s Association.
Wat Pha Sorn Kaew
Although there are many temples around Thailand that have been there for centuries, they are still being built and some of the modern ones are just as impressive. Wat Pha Sorn Kaew started construction in 2004 and has only recently been finished. This incredible temple, known as the temple on the glass cliff, doesn’t get that many tourists because it is in a remote location. However, it’s worth taking some time out of your itinerary and planning a trip because it is truly breathtaking. The whole temple is covered with colorful mosaic tiles, which are beautifully contrasted by the white stone Buddha statues outside. The temple sits on top of a big hill with some incredible views.
Wat Pha Sorn Kaew is around 5 hours north of Bangkok so even if you are staying in Bangkok, you can’t really do it in a day. However, if you plan a few days for a round trip and find somewhere closer to stay, it’s definitely going to be worth it.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
If you are staying in Bangkok and you already have a jam packed schedule, you may not have time to get out to Wat Pha Sorn Kaew. However, you should have plenty of time to take a day trip out to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. This beautiful temple is situated in Ayutthaya, a UNESCO world heritage site that is not too far from Bangkok. You will find a collection of spectacular temples and old ruins which are all worth visiting, but Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is the most impressive. It is considered one of the most important temples in the area and it is located in the old palace grounds. The huge bell shaped pagodas were once part of the royal houses.
Wat Pho
Many people go to Bangkok mainly for the party atmosphere and they don’t make any plans to take a day trip out and see a temple. However, there are some incredible temples right in the heart of Bangkok, and you should visit at least one while you are there. Wat Pho is one of the most popular attractions in the city, largely because of the impressive reclining Buddha statue. This incredible statue is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, and you won’t find anything like it anywhere else in the world. As well as seeing the statue, you can explore colorful stupas in the area as well. After a long day of walking around the temples and taking in the breathtaking sights, you can relax and unwind at the massage center that is located on site.
Wat Pho is a must for anybody that is staying in Bangkok, even if you are mainly there for the nightlife and the parties. So many people pass through Bangkok without experiencing any of the rich heritage that Thailand has to offer, and that’s a real shame, so make sure to plan a trip to Wat Pho when you are in Bangkok.
Wat Sangkhathan
The city of Nonthaburi in the region of the same name is a popular destination for visitors to Thailand. This vibrant city has plenty to see and do, but if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you should visit Wat Sangkhathan. This incredible wooden temple is covered with lots of intricate carvings and statues and the peaceful surroundings give you a great break from the city center. The temple is also a meditation center that you can visit. You can either find a house for rent in Nonthaburi or even stay at the meditation facility if you want to get the full experience. Seeing temples in Thailand is always a great experience but there is something truly special about taking part in meditation sessions in this idyllic setting. Many people that visit say that it is a truly life changing experience, not just a tourist attraction.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most popular temples in Thailand and when you visit, you will soon see why. Even though the temples in Bangkok are still impressive, it can take away from the experience because you are in the heart of a modern city. If you want a more authentic experience, you should head to north Thailand, just outside the gates of Chiang Mai, and visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Getting there is a journey in itself because you have to follow a tight winding road all the way up to the temple and then climb a steep set of stairs, but it’s definitely worth it. If you do want to visit, you should get up early because it gets very crowded. It’s still a great experience even when it’s busy, but you will enjoy it more if you can beat the crowds.
Visiting temples is one of the best things about traveling in Thailand and there are so many of them wherever you go. But if you want a truly special experience, these are the best temples to visit.