Temples (wats) are the soul of Thailand, and they come in astonishing variety: the royal splendour of Bangkok, the atmospheric brick ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, and the dazzling contemporary temples of Chiang Rai. Here's where to find the ones worth planning your days around.
Temple etiquette
Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees — remove your shoes before entering shrine halls, and never point your feet at a Buddha image. Early morning gives you soft light and cooler air before the tour groups arrive.
Best destinations
Top experiences
Bangkok
- Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew — The dazzling royal palace and the Emerald Buddha - dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).
- Wat Pho & Wat Arun — The giant reclining Buddha, then cross the river to the porcelain-clad Temple of Dawn at golden hour.
- Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium — Ringside at Thailand's most historic Muay Thai arena - a real cultural spectacle.
- Jim Thompson House — The teak home and art collection of the American who revived Thai silk.
- Wat Saket (Golden Mount) — Climb the golden hilltop chedi for a 360° view over the old city.
- Erawan Shrine & Ratchaprasong — The city's most revered street shrine amid the downtown malls.
Ayutthaya
- Wat Mahathat - Buddha head in tree roots — The iconic stone Buddha face entwined in banyan roots - Ayutthaya's signature image.
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram — Riverside Khmer-style prang towers, spectacular at sunset.
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet — The three restored chedis of the former royal temple.
- Bang Pa-In Royal Palace — Elegant summer palace mixing Thai, Chinese and European styles.
- Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon — Towering chedi and a long row of saffron-draped Buddhas.
- Wat Lokayasutharam — A serene 42-metre reclining Buddha in the open air.
Sukhothai
- Sukhothai Historical Park — Thailand's first capital - serene lotus ponds and elegant 13th-century ruins (UNESCO).
- Wat Si Chum — The towering seated Buddha peering through a narrow temple slot.
- Si Satchanalai Historical Park — Quieter sister site with forest-wrapped temples and few crowds.
- Loi Krathong (November) — Sukhothai is the spiritual home of Thailand's festival of floating lights.
- Wat Mahathat (Sukhothai) — The grand central temple with its lotus-bud chedi and seated Buddhas.
- Wat Saphan Hin — Hilltop standing Buddha reached by an ancient stone path.
Chiang Mai
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep — The gilded mountaintop temple overlooking the city - go for sunrise or sunset.
- Old City temple hopping — Wander the moated old town between Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and hidden lanes.
- Wat Umong (tunnel temple) — Meditate in forest tunnels among stupas and a lake of catfish.
- Yi Peng lantern festival (Nov) — Thousands of lanterns rise over the city — Thailand's magical night.
Chiang Rai
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) — Chalermchai's surreal, mirror-white masterpiece - unlike any temple you've seen.
- Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) — Electric-blue sanctuary with a glowing white Buddha.
- Baan Dam (Black House) — The dark, bone-and-teak art complex of Thawan Duchanee.
- Wat Huay Pla Kang (Big Buddha) — A colossal white Guanyin statue you can ride a lift inside.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most famous temples in Thailand?
Bangkok's Grand Palace and Wat Pho, the ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, and the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai.
What should I wear to visit a temple in Thailand?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; you'll remove shoes before entering. Many temples lend sarongs if needed.
Which city has the best temples?
Bangkok for grandeur, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai for ancient ruins, and Chiang Rai for the striking modern temples.
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