Thailand’s temples (wats) are not just places of worship — they are masterpieces of architecture, spirituality, and art.
In this guide, we’ve selected 13 temples that stand out for their exceptional beauty, design, cultural depth, or sheer wow factor, not merely the most famous ones.
Each temple on this list offers something extraordinary: from dazzling mosaics and mountaintop views to modern surrealism and peaceful riverside sanctuaries.
Click on the Table of Contents below to jump directly to temples that match your interests, from sacred landmarks in Bangkok to hidden mountain sanctuaries across Thailand.
Table of Contents
- 1. Wat Phra Kaew (วัดพระแก้ว)
- 2. Wat Pho (วัดโพธิ์)
- 3. Wat Arun (วัดอรุณราชวราราม)
- 4. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ)
- 5. Wat Rong Khun (วัดร่องขุ่น)
- 6. Wat Pha Sorn Kaew (วัดพระธาตุผาซ่อนแก้ว)
- 7. Wat Phra That Nong Bua (วัดพระธาตุหนองบัว)
- 8. Wat Roi Phra Putthabat Phu Manorom (วัดรอยพระพุทธบาทภูมโนรมย์)
- 9. Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon (พระมหาเจดีย์ชัยมงคล)
- 10. Wat Muang (วัดม่วง)
- 11. Wat Saman Rattanaram (วัดสมานรัตนาราม)
- 12. Wat Nong Wang (Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon) – วัดหนองแวง (พระมหาธาตุแก่นนคร)
- 13. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (วัดมังกรกมลาวาส / Wat Leng Noei Yi)
- ✨ Special Mention: Ancient City (เมืองโบราณ)
1. Wat Phra Kaew (วัดพระแก้ว)
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Location: Within the Grand Palace complex
Why it’s special: Thailand’s most sacred temple, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. Every surface glitters with intricate detail, gold leaf, and mythological figures.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds and witness the sunlight shimmering off the golden rooftops.
2. Wat Pho (วัดโพธิ์)
📍Location: Rattanakosin Island
Why it’s special: Known for the giant Reclining Buddha and as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. The temple grounds are peaceful, with dozens of pagodas and ancient murals.
💡 Insider Tip: Combine your visit with Wat Phra Kaew, they’re just a 10-minute walk apart.
3. Wat Arun (วัดอรุณราชวราราม)
📍Location: Riverside, Thonburi district
Why it’s special: The Temple of Dawn is breathtaking at sunrise and sunset. Its central Khmer-style spire sparkles with colorful porcelain mosaics.
💡 Insider Tip: Cross the river by ferry from Tha Tien Pier for the best photo spot.
4. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ)
📍Location: Doi Suthep Mountain, 15 km west of Chiang Mai
Why it’s special: A golden chedi shining high above Chiang Mai, one of the most iconic images of Northern Thailand.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit at sunset for panoramic city views and chanting by resident monks.
5. Wat Rong Khun (วัดร่องขุ่น)
📍Location: South of Chiang Rai city
Why it’s special: The White Temple — a surreal creation by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Its all-white exterior and mirrored glass details symbolize purity and enlightenment.
💡 Insider Tip: Closed for lunch (12:00–13:00). Go early morning for clear light and fewer tour groups.
6. Wat Pha Sorn Kaew (วัดพระธาตุผาซ่อนแก้ว)
📍Location: Khao Kho district
Why it’s special: Perched on a misty mountain, covered in millions of mosaic tiles. The five-seated Buddha statue is one of Thailand’s most photogenic sights.
💡 Insider Tip: The temple is often shrouded in clouds — visit early for mystical photos.
7. Wat Phra That Nong Bua (วัดพระธาตุหนองบัว)
📍Location: Ubon Ratchathani city
Why it’s special: A gleaming golden pagoda inspired by India’s Bodhgaya temple. The symmetry and fine detailing make it a regional treasure.
8. Wat Roi Phra Putthabat Phu Manorom (วัดรอยพระพุทธบาทภูมโนรมย์)
📍Location: On Phu Manorom hill overlooking the Mekong River
Why it’s special: A colossal seated Buddha and a striking naga (serpent) sculpture dominate the skyline.
💡 Insider Tip: Best visited late afternoon when sunlight hits the naga’s scales, perfect for drone shots.
9. Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon (พระมหาเจดีย์ชัยมงคล)
📍Location: Nong Phok district
Why it’s special: One of Thailand’s largest stupas, combining Lanna, Lao, and Rattanakosin architecture. Rich in symbolism and grandeur.
10. Wat Muang (วัดม่วง)
📍Location: Wiset Chai Chan district
Why it’s special: Home to the largest Buddha statue in Thailand, 92 meters tall. The serene golden giant is visible for kilometers.
💡 Insider Tip: Early morning light enhances the statue’s glow and tranquility.
11. Wat Saman Rattanaram (วัดสมานรัตนาราม)
📍Location: On the banks of Bang Pakong River
Why it’s special: A joyful, colorful temple known for its giant pink Ganesh statue and family-friendly atmosphere.
12. Wat Nong Wang (Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon) – วัดหนองแวง (พระมหาธาตุแก่นนคร)
📍Location: Near Kaen Nakhon Lake
Why it’s special: A nine-tiered chedi offering sweeping city views. Each floor features murals depicting Buddhist teachings and Isaan culture.
13. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (วัดมังกรกมลาวาส / Wat Leng Noei Yi)
📍Location: Yaowarat Road, Chinatown
Why it’s special: Bangkok’s most important Chinese-Buddhist temple. Filled with incense smoke, dragon motifs, and red lanterns. It’s a feast for the senses during festivals.
✨ Special Mention: Ancient City (เมืองโบราณ)
📍Location: 30 minutes south of Bangkok
Why it’s special: An open-air museum recreating Thailand’s most significant temples and monuments in one vast park. It’s quite a stunning place, Ideal for photographers and history lovers.
💡 Insider Tip: Rent a bicycle or golf cart to explore the full grounds comfortably.
