Thailand’s temples (wats) are active places of worship and some of the finest architecture in Southeast Asia. This list picks 13 that stand out for their beauty, design or cultural depth, not just their fame, plus one bonus that recreates many of the country’s landmarks in a single park.
They range from Bangkok’s big three to mountaintop temples in the north and lesser-known gems in Isan. For the background on Thai Buddhism and other faiths, see our guide to Thailand’s religions.
Before you visit any temple
- Cover your shoulders and knees, and bring a scarf or sarong just in case.
- Take your shoes off before entering a hall, and don’t point your feet at Buddha images.
- Women should not touch monks or hand them things directly.
- Carry small cash for entry fees and donations.
Opening hours for smaller temples vary between sources. Where they disagree, we list the hours that all sources agree on.
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)
- Plan your temple trip
1. Wat Phra Kaew (วัดพระแก้ว)
Why it’s special: Thailand’s most sacred temple, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, which is actually carved from green jade. Every surface glitters with intricate detail, gold leaf and mythological figures. The dress code is strictly enforced here, so check the tips at the top of this article before you go.
Insider Tip
Arrive at opening time to get ahead of the tour groups. If someone outside tells you the palace is closed today, it’s usually a lure for a scam. The palace does close occasionally for genuine royal events, so check the official website before you go. Tickets, timings and how to combine it with Wat Pho are in our Bangkok travel guide.
2. Wat Pho (วัดโพธิ์)
Why it’s special: Home to the giant Reclining Buddha, 46 meters long, and regarded as the home of traditional Thai massage. Beyond the main hall, the grounds are surprisingly peaceful, with dozens of chedis and old murals to explore.
Insider Tip
Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew are about a 10-minute walk apart. Do the Grand Palace first, since its last entry is 3:30 pm, and save Wat Pho for the afternoon, as it stays open until 7:30 pm. End the day with a Thai massage at the temple’s massage school.
3. Wat Arun (วัดอรุณราชวราราม)
Why it’s special: Known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is built around a Khmer-style central spire (prang) covered in pieces of colorful porcelain. Up close, the detail is the highlight. From across the river, it forms one of Bangkok’s most recognizable views.
Insider Tip
For the classic shot, photograph Wat Arun from across the river, on the Tha Tien side. The sun sets behind the temple, and its lights come on after dark. Visit the temple itself in the afternoon (last entry is 5:30 pm), then cross back for sunset. Access to the upper levels of the spire is restricted at times, so check the signs at the foot of the steps.
4. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ)
Why it’s special: A golden chedi high on the mountain above Chiang Mai, and one of the defining images of Northern Thailand. You reach it by climbing 306 steps lined with naga (serpent) balustrades, or by funicular if you’d rather save your legs.
Insider Tip
Visit at sunset for panoramic views over the city and evening chanting by the resident monks. Planning more of your trip north? See our Chiang Mai travel guide.
5. Wat Rong Khun (วัดร่องขุ่น)
Why it’s special: The White Temple, a surreal creation by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Its all-white exterior and mirrored glass details symbolize purity and enlightenment.
Insider Tip
Arrive at the 8:00 am opening for clear light and fewer tour groups. Avoid 12:00–13:00, when the temple closes for lunch.
6. Wat Pha Sorn Kaew (วัดพระธาตุผาซ่อนแก้ว)
Why it’s special: Perched on a mountainside and covered in colorful mosaic, with five white seated Buddha statues stacked one above the other. It’s one of the most photogenic temples in Thailand.
Insider Tip
The temple is often wrapped in cloud, so come early in the morning for the most atmospheric photos. It opens around 7:00 am.
7. Wat Phra That Nong Bua (วัดพระธาตุหนองบัว)
Why it’s special: A white-and-gold chedi modeled on the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, where the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. Its symmetry and fine detailing make it one of the most striking temples in Isan.
Insider Tip
The temple is only about 6 km from Ubon Ratchathani airport, so it’s easy to fit in on your arrival or departure day.
8. Wat Roi Phra Putthabat Phu Manorom (วัดรอยพระพุทธบาทภูมโนรมย์)
Why it’s special: High on Phu Manorom hill, overlooking the Mekong River and across to Laos. A giant white Buddha statue and a striking naga (serpent) sculpture dominate the hilltop.
Insider Tip
Come in the late afternoon, when the sunlight catches the naga’s scales. Leave enough time before the listed 5:00 pm closing.
9. Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon (พระมหาเจดีย์ชัยมงคล)
Why it’s special: One of Thailand’s largest stupas, combining Lanna, Lao and Rattanakosin architecture, with detailed symbolism throughout.
Insider Tip
Head up to the balcony of the main chedi for the view in our photo, looking out over the golden side chedis. At about 70 km from Roi Et, it’s worth planning as a half-day trip by car.
10. Wat Muang (วัดม่วง)
Why it’s special: Home to the largest Buddha statue in Thailand, 92 meters tall. The serene golden figure is visible for kilometers around, and up close you can stand beside its giant golden hand.
Insider Tip
Come early in the morning, when the soft light brings out the statue’s golden glow and the grounds are at their quietest. The temple grounds open before the 9:00 am start listed above.
11. Wat Saman Rattanaram (วัดสมานรัตนาราม)
Why it’s special: On the banks of the Bang Pakong River, this joyful, colorful temple is known for its giant pink Ganesha statue. Ganesha is a Hindu deity, widely worshipped in Thailand as the remover of obstacles, and the temple has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Insider Tip
Come at sunrise, when the early light turns the pink Ganesha a soft glowing rose, as in our photo. The grounds are open before the 8:00 am start listed above, and you’ll have the place largely to yourself.
12. Wat Nong Wang (Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon) – วัดหนองแวง (พระมหาธาตุแก่นนคร)
Why it’s special: A nine-tiered chedi beside Kaen Nakhon Lake, decorated inside with murals depicting Buddhist teachings and Isan culture, and a golden shrine at its heart.
Insider Tip
Combine your visit with a walk around Kaen Nakhon Lake, right next to the temple. A path takes you all the way around it, and the park areas along the way are full of squirrels.
13. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (วัดมังกรกมลาวาส / Wat Leng Noei Yi)
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, especially around Chinese New Year.
Insider Tip
Visit in the late afternoon, before the 6:00 pm closing, then stay for Chinatown’s evening street food. For a sit-down meal nearby, see our Zongter review. To explore the old riverside lanes just south of Chinatown, watch our Talat Noi 4K walk.
✨ Special Mention: Ancient City (เมืองโบราณ)
Why it’s special: Not a working temple but an open-air museum, with replicas and reconstructions of Thailand’s most significant temples and monuments in one vast park. It’s ideal for photographers and history lovers, and a good way to see temple styles from across the country in a single day.
Insider Tips
- The grounds are huge, so rent a bicycle or golf cart to explore comfortably. Arrive well before the 6:00 pm last ticket to give yourself enough time to see it properly.
- If you live in Thailand, show your work permit or Thai driving licence at the ticket counter. The Ancient City offers residents the Thai price, which is considerably cheaper than the foreigner ticket.
Plan your temple trip
Most visitors start in Bangkok. Our Bangkok travel guide helps you plan the rest of your visit, from the city’s neighborhoods and food to its markets. To get between temples by MRT, river boat or taxi, see Getting Around Bangkok.
Heading north? Our Chiang Mai travel guide helps you plan your time around Doi Suthep and beyond. And around the Grand Palace in particular, it’s worth reading up on common scams in Thailand before you go.
Did this guide answer your question?
If something was missing or unclear, please tell us so we can improve this guide.
Glad it helped! Thank you for letting us know.
We’d love to know what was missing.
Enjoyed this guide?
If Thailand Insider Guide helped you plan your trip, you can support our independent work by buying us a coffee.
