Edited by: Bhawna Nijhawan
Summary :- Thailand has so many historical landmarks, such as royal kingdoms, ancient historic sites, Buddhist temples, and Hindu temples. Check out my picks for the top places to visit around Thailand from a huge number of incredible historic & religious sites.
There is a unique beauty to Thailand, with its hilly forest and pristine beaches, as well as its gorgeous landscapes. But Thailand is more than just beauty; it has a rich heritage that goes back to the early influence of the Mon Khmer who adopted Buddhism, to Ayutthaya’s illustrious 400-year reign, and to Taksin’s golden age.
Throughout the country, one can explore an array of historical sites and temples, ranging from centuries-old structures to ancient ones. These temples exhibit remarkable craftsmanship, built from materials like wood, stone, and even recycled beer bottles, yet they all offer a deep sense of tranquility to every visitor. I was fortunate to visit a few such historic and religious sites during my visit to Thailand, and I consider it a blessing. You can also enhance your travel experience by visiting these historic and religious places in Thailand.
Phra Pathom Chedi
Phra Pathom Chedi, a sacred structure in Thailand, holds a very powerful significance. Its origin can be traced back to the 3rd century BC, a time when Buddhism first found its way into the heart of Thailand. It was during this period that the great Indian emperor Ashoka decided to send monks to various regions of Asia, including Thailand, with the noble objective of spreading the teachings of Buddhism. Personally, I had an unforgettable experience visiting Phra Pathom Chedi.
Seeing the majestic chedi with its vibrant orange roof truly fascinated me. It rightly holds the title of being the largest Buddhist chedi in the world. Upon stepping foot on the grounds of Phra Pathom Chedi, I immediately felt a deep sense of calmness and peace in the atmosphere. Don’t just take my word; go and experience it for yourself.
Location: Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Opening hours: 7 am to 8 pm
Entry fee: 50 THB per person
Wat Rong Khun
My visit to Wat Rong Khun, famously known as “the White Temple,” was an unforgettable experience. Located just outside the charming town of Chiang Rai, this temple has gained worldwide recognition and draws a vast number of visitors, both local Thai people and foreigners. What sets Wat Rong Khun apart is its unique and striking appearance.
The entire structure is pristine white and has a sense of purity and serenity. Glass pieces are embedded in the structure, which creates a shimmering effect when reflected in the sunlight. Overall, my visit to Wat Rong Khun was an absolute delight. The temple’s allure and spiritual significance left an indelible impression on my heart and mind.
Location: Chiang Rai, Thailand
Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: 50 THB per person
Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew (Temple of a Million Bottles)
Among the numerous temples I visited in Thailand, Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew holds a special place in my heart. This remarkable temple stands out from the rest as it has been constructed using over 1.5 million glass bottles. The creativity extends to the monk’s bungalows, toilets, and even the ceilings and floors, all crafted from a unique combination of broken glass and bottle caps.
It is truly a sight to behold. The story behind the creation of this extraordinary temple is as fascinating as its appearance. It all began in 1984 when the monks embarked on a mission to find an innovative solution to address environmental concerns. They recognized the potential of glass bottles as a sustainable construction material and started collecting them. After two years of dedicated efforts, the temple was completed, becoming a testament to their vision and dedication.
Location: Sisaket Province, Thailand
Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Entry fee: Free to enter
Muang Tum Khmer Temple
Located in the beautiful province of Buriram in northeast Thailand, Muang Tum is an impressive example of ancient Khmer civilization. During an era when vast territories of Thailand were under the rule of the Khmer Empire, Muang Tum was constructed as one of the most remarkable temples in the region.
I think visiting Muang Tum would be a journey back in time, providing an opportunity to experience the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. The temple complex represents the region’s rich architecture and historical heritage. With its stunning structure and serene environment, this place creates an atmosphere of awe and wonder. Muang Tum is also submitted to UNESCO’s tentative list to be considered as a future World Heritage Site.
Location: Buriram, Thailand
Opening hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: 100 THB per person
Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, Thailand, features a multi-tiered pedestal with a carved figurine. It’s been there since 1784 CE and was initially thought to be made of emerald. I don’t know where the Emerald Buddha originated or who carved it, nor does history tell us who it was. However, there is some evidence that the Emerald Buddha, also known as Phra Mahamaniattanapatimakon, was created in Pataliputra (now Patna) in India in 43 BCE by a Sarvastivadan Buddhist monk.
He said that Indra and Vishnu, two Indian gods, gave him the precious gemstone from which the Buddha’s carving was made. The Thai people believe the figurine brings prosperity to their nation, and hundreds of tourists and locals line up every day to see it. I’ve not visited this historical site yet, but I’m looking forward to it.
Location: Chiang Rai, Thailand
Opening hours: 7 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: Free to enter
Wat Khaek Temple (Mariamman Temple)
Wat Khaek Temple (Mariamman Temple) is the most significant Hindu temple in Thailand. Also known as Uma Devi Temple, Wat Khaek Temple honors Mariamman, the Goddess of Rain. The interior is decorated with colorful carvings of Hindu deities and looks like a traditional South Indian temple. There are three shrines dedicated to Mariamman, Ganesha, and Kartikeya.
A number of Indians left their country after it was colonized by the British Empire and settled in Bangkok. Among them was Vaithi, a gemstone trader from Tamil Nadu, who constructed this temple. In 1879, the Sri Maha Mariamman temple was completed. This temple’s South Indian architecture differs dramatically from other temples in Thailand, so you must definitely visit it.
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Opening hours: 6 am to 8 pm
Entry fee: Free to enter
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Among Ayutthaya’s most remarkable temples is the Khmer-style Wat Chaiwatthanaram, which was used by the King and others of the royal family. King Prasart Thong founded Wat Chaiwatthanaram in 1630 on the site of his late mother’s residence as a tribute to her. It was one of the city’s most significant temples during his reign.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram stands out from the other main temples in Ayutthaya due to its unique design. In terms of layout and artistic elements, the layout reflects King Prasart Thong’s interest in Khmer style. The structure has several artistic details when viewed closely. A particularly popular sunset location, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is impressive from every angle in my opinion.
Location: Ayutthaya, Thailand
Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Entry fee: 50 THB per person
Wat Phra Singh
In Chiang Mai, there are a bunch of beautiful temples, but Wat Phra Singh is one of the most captivating. As well as being known as “The Monastery of the Lion Buddha” or “The Temple of the Lion Buddha,” Wat Phra Singh is home to hundreds of devoted monks. The temple has a lot of ancient Buddha images, adding to its spiritual significance.
The magnificent temple stands as a glorious testimony to classic Lanna-style temple architecture. Wat Phra Singh is indeed an architectural wonder, rich in history and spirituality, it leaves a lasting impression on those who visit it. It was a delight for me to explore Wat Phra Singh, a historic site of timeless beauty and tranquility.
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Opening hours: 6 am to 8 pm
Entry fee: Free to enter
Wat Tham Pha Phong
Wat Tham Pha Plong is a forest temple near the Chiang Dao mountains. The striking golden color temple standing tall is visible even from a distance. This temple can be reached only after hiking up some 500 steps. While the number can seem intimidating, it is more of a walk than anything else. As you walk along the route, you will come across numerous panels with Buddhist wisdom and advice written in Thai and English. When you reach the temple, you will find many Buddha images in the temple.
There is also a renowned meditation center in this temple that can accommodate up to 200 people. Isn’t that incredible? I think this temple is very peaceful, and the view from it is breathtaking. I even visited the famous temple caves where monks once studied and prayed.
Location: Chiang Dao, Thailand
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: Free to enter
Phanom Rung
Of all the Khmer temples in Thailand, Phanom Rung is probably the most impressive and significant. It was built in the Angkor style in the 10th-13th centuries as a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Hindu temple is located on top of a hill that symbolizes Mount Kailash, the mountain on which Shiva is believed to live.
You can see the main tower and stairways leading to it from the outside as you walk toward the temple. Following the walkway, you will find the first Naga bridge, followed by a wide stairway leading to the main tower. The naga bridges symbolize the passage from the earthly world to the world of the gods. My favorite part of the site was the informational signs explaining the function of the structures as well as the beliefs of the ancient Khmer.
Location: Buriram, Thailand
Opening hours: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: 100 THB per person
Also Read :- Best Tourist Places to Visit in Thailand
Etiquette Advice for Visiting Thai Temples
Even though the atmosphere in some Thai temples can sometimes appear informal, there are still rules of etiquette that should be followed by all visitors. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
1. When you visit a temple in Thailand, dress respectfully. Temples with royal connections, such as Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, have stricter dress regulations. At many temples, skirts, and shorts are acceptable, but it has to be at least knee-length.
2. If you are entering a temple building, you should remove your shoes. Normally, shoes are left on a shelf outside the temple, but at some popular Bangkok temples, you may be asked to place them inside your bag.
3. There are sacred objects in the worship area that should not be touched. Buddha images are regarded as sacred in Thai culture. There is a prohibition on touching, climbing, and sitting on any Buddha statue within the temple.
4. Women are sometimes not allowed to enter certain areas of temples regarded as especially holy or auspicious, especially in north Thailand. There are signs in Thai and English that indicate where is off-limits.
5. Although you can take photos inside most Thai temples, you should do so with respect. Use a kneeling position for taking photos and avoid using a flash.
6. Be sure not to get in the way of locals who are actually there to worship. Avoid being loud, goofy, or cracking jokes.
7. Whenever you are in an area with pillars or statues in the middle, walk around these sacred objects only in a clockwise direction.
8. As you sit down, try not to point your feet toward the image of Buddha or other people around you. As soon as monks enter the hall, stand up until they finish their prayer.
9. It is not permitted to use the platform and chairs that are reserved for monks.
10. You should not smoke, drink, spit, chew gum, or snack while you are walking around in the temple.
FAQs
What is the spiritual city in Thailand?
Bangkok can be considered to be a spiritual city in Thailand. There are so many temples and religious sites in Bangkok that nobody is exactly sure of the exact number, but it is estimated that there are thousands of Buddhist temples, perhaps even over 40,000.
What Hindu temple is located in Thailand?
Devasathan is a Hindu temple located near Wat Suthat in Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is regarded as the official center of Hinduism. A lineage of Brahmin priests descended from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, lives in the temple.
What is the oldest Hindu temple in Thailand?
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is the oldest and most popular Hindu temple in Bangkok, Thailand. This temple was built in 1879 based on South Indian architecture. It is built according to the gopuram style, which is quite common in South Indian temples.
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