Bangkok — The City of Temples
Bangkok has over 400 active temples, but three stand above the rest as essential visits. All three are located along the Chao Phraya River in the Rattanakosin area (Old City) and can be visited in a single day.
Wat Phra Kaew & The Grand Palace
The most sacred temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) sits within the grounds of the Grand Palace — the former royal residence built in 1782. The Emerald Buddha, carved from a single block of green jade, sits atop a towering golden altar. Despite its name, the statue is only 66 centimeters tall, but its cultural significance is immense. The Buddha's robes are changed three times a year by the King himself, marking the hot, rainy, and cool seasons.
The Grand Palace complex is a dazzling display of Thai architecture — golden spires (prangs and chedis), intricate mosaics, guardian demon statues (yakshas), and murals depicting the Ramakien epic along the cloistered gallery walls. Admission: ฿500 (US$15). Hours: 8:30 AM — 3:30 PM daily. Dress code strictly enforced — long pants or skirts, shoulders covered, closed-toe shoes. Sarong wraps are available for rent at the entrance.
Wat Pho — Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Just south of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho houses one of Thailand's largest and most impressive Buddha images — a 46-meter-long, 15-meter-high reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. The soles of the Buddha's feet are inlaid with 108 mother-of-pearl panels depicting auspicious symbols. Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage — the temple's massage school is still operating and you can get a one-hour Thai massage on the grounds for around ฿260 (US$8). The temple complex is one of Bangkok's oldest, with over 1,000 Buddha images and 91 chedis (stupas). Admission: ฿300 (US$9). Hours: 8:00 AM — 6:30 PM daily.
Wat Arun — Temple of Dawn
Rising 82 meters on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun's central prang (Khmer-style tower) is one of Bangkok's most recognizable landmarks. The tower is decorated with colorful porcelain pieces and seashells that sparkle in sunlight. You can climb steep steps partway up the main prang for panoramic views of the river and the city. The temple is especially photogenic at sunset when viewed from the east bank, or illuminated at night. Admission: ฿100 (US$3). Hours: 8:00 AM — 6:00 PM daily. Cross the river by ferry from Tha Tien pier near Wat Pho (฿4/US$0.12).
Other Notable Bangkok Temples
Wat Saket (Golden Mount) — a hilltop temple with a 58-meter golden chedi. Climb 344 steps for 360-degree views of Bangkok. Wat Traimit — home to the world's largest solid gold Buddha statue, weighing 5.5 tons and valued at approximately US$250 million, located in Chinatown. Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) — built with Italian Carrara marble, one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples. Wat Suthat — features the tallest viharn (assembly hall) in Bangkok with exquisite Jataka murals and the Giant Swing out front.
Chiang Mai — Temple City of the North
Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The old city, still partially enclosed by a moat and remnants of medieval walls, contains over 30 temples within its roughly 1.5-square-kilometer area. Chiang Mai's temples have a distinct northern Lanna architectural style — teak wood carvings, multi-tiered roofs, and a more restrained aesthetic compared to Bangkok's gilded opulence.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
The most important temple in northern Thailand sits atop Doi Suthep mountain, 15 kilometers west of the city center at an elevation of 1,076 meters. A 306-step staircase flanked by naga (serpent) balustrades leads up to the temple — or you can take the funicular for ฿50 (US$1.50). The golden chedi at the summit is said to contain a relic of the Buddha. On clear days, the viewpoint offers sweeping views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding valley. The temple was founded in 1383, and legend says its location was chosen by a white elephant that climbed the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying. Admission: ฿30 (US$1). Hours: 6:00 AM — 6:00 PM daily. Get there by red songthaew from the old city (฿60/US$2 per person, shared) or charter one for around ฿300 (US$9).
Wat Chedi Luang
In the heart of the old city, this temple features a massive 14th-century chedi that was once the tallest structure in Chiang Mai at 82 meters. An earthquake in 1545 toppled the upper portion, and it now stands at about 60 meters — still an imposing ruin. The Emerald Buddha (now at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok) was housed here from 1468 to 1551. The Lak Mueang (city pillar) sits beneath a large gum tree in the temple grounds. Monk Chat sessions are held daily — an opportunity to sit and talk with novice monks practicing their English. Admission: ฿40 (US$1.20).
Wat Phra Singh
Chiang Mai's most revered temple within the old city walls. The main attraction is the Phra Singh Buddha image in the Lai Kham chapel, considered one of the most beautiful examples of Lanna art. The chapel's interior walls are covered in 19th-century murals depicting daily life in old Chiang Mai. The temple is the starting point for Songkran celebrations in April and hosts a large Sunday Walking Street market just outside its gates. Admission: ฿40 (US$1.20).
Other Chiang Mai Temples
Wat Suan Dok — a 14th-century temple west of the old city with a large open-air sitting Buddha and white royal chedis. Free meditation retreats are offered. Wat Umong — a forest temple with atmospheric tunnels built in the 14th century, peaceful and off the tourist trail. Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple) — the entire chapel is covered in hand-hammered silver, crafted by local silversmiths. Note: women cannot enter the main chapel due to religious beliefs about the sacredness of the silver ordination hall.
Ayutthaya — Ancient Capital
Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1351 to 1767, when Burmese armies sacked and burned the city. At its peak, Ayutthaya was one of the largest cities in the world with a population of over one million. Today, the Ayutthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the atmospheric ruins of temples, palaces, and monasteries spread across an island surrounded by three rivers.
Must-See Ruins
Wat Mahathat — the most iconic image of Ayutthaya: a Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree. The temple was founded in 1374 and was one of the most important monasteries in the kingdom. Wat Phra Si Sanphet — the royal temple within the old palace grounds, featuring three large chedis that once contained the ashes of Ayutthayan kings. This was the grandest temple in the kingdom, comparable to Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. Wat Ratchaburana — climb the steep stairs inside the central prang to see original 15th-century murals. A treasure trove of gold objects was discovered in the crypt in 1957.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram — the most photogenic temple in Ayutthaya, modeled after Angkor Wat, sitting on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Built in 1630, its Khmer-style towers are especially stunning at sunset. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon — features an enormous chedi built to celebrate a military victory, with rows of Buddha statues in saffron-draped robes.
Getting to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is 80 kilometers north of Bangkok — an easy day trip. Train: from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue Grand Station, the journey takes 1.5-2 hours and costs ฿15-345 (US$0.45-10) depending on class. Minivan: from Victory Monument, about 1 hour, ฿70 (US$2). Once in Ayutthaya, rent a bicycle (฿50/day) to explore the ruins — the island is flat and cycling-friendly. A comprehensive day pass for the historical park costs ฿220 (US$7) and covers six major sites.
Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai (which means "Dawn of Happiness") was the first capital of Siam, founded in 1238. The Sukhothai Historical Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains the remains of 21 temples and four large ponds within the old walls, with additional sites outside. The ruins here are more peaceful and less visited than Ayutthaya, set among lotus ponds and manicured lawns.
Wat Mahathat is the largest and most important temple, with a main chedi surrounded by 200 smaller chedis, Buddha images, and reflecting pools. Wat Si Chum features an enormous seated Buddha visible through a narrow slit in the surrounding walls — a dramatic sight. Wat Sa Si sits on an island in the middle of a pond, creating a serene reflection that is one of the most photographed scenes in Thailand.
Getting there: Fly to Sukhothai Airport (THS) via Bangkok Airways, or to Phitsanulok (PHS) and take a 1-hour bus. The historical park is best explored by bicycle (฿30/day rental). Admission: ฿100 (US$3) per zone (central, north, west, south, east). The annual Loy Krathong festival here is the most traditional and beautiful in Thailand, held every November.
Chiang Rai — Artistic Temples
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Thailand's most unconventional temple is the vision of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who began building it in 1997 with his own money. The all-white exterior symbolizes the Buddha's purity, decorated with mirrored glass that glitters in sunlight. The approach crosses a bridge over a "sea of outstretched hands" representing desire and greed. Inside, the murals are deliberately provocative — mixing Buddhist imagery with pop culture references including Superman, The Matrix, and Angry Birds. The temple is an ongoing project and is not expected to be fully completed until 2070. Admission: ฿100 (US$3). Hours: 8:00 AM — 5:00 PM daily. Located 13 kilometers south of Chiang Rai city.
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
A striking blue-painted temple in Chiang Rai city, built in 2005 on the site of an ancient Lanna temple. The vivid blue interior with a white Buddha and swirling murals is designed as a counterpart to the White Temple. Free admission.
Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
Not technically a temple but often called the "Black Temple," this is the creation of artist Thawan Duchanee. A collection of 40 black buildings housing dark art, animal bones, crocodile skins, and ritual objects. It is a fascinating (if somewhat unsettling) counterpoint to the White Temple. Admission: ฿80 (US$2.40).
Temple Etiquette & Dress Code
Temples are active places of worship, not just tourist attractions. Respectful behavior is expected and appreciated.
Dress Code
- Cover shoulders and knees. Long pants or skirts that reach below the knee. Sleeves that cover shoulders (no tank tops or spaghetti straps). Major temples enforce this strictly — you will be turned away.
- Shoes off. Remove shoes before entering any building (bot, viharn, or ubosot). Look for the pile of shoes at the entrance.
- No hats or sunglasses inside temple buildings.
- Sarong wraps are available for rent (฿20-50) or purchase (฿100-200) at major temples if your clothing does not meet the dress code.
Behavior
- Feet are considered the lowest part of the body. Never point your feet toward a Buddha image or a monk. When sitting, tuck your feet to the side or behind you.
- The head is sacred. Never touch anyone's head, especially a monk's or a child's.
- Women must not touch monks or hand objects directly to them. Place offerings on a cloth or surface for the monk to pick up.
- Photography is generally allowed in temple grounds but often prohibited inside the main chapel (ubosot). Look for signs. Never pose disrespectfully with Buddha images — leaning on statues, pointing, or mimicking the pose.
- Sit lower than Buddha images. Do not climb on, lean against, or turn your back to Buddha statues for photos.
- Keep your voice low inside temple buildings. Temples are places of meditation and prayer.
- Making merit: You can participate by donating small amounts (฿20-100), lighting incense, or offering lotus flowers. This is welcomed and appreciated.
Best Times to Visit
Arrive early (8:00-9:00 AM) to beat the heat and the tour groups. Late afternoon (4:00-5:00 PM) is another good window. Avoid visiting during midday (11:00 AM — 2:00 PM) when the heat is intense and temple grounds are crowded. Major temples in Bangkok are busiest on weekends and during school holidays.