9 of the Top Temples in Thailand

Inside Bangkok’s Grand Palace, the official residence of Thailand’s royal family, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the most famous Thai temples. It’s also a dream for art lovers, with walls frescoed with religious scenes, gilded spires, colorful mosaic work, and intricately carved statues. While the temple’s beauty is enough to make the temple a popular stop on Bangkok city tours, its main draw for pilgrims is its statue of the Buddha carved from green stone—many consider it the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand.

Did you know?: Every March, August, and November, a senior member of the Thai royal family (sometimes the King himself) swaps the Emerald Buddha’s golden decorations to commemorate the changing of the seasons.

On the banks of the Chao Phraya River (Mae Nam Chao Phraya) and within walking distance of the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is among the city’s oldest temples—making it a must-see feature on many Bangkok cultural tours. While the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is a popular pilgrimage destination, it’s also one of the best temples to visit in Thailand for lovers of art and statuary, thanks to its glimmering 150-foot long (46 meter long) statue of the Buddha in a reclining form that gives this beloved temple its English-language nickname.

If you've seen images of a golden-spired temple against the skyscraper-filled backdrop of the Bangkok skyline, then you’ve seen Wat Saket, known in English as the Temple of the Golden Mount. This temple—which features on plenty of Bangkok architecture tours—dates to the 18th century, making it around as old as Bangkok itself. It’s said to contain relics from India brought there by the Buddha himself, making it a sacred destination for pilgrims. Just be prepared for a workout: Getting to the top involves climbing over 300 stairs.

Insider tip: Visit the temple during the annual Loi Krathong Festival (usually in November) when a special worship celebration takes place.

On the outskirts of Chiang Mai sits one of the most historic temples in Thailand: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a mountaintop temple that was established in the 14th century. Like many Buddhist temples in Thailand, getting to the top requires some effort (and a lot of stairs), but there is a cable car for those who don’t want to make a climb. Travelers who are into hiking can combine a visit to Doi Suthep with a hike through the jungle to the nearby Wat Pha Lat.

While many Thai temples are known for their long history, one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand—the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)—is only a few decades old. This massive temple complex is characterized by intricate spires and adornments, plus a serious amount of art featuring everything from Hindu and Buddhist iconography to images of 20th-century superheroes. The temple is often likened to Gaudi's Sagrada Família as it’s still a work in progress, and may not be fully complete until the 2070s.

A popular stop on most Northern Thailand temple tours and day trips from Chiang Mai, Wat Rong Seur Ten, known simply as the “Blue Temple” to most English speakers, is Chiang Rai’s other color-themed temple. A student of Chalermchai Kositpipat (the artist behind the better-known White Temple) came up with the concept for its sapphire-hued counterpart, and while the predominant color is blue, there's also plenty of gold adornment, both on the exterior and interior.

Insider tip: As dazzling as the Blue Temple is outside, there’s more to see inside—most notably a statue of a seated Buddha that looms over 21 feet (6.5 meters) high.

A short drive south of Chiang Mai takes you to Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, an ornate, heavily gilded temple dating back to the 11th century (though some of its features are much newer). The original structure was built even earlier to house a sacred relic—a hair from the Buddha—and today, the temple is full of Buddhist mosaics, statues, and other images, many believed to be hundreds of years old. Although there are public transportation links from Chiang Mai to Laphun, half-day tours from Chiang Mai make getting to Wat Phra That Hariphunchai a breeze.

Just north of Krabi, a popular Southern Thailand destination for beach lovers and rock climbers, the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) features beautiful views and equally beautiful limestone interiors. However, to get there, you need to climb over 1,200 steps, which is no small feat on hot and humid days. According to legend, tigers once lived in these caves (hence the name), and while you’re not likely to see any big cats if you visit these days, it’s still smart to go with a guide who can share insight about the temple’s history and significance.

Also in Southern Thailand, less than a 90-minute drive from Phuket, sits another cave temple, simply known as “the Cave Temple” locally (or, officially, Wat Suwan Kuha). It's part of a larger complex of caves, one of which—Tam Yai—houses the temple’s star attraction: a massive reclining Buddha that measures around 50 feet high (15 meters). Plenty of boat tours to James Bond Island (Ko Khao Phing Kan) make a stop at the temple.

Insider tip: When visiting holy Buddhist sites, such as temples and shrines, it’s best to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Some sites are more flexible than others, but it’s best to carry a small scarf with you, just in case.