Thailand is an adventurer’s paradise in many ways: nature, food, culture and, of course, tradition. It is a must-visit when you want to get to know the most impressive Asia. The temples in Thailand are a clear example of the architectural richness that has been treasured for centuries. To give you an idea, there are more than 40,700 Buddhist temples in the country alone.
If you want to travel to Thailand and learn more about this country, this article will tell you about eight wonders you can’t miss during your visit.
The best temples near Khao Lak
It is difficult to talk about the best temples in Thailand, because they all have something that sets them apart and makes them spectacular. Near Khao Lak we can find three very remarkable ones.
Wat Rat Uppatham (Wat Bang Riang)
It is located on the hill of Khao Lak, specifically in Tambon Bang Riang. Both the interior and exterior are beautiful. The highlight of this place is the Phutthatham Blue pagoda, made in the shape of a bell. The viewpoint on the outside is impressive. From there you can see the scenery that forms the famous Phang-Nga Bay. You can also see two iconic statues in the area, that of a seated Buddha, and the Chinese Buddhist goddess of mercy, Guan Yin.
Wat Suwan Khuha
The famous Cave Temple or Wat Suwan Khuha is built over several caves. It has been visited throughout its history, which began in the 19th century, by numerous members of the Thai royal family, such as Rama V the Great and Queen Rambhaibarni, among others.
Inside the temple there is a spectacular pagoda. Behind it, in the main cave, you will find a very important reclining Buddha. It is undoubtedly one of the most revered temples in the area. Due to its location and shape, it is ideal for photography.
Wat Ban Tham
Located 15 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, the Golden Dragon Temple is on the banks of the Mae Klong River. Among its distinctive features are the red stairs that lead up to the mountains, specifically to the mouth of a dragon. Once inside, the stairs continue under an interesting decoration: passages from a Thai poetry book.
The temple was built during the reign of Sukhothai, although it went through a phase of oblivion and subsequent discovery. Perhaps that is why it is a place far away from mass tourism, so it does not lose that mystique that makes it unique.
If you want to be close to these spectacular temples, the Lopesan Hotel Group offers you Eden Beach Resort & Spa, a Lopesan Collection Hotel, a hotel located in a privileged enclave surrounded by luxury and lush vegetation.
Other important temples in Thailand
Thailand receives more than 40 million tourists a year, making it one of the main tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Many of them visit the country, attracted by the temples, which are real centres of attraction. In addition to the three mentioned above, there are others worth mentioning.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
Thailand’s most important Buddha statue is housed in this temple, which is open to the public and is used by the royal family for important religious ceremonies. The complex in which the temple is located was built on the grounds of the Grand Palace, although it has been improved by various kings over the centuries, becoming a royal chapel in 1784.
One of the most important features of this place is that the Buddha is made of emerald and can only be touched by the king of Thailand or the highest ranking member of the royal household if the king is not present. Inside the temple you can also find a bronze statue of a medicine man, a precious library and several murals.
Wat Phra Chetuphon – Wat Pho
The main attraction of this important Thai temple is the reclining Buddha statue, which is 15 metres high and 46 metres long. It is special because it is the largest reclining statue in the country. It is also covered in gold and fits perfectly into the temple. All this makes it a must-see on your itinerary.
Wat Arun
Its name means Temple of Dawn or Temple of the Aurora and it is located in Bangkok, the Thai capital. The temple’s 82 metre high tower and Khmer-style architecture is clearly reminiscent of many temples in Cambodia. All the towers inside the temple are decorated with Chinese porcelain. It is a must-see when visiting the Royal Palace due to its proximity.
Wat Maha That
Its construction dates back to the reign of Borommaracha I in the 14th century. A victim of time has been its pagoda, which must have been about 40 metres high and is now in ruins. It has four towers surrounded by a wall with numerous decorative statues (all of which are now headless).
The temple is decorated with ponds and moats, also with a very distinct Khmer line. If we talk about an iconic place in this temple, the Buddha-headed tree should definitely be mentioned. Legend has it that during the destruction of all the Buddha heads by the Burmese during their invasion, this head that remains today was buried by a monk and protected by the roots of the tree.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan
It is one of the most important temples in the whole country because of its architecture and, above all, the environment in which it is located, as it has had a sacred connection for more than 1,300 years. The pagoda houses the Buddha relic and presides over an esplanade full of statues of different types. It is definitely a must-see place to visit in our discovery of the most impressive temples in the country.
More than 47,700 temples in Thailand cannot fail to impress the traveller. Discovering the most beautiful ones can be a titanic task that requires time and observation skills. The list we bring you is just the beginning with some of the most spectacular ones. We’re sure you’ll discover more during your trip. So will you tell us more on your return?
