Even Bangkok’s main international airport, Suvarnabhumi, carries a touch of spirituality. The name Suvarnabhumi comes from Sanskrit, where “Suvarna” means gold and “Bhumi” means land, together meaning “Golden Land.” The name holds deep meaning for Thailand, reflecting its culture, tradition, and spiritual faith
It also signifies that travelers have arrived in a country known for its golden temples. Thailand rooted in religion and spirituality (ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA).
Temples in
Bangkok - Thailand
A visit to Bangkok is never complete without visiting its temples. There are countless temples scattered throughout the city. Far too many to see all in one trip. Yet, the most famous ones stand out for their legendary history and long-standing presence. Still, even the smaller temples are worth visiting, each featuring its own sense of peace and spiritual appeal (TEMPLES IN SOUTH INDIA).
Wat Traimit Wittayaram Temple - Bangkok
Passing through
Bangkok’s Chinatown on Yaowarat Street, you’ll find the route to Wat Traimit
Wittayaram Temple, near Hua Lamphong Railway Station. Walking in from the
entrance, the first thing that catches the eye is the monastic compound across
the way, where monks live, study, and walk in their daily routines. They can
often be seen sitting quietly in meditation, giving a sense of peace even
before reaching the main temple complex.
The main temple
complex is truly striking. Its white marble shines brightly, while the gold and
red details create a beautiful contrast. From a distance, the temple gleams in
the sunlight.
Also known as
the Temple of the Golden Buddha, a short walk inside leads to the 5.5-ton
Golden Buddha statue (Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon), believed to be the
largest solid gold Buddha in the world. Dating back to the Sukhothai period
(13th–14th century), the statue was once hidden under layers of plaster to
protect its value and was rediscovered in the 1950s when the outer covering was
accidentally chipped.
Around the main
altar are smaller Buddha statues, and a single circle is enough to see the
entire main altar. Through a side door, There is also a significant temple bell, at the side entrance, from where the Chinatown and Bangkok’s old quarters can be seen from the distance.
Visiting Wat Traimit Wittayaram Temple usually takes around half an hour or less. Though it is not a very large temple, it is one of Bangkok’s most famous temples, attracting countless people even on weekdays.
Wat Pho Temple - Bangkok
About 40
minutes’ drive from Wat Traimit Wittayaram Temple is Wat Pho Temple, one of the
oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. Recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as part of
the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it is also known as the Temple of
the Reclining Buddha. Built in the 19th century, Wat Pho is famous for its classic
Thai architecture. The temple features ornate multi-tiered roofs, brightly
colored tiles, and intricate gold and floral patterns throughout the
courtyards.
Inside the
temple grounds are numerous golden Buddha statues in different poses. The
centerpiece is the 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf,
representing the Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. This statue draws the most
attention, making Wat Pho a legendary temple in Bangkok and one of the city’s
most visited spiritual sites.
Wat Pho is not just a temple. It is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, with a massage school where the practice is still taught and practiced. Stepping into Wat Pho feels like stepping back in time, in a temple carefully preserved to honor the Buddha and Thai spiritual heritage.
Wat Traimit
Wittayaram (Marble Temple) - Bangkok
About 15
minutes from Wat Pho Temple is Wat Benchamabophit, also known as the Marble
Temple. Built in the late 19th century during the reign of King Chulalongkorn
(Rama V), the temple is famous for its marble architecture and striking design.
From a distance, it shines like a gleaming armor, standing out among Bangkok’s
temples.
What makes Wat
Benchamabophit unique is its blend of Thai and European styles. The temple is
made from Italian Carrara marble, while the roof features traditional Thai
details with curved lines and golden ornaments.
Inside the main
hall is a Buddha statue, and the courtyard is lined with Buddha images in
various styles. The Marble Temple is so iconic that it is featured on the back
of the Thai five-baht coin, symbolizing its importance in Thailand.
Famous Temples
in Thailand
Beyond Bangkok, Buddhist temples are scattered throughout Thailand, each unique and significant as a cultural and historical landmark. These temples are worth visiting, as they indicate why Thailand remains a country where religion and spirituality are preserved in their original form.
Phra Pathom Chedi Temple - Nakhon Pathom
Phra Pathom Chedi is a lesser-known temple but well worth a stop along the route in Nakhon Pathom. The sheer height of the white pagoda with its golden spire immediately draws attention. Climbing the steps to the main altar reveals the golden Buddha, calm and still. The surrounding halls and structures are simple but solid, showing careful maintenance over the years.
Within the temple grounds are smaller shrines, guardian statues, and decorative gates, all reflecting classic Thai Buddhist design. Local pilgrims and visitors alike can be seen paying respects, adding a sense of spirituality and devotion. Small stalls around the grounds sell Buddha amulets, souvenirs, and local snacks.
Tiger Cave
Temple (Wat Tham Sua) - Krabi
When in Krabi, Tiger
Cave Temple is a must-visit. Located just outside Krabi town, the temple is
built among limestone cliffs and forested caves, surrounded by a large natural
area that keeps the air cool and makes walking around comfortable. Inside one
of the caves are Buddha statues, altars, and shrines.
Legend says
that tigers once roamed the caves, and a tiger once sought refuge here. Whether
or not tigers were truly part of the temple, tiger statues can be seen
throughout the grounds. A large golden Buddha sits atop the cliffs, overlooking
the forest below.
The most
notable feature is the 1,237-step staircase leading to the summit. At the top,
the golden Buddha statue provides views of the surrounding rice fields, Krabi
town, and the Andaman Sea. Climbing the steps is a challenge, but the panorama
at the top makes it worthwhile.
The temple is also an active monastery, where monks practice meditation and perform daily rituals.
Wat Phra
Phutthabat Kao Kaeo (Elephant Temple) - Phuket
A small
elephant temple is located within Promthep Cape, Phuket. It may not be a
prominent temple in Thailand, but it holds significance for the elephant god.
At the center stands a large elephant statue, surrounded by smaller elephant
statues of various shapes, sizes, and colors arranged in a circle. The open-air
temple is a spot for paying respect and saying a prayer to the elephant god.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple - Chiang
Mai
Perched atop Doi Suthep mountain, Wat Phra
That Doi Suthep Temple is one of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai,
Thailand. It begins with an adventure ride along the narrow, winding road
before reaching the entrance. To reach the summit, there is a choice between
the cable car or climbing the 300 Naga serpent steps.
Founded in 1383, the temple’s legendary
origin tells of a sacred white elephant that chose the site by circling three
times and trumpeting before lying down, marking the spot for construction.
Built to enshrine a relic believed to be a
shoulder bone of the Buddha, the iconic golden chedi was added in the 16th
century.
The temple features a central golden
spire, a replica of Bangkok’s Emerald Buddha, the White Elephant shrine, the
world’s largest gong with a line of bells, statues, murals, and a museum.
From the terraces, Chiang Mai stretches below, surrounded by mountains. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai and a key site for sightseeing in northern Thailand.
White
Temple (Wat Rong Khun) - Chiang Rai
Unlike traditional temples in Thailand,
the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai stands apart. Modern and
entirely white, it symbolizes purity and is decorated with mirrored glass that
glimmers in sunlight, which is why it is called the White Temple.
Envisioned by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a renowned Thai artist, Wat Rong Khun combines traditional Buddhist teachings with contemporary art, making it both a spiritual site and an artistic masterpiece. Walking across the bridge leads to the main altar, which features murals blending classical Buddhist motifs with modern imagery, conveying lessons about life, morality, and enlightenment. The bridge represents the journey from worldly temptations to spiritual awakening.
The temple grounds also feature reflective ponds and detailed sculptures. Wat Rong Khun has without a doubt is a key attraction in Chiang Rai, drawing both local and international visitors.
