Top 10 must-visit temples in Thailand for travelers

Well known as the nation of a thousand temples, Thailand has become a perfect destination for those seeking to explore its sacred and culturally rich sites. From the dazzling golden rooftops of Wat Phra Kaew to the ancient stone ruins of Ayutthaya, each temple reflects the country’s deep cultural and religious traditions. Join us as we uncover the 10 must-visit temples in Thailand that every traveler should experience!

The ideal time for exploring Thailand temples

Choosing the right time to visit Thailand temples can create your experience smoother. The best time to explore Thai temples depends on weather, crowd levels, and special events.

• Best season: The ideal time to visit is during the cool season (November to February) when the weather is pleasant, with lower humidity and comfortable temperatures, offering more enjoyable experience especially for outdoor sites.

• Best time of day: Early morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) is the perfect time to visit, as the temples are peaceful, less crowded, and the temperature is cooler. It’s also the best time to witness monks performing morning chants.

• Avoiding crowds: Try to avoid weekends and national holidays, as many temples become packed with both tourists and local worshippers.

By visiting at the right time, you can enjoy a peaceful, meaningful experience and truly immerse yourself in the spiritual beauty of Thailand’s temples.

Top 10 must-visit temples in Thailand

In Thailand, temples are more than just places to pray - they are beautiful sites full of history, charm, and spiritual beauty. Don’t miss these 10 must-visit temples in Thailand on your journey with Hanoi Voyages. Get ready to explore!

Wat Phra Kaew

• Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand

• Opening hours: daily 8.30am - 11.30am and 1.30pm - 3.30pm

• Entrance fees: 200 baht (~$6)

Located in the historic heart of Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district, Wat Phra Kaew is the most famous and beautiful temple in Thailand within the grounds of the Grand Palace complex. Its construction began in 1785 when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok.

As the most significant and revered temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew serves as the royal temple and stands out for its grandeur, covering an expansive area of 945,000 square meters with over 100 towering structures. The temple is renowned not only for its unique Thai temple architecture but also for housing the most sacred Emerald Buddha, regarded as the holiest among countless Buddha statues across the kingdom.

Wat Arun

• Address: 158 Wang Doem Road, Wat Arun, Bangkokyai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand

• Opening hours: 8 AM - 6 PM daily

• Entrance fees: 200 baht (~$6)

Wat Arun temple, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is located right next to the Chao Phraya River. This temple is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, not only for its rich history and cultural heritages, but also for its beauty and the amazing landscapes, making it a must-visit on any Thailand holiday.

Standing at 81.85 meters, this stunning temple is adorned with Chinese porcelain and seashells, creating a dazzling effect in the sunlight. Visitors can climb its steep prang for impressive views of the Chao Phraya River, especially at sunset. Surrounding the main prang are four smaller prangs, symbolizing the four elements - Fire, Water, Earth and Air - each intricately decorated with mythical figures. For history and art enthusiasts, the temple’s museum houses ancient Buddha images, ceramics and religious texts, offering deeper insights into its cultural significance.

Wat Pho

• Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thái Lan

• Opening hours: 8 AM - 6.30 PM daily

• Entrance fees: 300 baht (~$9)

Wat Pho is one of the must-visit temples in Thailand, rich in history and cultural significance. Dating back to the 16th century, this temple is located in the historic Rattanakosin island district, just across from the Grand Palace. It is widely recognized as a leading center for Thai medicine and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

The temple complex offers a peaceful retreat, featuring over 100 intricately designed chedis (stupas), a central bot (shrine), numerous viharas, serene gardens and a small museum showcasing historical artifacts.

A visit to Wat Pho isn’t complete without experiencing an authentic Thai massage at its renowned massage school. Open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, these high-quality massages provide the perfect way to relax after exploring this iconic temple.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

• Address: Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

• Opening hours: 6 AM - 8 PM daily

• Entrance fees: 50 baht (~$1.5)

If you have the chance to visit Chiang Mai, it could be complete with a trip to one of the city’s most sacred temples - Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Built in 1383, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is an important pilgrimage site for Thai Buddhists and a must-visit destination for travelers.

The temple is best known for its golden stupa, which glows beautifully under the sunlight and its intricately designed shrines, statues and murals depicting Buddhist stories. To reach the temple, visitors must climb a 306-step staircase guarded by impressive Naga serpent sculptures, symbolizing protection and spiritual ascent. Beyond its religious importance, the temple provides a peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to admire its rich Lanna-style architecture and soak in the spiritual energy of the surroundings.

Wat Rong Khun

• Address: Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai 57000, Thái Lan

• Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM daily

• Entrance fees: 100 baht (~$3)

Wat Rong Khun, also known as The White temple in Chiang Rai, is one of the best temples to visit in Thailand. Designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple's pure white color symbolizes purity and enlightenment, with intricate mirror details reflecting wisdom. Visitors cross a bridge over outstretched hands, representing human desires, before reaching the main hall. Inside the temple, the murals feature a mix of Buddhist imagery and pop culture icons. Uniquely, the temple’s restroom building is covered in gold, contrasting with the temple's white color. It symbolizes material wealth, reminding visitors of the impermanence of worldly possessions.

Wat Prah Singh

• Address: Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

• Opening hours: 9 AM - 6.30 PM daily

• Entrance fees: Free

Wat Phra Singh, located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City, is one of the must-visit temples in Thailand. Built in the 14th century, this temple is home to the Phra Singh Buddha, a highly venerated image that draws pilgrims from across the country. Its traditional Lanna-style architecture, intricate wood carvings and beautifully decorated viharn showcase the rich cultural heritage of Northern Thailand. Visitors can explore the temple’s peaceful courtyards, admire the detailed murals representing ancient stories and experience the spiritual ambiance.

Discover the wonders of Thailand’s heritage on Thailand tour 14 days from Northern to Southern Charms

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

• Address: Tambon Lampang Luang, Amphoe Ko Kha, Chang Wat Lampang 52130, Thái Lan

• Opening hours: 7.30 AM - 5 PM daily

• Entrance fees: Free

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang temple is one of the historical temples in Thailand, attracting lots of locals and visitors annually. As one of the most must-visit temples in Lampang Luang, it is known for its stunning wooden architecture, ancient murals and sacred relics. Unlike many modernized temples, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang retains its original charm, offering visitors a glimpse into Thailand’s historical and spiritual past.

Wat Phu Khao Thong

• Address: Phu Khao Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thái Lan

• Opening hours: 8.30 AM - 5 PM daily

• Entrance fees: Free

Wat Phu Khao Thong, or the "Golden Mountain Temple", is a striking historical site in Ayutthaya, known for its towering white chedi with a gleaming golden spire. Visitors can climb the steep steps to the upper terrace for panoramic views of Ayutthaya’s serene countryside. The temple complex also features a grand seated Buddha statue, peaceful grounds with ancient architectural influences and a rich cultural atmosphere where monks still reside. Less crowded than other sites, it offers a tranquil yet powerful glimpse into Thailand’s past, making it one of the must-visit temples in Thailand for history and culture lovers alike.

Wat Sri Sawai

• Address: Tambon Mueang Kao, Amphoe Mueang Sukhothai, Chang Wat Sukhothai 64210, Thái Lan

• Opening hours: 6 AM - 9 PM daily

• Entrance fees: 100 baht (~$3)

Wat Sri Sawai, one of the oldest and most unique temples in Sukhothai, stands as a remarkable fusion of Khmer and Thai architectural influences. Originally built in the late 12th or early 13th century as a Hindu shrine under the Khmer Empire, the temple was later converted into a Buddhist site during the Sukhothai Kingdom. Its most striking feature is the three towering prangs, adorned with intricate carvings of deities and floral motifs, reflecting its Hindu origins. When visiting this temple, visitors can explore the temple’s serene courtyard, admire the ancient sandstone Buddha images and witness the blend of cultures that shaped Thailand’s early history.

Wat Chalong

• Address: Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd, Chalong, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand

• Opening hours: 7 AM - 5 PM daily

• Entrance fee: Free

Wat Chalong, officially known as Wat Chaiyathararam, is the largest and most visited temple in Phuket. Built in the early 19th century, this revered site attracts both locals and Thai tourists who come to offer prayers and pay tribute to the resident Buddhist monks. The temple’s most striking feature is its 60-meter-tall Chedi, which enshrines a sacred relic - a fragment of Buddha’s bone. Inside, visitors can admire intricate murals illustrating Buddha’s life and golden statues, while the upper levels of the Chedi offer panoramic views of Phuket.

Must-know travel tips when visiting temples in Thailand

When traveling to Thailand’s temples, to fully appreciate their beauty and significance, it’s essential to follow proper etiquette. These travel tips for visiting Thai temples will help you navigate temple customs with respect, ensuring a meaningful and smooth visit for your Thailand trip.

Thailand is home to some of the world's most beautiful temples, each offering a glimpse into its deep-rooted culture and traditions. From Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew to Chiang Rai’s stunning White Temple, marvel at the Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho, take in scenic views at Wat Arun and experience the spiritual beauty of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, don’t miss these must-visit temples in Thailand on your next trip with Hanoi Voyages!