Discover Thailand’s Most Beautiful and Famous Temples

Thailand is not only famous for its leisure tourism, with beautiful islands and unique entertainment options, but it is also well-known for its spiritual destinations. Nicknamed the “Land of Golden Temples,” Thailand boasts numerous sacred temples with remarkable and distinctive architecture. Join Vietjet as we explore the most famous temples in Thailand!

Thailand is home to many sacred temples with remarkable and unique architecture.

1. The Most Beautiful Temples in Thailand

1.1 Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is home to a statue of the Buddha carved from a single block of jade—a national treasure of Thailand. This is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, with a history of over 200 years, built during the reign of King Rama I in 1785.

The temple features quintessential Eastern architecture, surrounded by magnificent and splendid palaces. Unlike other temples, Wat Phra Kaew does not have monks’ quarters; instead, it only houses precious Buddha statues. It is also a venue for traditional Thai Buddhist festivals.

Address: Na Phra Lan, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok (within the grounds of the Grand Palace)
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Entrance fee: 500 Baht (about 370,000 VND)

1.2 Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Dubbed “the most beautiful temple in Bangkok,” Wat Arun features grandiose Khmer-style architecture, perfectly combined with exquisitely detailed Chinese porcelain decorations. These porcelain mosaics make the temple even more splendid and magical, especially at night, despite its name meaning “Temple of Dawn.”

The temple complex consists of a central prang (spire) rising 80 meters high, surrounded by four smaller spires. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun appears even more sparkling at sunrise or sunset when its reflection dances on the water.

Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance fee: 50 Baht (about 37,000 VND)

1.3 Wat Yannawa (Boat Temple)

This temple attracts many visitors due to its unique architecture, which resembles a sailing boat with soaring, curved roofs adorned with gold-plated patterns—hence its nickname, the Boat Temple. Wat Yannawa was built during the reign of King Rama III to commemorate the golden age of Thailand’s maritime trade.

Wat Yannawa is also famous for housing many relics (sarira) of various colors and sizes. Visitors here can receive a relic for peace and have a monk perform a blessing ritual with holy water to wish you a safe journey.

Address: 40 Charoen Krung, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Entrance fee: 50 Baht (about 37,000 VND)

Wat Yannawa is famous for its unique boat-shaped architecture.

1.4 Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Wat Pho is known as the largest temple in Bangkok, spanning an area of up to 80,000 m². It is renowned for its giant Reclining Buddha statue, which stands 15 meters high and stretches 46 meters long. The statue is built with bricks, shaped with plaster, and entirely covered in gold. Notably, the soles of the Buddha’s feet are decorated with 108 sacred auspicious scenes. In addition, the temple houses up to 1,000 other Buddha statues of various sizes.

The temple’s ceilings and walls are also adorned with unique patterns, combining colors and motifs in perfect harmony, creating a tranquil and solemn atmosphere. Wat Pho is divided into two main areas: the southern zone is the monastery for resident monks, while the northern zone serves as a traditional massage and traditional medicine center.

Address: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Bangkok
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entrance fee: 100 Baht (about 75,000 VND)

The giant Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho is entirely covered in gold.

1.5 Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (Doi Suthep Temple)

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is located on the slopes of Doi Suthep mountain, more than 1,600 meters above sea level. Thanks to its unique location and its iconic Golden Pagoda, the temple is affectionately called “the golden throne on the mountain” by locals. For foreign visitors, it is known as the most beautiful temple in Chiang Mai. The temple preserves many Buddhist scriptures, murals, and rare Buddha statues that are over 600 years old.

To reach the temple, you must climb 309 steps. However, this is a worthwhile experience, as from the temple grounds you can take in panoramic views of Chiang Mai. The surrounding scenery is also pristine and poetic, with waterfalls and vast forests around the temple. In addition, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is linked with legends about the Buddha and is believed to house his sacred relics.

Address: 9 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entrance fee: 40 Baht (about 30,000 VND)

1.6 Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relic)

Wat Mahathat is an ancient temple located within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. It is one of Thailand’s most important religious sites and a significant relic from the Ayutthaya Kingdom (14th–18th centuries). The temple has witnessed a tumultuous history and was ravaged by war, leaving remnants of crumbling walls and headless statues. The most famous feature is the image of a Buddha head entwined in tree roots, gazing serenely—a symbol of spiritual protection in Buddhism.

In the past, the temple was built to host royal religious ceremonies. Today, it also serves as a center for meditation and Buddhist studies in Thailand.

Address: Wat Mahathat, Naresuan Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bangkok
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance fee: 30 Baht (about 22,000 VND)

Wat Mahathat is famous for the Buddha head entwined in thick tree roots, gazing serenely with compassion.

1.7 Wat Saket (Golden Mount Temple)

Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mount Temple, is located in Thailand’s famous Golden Mount tourist complex. The temple was originally built during the Ayutthaya period and renovated under King Rama I. During the reign of King Rama II, the area around the temple was used as a burial site for victims of a devastating epidemic. Because of this, locals believe that the spirits of the deceased still linger around the temple, giving it an especially sacred atmosphere.

To visit the temple, you must climb 318 steps. Inside, there is a giant Buddha statue and many valuable Buddhist scriptures. Wat Saket is also the site of many major festivals in Thailand, most notably the Loy Krathong Festival—a lantern festival held every November.

Address: 344 Thanon Chakkraphat Di Phong, Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entrance fee: Free

1.8 Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)

When it comes to temples in Thailand, it would be remiss not to mention Wat Traimit. This temple is famous for its giant Buddha statue made entirely of solid gold, standing 3 meters tall and weighing over 5 tons, hence its other name, the Temple of the Golden Buddha. The statue is believed to house the spirit of the Buddha’s relics and symbolizes strength, prosperity, and purity.

Address: Chinatown, Yaowarat Road, Samphanthawong District, Bangkok
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance fee: 40 Baht (about 30,000 VND)

Wat Traimit is famous for its giant Buddha statue cast from solid gold.

1.9 Wat Suthat (Suthat Temple)

Wat Suthat, whose full name is Wat Suthat Thepwararam, houses the largest collection of golden Buddha statues in Thailand. It is one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok, built in the early 19th century, from the reign of King Rama I to King Rama III.

The temple courtyard is paved with shiny, clean granite, creating a peaceful, airy, and solemn atmosphere. In addition to its Buddha statues, the temple is known for its Giant Swing. In reality, the swing is two red pillars standing 21.15 meters tall, intricately carved by master craftsmen. Behind the temple, there is a large library preserving many rare Buddhist scriptures as well as beautiful murals depicting the life of the Buddha.

Address: 146 Bamrung Muang, opposite Bangkok City Hall
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Entrance fee: 20 Baht (about 15,000 VND)

1.10 Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)

Wat Benchamabophit was built in the late 19th century. It is called the Marble Temple because its pillars and courtyard are all paved with marble. All the structures here are meticulously designed with intricate carvings. The interior is splendid, decorated in royal style with gold leaf and lacquer. In the main hall stands a statue of Buddha named Phra Buddha Jinaraj, cast in the 20th century. Additionally, in the surrounding corridors, there are 52 bronze Buddha statues on display, each with a different posture and meaning, collected from various countries around the world.

Address: 69 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Dusit, Dusit District, Bangkok
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance fee: Free

2. Notes When Visiting Temples

Here are some tips when visiting, offering incense, or paying respects at temples in Thailand that you should keep in mind:

Wear modest and respectful clothing; pants and skirts must be longer than knee-length. Avoid tight or revealing clothes. If you happen to wear something short, you can rent or buy a sarong sold in front of the temple to cover yourself before entering.
Remove your shoes before entering the temple. Also, do not point your feet towards Buddha statues, as Thais consider feet to be the dirtiest part of the body.
Some temples may not allow photography in certain areas.
Walk softly, speak quietly, and do not make loud noises or play around.
Avoid making negative comments about Buddha or the Thai royal family.
Respect Buddha statues; do not touch or turn your back to them.
Keep the temple clean and do not litter in the premises.

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