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Places of Worship
Thailand is overwhelmingly Buddhist, so unsurprisingly most places of worship are temples. One of the most unusual places of worship is the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. Built in 1956 to dispel supposedly evil spirits that were harming construction workers on the site of what is now the Grand Hyatt Erawan, as soon as it was built the problems ceased. That made it one of the most revered places in Thailand, and every day hundreds of visitors pay respects here.
In Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was created in 1386. Climb the 300 steps (or take a tram) for views across the Doi Suthep National Park. On auspicious days in the year, a candlelit procession winds its way up to the temple.
Perhaps the ultimate place of worship in Thailand is Wat Phra Kaew, within the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Inside is the Emerald Buddha, which stands only 2 feet tall but is the most revered image in the kingdom.
Recommended Places of Worship
Wat Saket and the Golden Mount
Bangkok
This landmark, on the only hill in Bangkok, is of great significance for all followers of The Lord Buddha. 320 stairs take you up to the top for panoramic views of the Rattanakosin Island. The...
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Bangkok
Make sure you set aside one late afternoon to see and photograph this imposing sight at sunset with the Chao Phraya River in the foreground. These photographs will bring back beautiful memories of...
Wat Pho
Bangkok
This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science and is a center for meditaion and traditional massage training. Its official name is Wat...
Wat Chedi Liam or Chedi Ku Kham
Chiang Mai
The temple, situated in newly developed tourist destination, Wiang Kum Kam, was built in 1288 during the reign of King Meng Rai. Hundreds of years later, the temple was left abandoned until a...
Wat Phra That Chedi Luang
Chiang Rai
Next to Chiang Saen National museum is an ancient 88-meter high, bell-shaped, Lanna style principal chedi which has a 24 meter circumference base. Constructed in 1290 by King Saen Phu, the 3rd...
Wat Chiang Man
Chiang Mai
The oldest temple in Chiang Mai town, Wat Chiang Man was built in 1296 by King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai. The temple is famous for its Lanna-style chedi supported by rows of elephant-shape...
Wat Umong
Chiang Mai
Wat U-Mong, located on Suthep Road in the town. The spacious temple was found in the reign in King Mengrai around 1296. The renovation was done in the reign of King Kue Na. The large...
Wat Chalong
Phuket
Phukets most popular and famous temple, Wat Chai Tararam, or Wat Chalong, was built in 1837. Located approximately 8 kilometers from the city, the temple houses the famous Luang Po Cham, a monk who...
Wat Phra Thong
Phuket
The temple is a popular attraction for both visitors and local residents. Located in the temple is the upper half of a large Buddha statue which seems to emerge from the ground. Legend has it that...
Wat Rong Khun
Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun is also known as the White Temple. Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was built only recently. It is...
Wat Phra That Doi Tung
Chiang Rai
Wat Phra That Doi Tung is situated on top of Doi Tung Mountain, the highest mountain in Chiang Rai Province with an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters, about 50 kilometers south of Mae Sai...
Wat Phra That Chedi Luang
Chiang Rai
Next to Chiang Saen National museum is an ancient 88-meter high, bell-shaped, Lanna style principal chedi which has a 24 meter circumference base. Constructed in 1290 by King Saen Phu, the 3rd...
Doi Tung
Chiang Rai
Doi Tung is located in Mae Fa Luang District and can be reached by taking Highway No.110 for about 48 kilometers and turning left onto Highway No. 1149, an asphalt road leading directly to Doi Tung...
