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Places of Worship
Thailand is a deeply religious country, with over 90% of its population being Theravada Buddhists. Nonetheless, there is freedom of religion in Thailand, and mosques and churches can often be found next to Buddhist temples in the larger Thai cities. Most of Thailand’s Muslim citizens live in the far south of the country, bordering Malaysia.
But Buddhism for Thais is much more than a set of religious beliefs; it infuses their entire lifestyle, and is the lifeblood of every Thai village. The temple is the center of village life, and no ceremony is complete without a number of monks – usually 3, 5, or 7 – officiating and chanting during the ceremony, be it a wedding, a funeral, a new house, or a newborn child.
Recommended Places of Worship
Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan
Pattaya
Situated approximately 15 kilometers south of Pattaya City, the temple, which covers a total area of 146 acres, can be reached by turning left from Sukhumvit Road at Km.160 marker. The temple was...
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 Phra Sing
Chiang Mai
Wat Phra Sing, located on Sam Lan Road, houses the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image cast in Subduing Mara. The Buddha image is now enshrined in Viharn Lai Kham. During the Songkran festival,...
Wat Chedi Chet Yot
Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Chet Yot or Wat Photaram Mahaviharn, located on the Super Highway (Chiang Mai-Lampang), 4 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. It is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai and was...
Wat Ku Tao
Chiang Mai
Wat Ku Tao was formerly called Wat Veru Vanaram. The temple is located in Tambon Sri Phum near Chiang Mai Stadium. It is noteworthy for an unusual watermelon shaped pagoda, thus...
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. This temple is 15 kilometres from town , 3,520 feet above sea level,...
Wat Phan Tao
Chiang Mai
Wat Phan Tao, located on Phra Pok Klao Road beside Wat Chedi Luang. The temple was a throne hall for King Mahotara Prateth, thus the peacock shaped doors were built. It is believed that...
Wat Prasat
Chiang Mai
Wat Prasat, located on Inthawarorot Road near Wat Phra Sing. The temple houses traditional Lanna architecture chapel, the chapel roof is decorated in colourful glasses and wooden craved lions. ...
Wat Saen Fang
Chiang Mai
Wat Saen Fang is located on Tha Phae Road. This is the old temple, built in the Burmese architecture. The residence of the abbot dating from more than 100 years is an interesting...
Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon
Rayong
Also dubbed "Wat Lum Market” by the locals, the temple is located next to a market which offers interesting local Thai and Chinese food. Just watching the old houses located along the street...
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 Phranang Sang
Phuket
Located approximately 20 kilometers from town is a historic temple that serves as an invaluable reference on Thalangs history. The compound was once used as a Burmese military camp in 1785. The...
Wat Pho Chai
Nong Khai
A royal temple, located on Pho Chai Road in the Mueang Nong Khai Municipality. Luangpho Phra Sai, a sacred Buddha image of the town which is respected by the people of Nong Khai, is housed here....
