Did you know that temples with "Mahathat" in their name are sacred places that house the Buddha's relics? These temples hold great significance for Buddhists and are popular destinations for both locals and tourists. While there are many Mahathat temples throughout Thailand, today we'll introduce you to 9 of the most remarkable ones that you can visit for blessings. ✨
1. Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit Ratchaworawihan, Bangkok
This ancient temple dates back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom and was the first royal monastery of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. It houses a stupa containing the Buddha's relics within the mandapa and has served as the residence of the Supreme Patriarch.
⏰Open Daily (No entrance fee. Donations are gratefully accepted in accordance with your devotion.)
07.30-18.00 hrs.
📌https://maps.app.goo.gl/jsno8HoTAoVQG7BC9
Recommend things to do/places to see nearby:
Must Taste : Street Food Yaowarat
Must Try : Rajadamnern Stadium
Must Buy : Thai elephant pants
Must Seek : Songwad-Talad Noi Area
Must See : Cultural performance
2. Wat Mahathat, Ayutthaya
The prang of Wat Mahathat is considered to be one of the earliest Ayutthaya-era prangs, influenced by the Khmer style. In 1956, the Fine Arts Department excavated the prang and discovered various important artifacts, including a stone casket. Inside, seven nested stupas were found, with the innermost one containing Buddha's relics and valuable ornaments. These relics are now housed at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
Pictured is a sandstone Buddha head, which has been enveloped by tree roots. This Buddha head fell from its pedestal during the fall of Ayutthaya and was covered by tree roots over time. Its unique beauty has made it a popular photo spot.
⏰Open Daily (Admission Fee Applies)
07.30-18.00 น.
📌https://maps.app.goo.gl/iSm3ferrATqXweyk8
Recommend things to do/places to see nearby:
Must Taste : Roti wrapped in cotton candy
Must Try : Ayutthaya Marathon
Must Buy : Nine-scented aromatic product from Ayutthaya
Must Seek : Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Must See : Krung Sri Khon Festival
3. Wat Mahathat Worawihan (Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat) or Wat Na Phra That, Ratchaburi
This ancient site transports you back to the Dvaravati period, which is believed to be the time when this temple was constructed, around the 15th-16th century BE, coinciding with the establishment of the old city of Ratchaburi. Highlights of the temple include the main hall, which houses the Phra Mongkon Buri, a large stucco Buddha image in the Mara-vichaya attitude, dating back to the early Ayutthaya period. The prang stands at 24 meters tall and features murals depicting past Buddhas in glass panels along the upper walls, while the lower walls illustrate the life of the Buddha.
⏰Open Daily (No entrance fee. Donations are gratefully accepted in accordance with your devotion.)
07.30-17.00 hrs.
📌https://maps.app.goo.gl/haTuDRzVuvVmfjjC7
Recommend things to do/places to see nearby:
Must Taste : Bangtan-style grilled chicken
Must Try : Maeklong River SUP
Must Buy : Ratchaburi ceramics
Must Seek : Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Lao Tuk Luck Floating Market
Must See : A unique alms giving tradition at Oh Poi Market
4. Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai
Located in the heart of Sukhothai Historical Park, Wat Mahathat is a significant temple that showcases the finest art and architecture of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Its iconic main pagoda, shaped like a lotus bud, is surrounded by eight stone prangs.
⏰Open Daily (Admission Fee Applies)
06.30-19.30 hrs.
📌https://maps.app.goo.gl/AQjrAqj7iRqVChoW8
Recommend things to do/places to see nearby:
Must Taste : Sukhothai noodle soup
Must Try : Cycling through the historical park in Sukhothai
Must Buy : Sukhothai celadon
Must Seek : The historical park in Sukhothai
Must See : Songkran and Loi Krathong Festival
5. Wat Phra Boromathat Thung Yang, Uttaradit
Originally named Wat Mahathat, this ancient temple holds legends about the visit of the Buddha. It is home to the principal Buddha image, "Luang Pho Prathan Thao," a Chiang Saen-style Mara-vichaya Buddha. The temple boasts ancient murals depicting the story of Sangthong. Behind the main hall, you'll find Phra Boromathat Thung Yang, an old-style Lanna-style pagoda containing the Buddha's relics.
⏰Open Daily (No entrance fee. Donations are gratefully accepted in accordance with your devotion.)
08.00-17.00 hrs.
📌https://maps.app.goo.gl/gumDQmDo3dJnAf1s8
Recommend things to do/places to see nearby:
Must Taste : Uttaradit noodle wrap (Mi Phan)
Must Try : Conquering Phu Soi Dao Peak at 2,102 meters
Must Buy : Uttaradit Long Lab Lae durian
Must Seek : Historic Namphi Iron Mine
Must See : Uttaradit Long-Lin Lab Lae Durian Festival
6. Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat Worawihan (Wat Yai), Phitsanulok
It is an ancient temple and a first-class royal monastery. It was built along with the city in 1900 BE and houses a magnificent principal Buddha image, 'Phra Phuttha Chinnarat,' affectionately known as 'Luang Pho Yai' by the people of Phitsanulok. This temple holds great significance as it has been a place of worship for Thai kings since the Ayutthaya period, and it is considered a tradition to visit this temple when coming to Phitsanulok.
⏰Open Daily (No entrance fee. Donations are gratefully accepted in accordance with your devotion.)
06:00 - 20.00 hrs.
📌https://maps.app.goo.gl/TwjCoaubeDhDnVnB7
Recommend things to do/places to see nearby:
Must Taste : Wang Thong Pad Thai
Must Try : White-water rafting on the Khek River
Must Buy : Banana crisps
Must Seek : Ja Thawee Folk Museum
Must See : Ceremony to pay respect to the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat
7. Wat Mahathat (Phrathat Nakhon), Nakhon Phanom
Established in 1150 BE, this temple was built concurrently with the city of Nakhon Phanom, serving as the city's principal temple. It houses a sacred stupa containing the Buddha's relics. Phrathat Nakhon, the stupa here, is considered the birthdate stupa for those born on Saturdays. It is believed that those who pay their respects at Phrathat Nakhon will receive blessings of happiness, prosperity, good health and increased power and influence. The temple also offers a serene riverside promenade along the Mekong River.
⏰Open Daily (No entrance fee. Donations are gratefully accepted in accordance with your devotion.)
07:00 - 17.00 hrs.
📌https://maps.app.goo.gl/W9pAUbrYB2B1yHv77
Recommend things to do/places to see nearby:
Must Taste : Thai hot pot, Grilled fish with various dips
Must Try : Nakhon Phanom-Khammouan Cross-River Marathon
Must Buy : Tha Uthen pineapple
Must Seek : 8 Sacred Relics Associated with Birthdays
Must See : Lantern Festival
8. Wat Phra Mahathat Worawihan, Nakhon Si Thammarat
It is one of the most significant religious sites in Southern Thailand and the entire country. It is believed to have been constructed around 1300 BE, during the flourishing period of the Srivijayan empire, following Mahayana Buddhist beliefs. Wat Phra Mahathat houses several important halls, including the main pagoda. This pagoda is adorned with gold and precious objects, offerings from devout Buddhists seeking enlightenment. Within the pagoda resides a tooth relic of the Buddha.
⏰Open Daily (No entrance fee. Donations are gratefully accepted in accordance with your devotion.)
07:00 - 17.00 hrs.
📌https://maps.app.goo.gl/W9pAUbrYB2B1yHv77
Recommend things to do/places to see nearby:
Must Taste : Khiriwong Mangosteens
Must Try : Exploring Khao Luang National Park
Must Buy : Wicker handicrafts from pandan
Must Seek : Folded Rock Mountains
Must See : Magha Puja Procession
9. Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol, Krabi
Locally known as 'Wat Bang Thong', this temple was established in 1940. Its centerpiece is the magnificent golden stupa, towering at approximately 95 meters. The surrounding area is adorned with decorations reminiscent of the Mahabodhi Temple, the site of the Buddha's enlightenment in India.
⏰Open Daily (No entrance fee. Donations are gratefully accepted in accordance with your devotion.)
07:00 - 17.00 hrs.
📌https://maps.app.goo.gl/bN52pmYW28ZbfHHk6
Recommend things to do/places to see nearby:
Must Taste : Savory stir-fried black crab with oregano
Must Try : Mangrove kayaking adventure with canyon exploration
Must Buy : Batik with "Krabi Breath" pattern
Must Seek : Klong Root, Clear Water Canal
Must See : Lan Ta-LanTa Festival