Making most of our visit to explore the best tourist attractions in Thailand, with so many beautiful and captivating places to visit, you’ll appreciate a variety of culturally rich tourist beauty spots; historical sites, ancient ruins, Chiang Mai blooms, elephant show, best Thai cuisine to mention a few. It’s really hard to adjust adding more and narrowing our itinerary but we can’t afford to miss the sacred places, the spiritual navel of the world with so much history happened here. To see the religious shrine, sanctuary of truth and monument, it gives me a sense of peace, serenity and enlightenment.
Representing Thailand’s identity, the house of worship dedicated to human faith. From here, we took short, an easy loop hike to visit all 5 famous temples here in Thailand. At first glance while exploring other facets of the temple surprisingly, it’s difficult to imagine how it was built, it offers spiritual and unbelievable statues. There are over 40, ,717 temples in Thailand out of which 33,902 are currently active. The majestic exterior, every part is unique but it’s impossible to explore everything. Many of Thailand’s temples reflect Indian, Chinese, Burmese and Cambodia influence.
I was inspired to see all the temples richly decorated with creative carvings of gold-covered structure and you can see murals often adorns outdoors with giant statues. A temple is is an enclosed area set aside for religious worship, a dwelling for a deity.
Most of the people in Thailand are Buddhist. Temples have been common to most religious people in their own religion, each story has a symbolic representation of different level of Buddhist faith. All temples are tower-like structures built with many stories to share.
Tips and Reminders to all visitors visiting the temple
Temple is a Buddhist religious place and should be respected, all visitors are required to wear appropriate attire but if you are not ready with your proper attire, you are welcome to borrow outer clothing provided by the temple to be returned after using. ( other temples, charges for laundering/washing is 20 Bath per clothing. Buddha images must be treated with respect so treat Buddha images appropriately and not to use Buddha as a form of tattoo art, it means no respect. It is strictly prohibited to step or climb on Buddha statues. Please take note!
Note: ”Wat means ( Thai language) city of temples or place of worship.
5 Most Beautiful Temples in Thailand
Wa Maha That Temple
Wa Maha That Temple is a royal temple that houses the Buddhas relics. It is located in the central part of Ayutthaya. It was built in the early Ayutthaya kingdom early 20th BE, the temple was the object of full attention receiving occasional additions and restorations. It is stated in Ayutthaya’s Royal Chronicle that the construction of Wa Maha That’s main pagoda (Prang) started by King Borromaracha in 1374 and completed During the reign of King Ramesuan. The pagoda collapsed during Songtham’s reign and renovated in 1633 after King Prasat Thong ascended to the throne.
Ayutthaya fall in 1767, the monastery was set on fire during the Burmese attack. The abandoned pagoda fell in decay during the reign of King Rama v1, only the symmetrical base and staircase remains.
Wat Arun
The missile-shaped temple that rises from the western banks of Mae Nam Chao Phraya river is known as ”The Temple of Dawn” named after the Indian God of dawn, Aruna. Wat Arun is the most famous landmark of Bangkok. I’ve never seen anything like this before, the temple was decorated in seashells and porcelein tiles. The God of Dawn pretty huge, sunrise or sundown with so many things up high.
Wat Lokayasutharam
It is an interesting temple and the 4th longest reclining Buddha in an old city of Ayutthaya. The eye catching feature is the relaxed looking Buddha in an open space. I was inspired to be a part of historical temple stories shared by my friend, it is worthwhile to visit all the beautiful temples of Thailand.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
A sacred temple in Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) enshrined on Doi Suthep 1000 meters above sea on west side of city Thailand. A naga staircase of 500 steps leads to the temple at the end of long winding road up the mountain
Pattaya Buddha Mountain
It is the biggest carved Buddha image in the world, 109 meters high and 70 meters wide. It was carved on a cliff of Chi Chan mountain in 1996 (using laser beams) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his Majesty’s accession to the throne. His Majesty King Bhumibol named the Buddha image sculpted on the cliff using laser beams as ”Phra Buddha Maja Vajira Uttamophat Satsada” which means ” The Buddha that enlightens and shines with brightness and sublimity” The Buddha image in the sitting form in the style of Pang Man Wichai as Phrawarachabopit.
Pattaya Buddha is a combination of Lanna and Sukhothai arts. Beside the cliff is a beautiful prayer garden, a large garden landscape for the visitors to meditate. The whole area is spacious enough to accommodate maximum number of people visiting the temple mountain.
Note: More stunning images of the 5 temples of Thailand done in single entry post, you can read full details and view the complete picture of Thailand’s temple gallery next post.