Must-Visit Temples/Chedis

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Thailand has thousands of temples, many with impressive architecture and intricate designs. Experience Thai culture at these temples and chedis in Thailand’s major cities.

Ayutthaya

• Chedi Phra Sri Suriyothai
• Wat Borom Phuttharam
• Wat Chaiwatthanaram

• Wat Choeng Tha
• Wat Lokkayasutharam
• Wat Mahathat

One of Ayutthaya’s oldest and most significant temples, Wat Mahathat is famous for its sandstone Buddha head which is entwined in the roots of a Bodhi tree
Photo: C. L.

• Wat Na Phra Men
• Wat Phanunchoeng
• Wat Phra Si Sanphet
• Wat Phra Ram
• Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
• Wat Phutthai Sawan
• Wat Ratchaburana
• Wat Thammasikarat
• Wat Wora Chet Tha Ram
• Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon

Photo: C. L.

The temple’s main attraction is its huge bell-shaped chedi which is surrounded by rows of Buddha statues.

• Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit

Bangkok

• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

• Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)

• Wat Bowonniwet Vihara

• Wat Intharawihan

• Wat Mahathat

• Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha)

Photo: Miki Studio/Shutterstock

Home to the highly revered Emerald Buddha image which is carved from a single block of jade, Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as Thailand’s most important temple.

• Wat Pho
• Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara (Loha Prasat)
• Wat Saket
• Wat Suthat
• Wat Traimit

Buri Ram

• Phanom Rung Historical Park (Thailand’s largest Khmer temple complex)

Chiang Mai

• Wat Chiang Man

• Wat Chedi Luang

• Wat Lok Molee

Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand

One of Chiang Mai’s older temples, the temple houses a 14th century chedi, a manicured garden area and an impressive prayer hall.

• Wat Phra Singh

Photo: I love photo/Shutterstock

Situated within the walled old city of Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh is also known as “The Monastery of the Lion Buddha” or “The temple of the Lion Buddha”.

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
• Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple)
• Wat Umong

Chiang Rai

Photo: Shuttertong/Shutterstock

The dazzling white Wat Rong Khun was built by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The white plaster signifies Buddha’s purity while the glass covering the walls represent Buddha’s wisdom.

• Wat Phra Kaew
• Wat Phra Singh
• Wat Phra That Chedi Luang
• Wat Phra That Jom Kitti
• Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
• Wat Phra That Doi Tung
• Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
• Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

Hatyai

• Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol (Stainless Steel Temple)
• Phra Phothisat Kuan Im Nakhon (Guan Yin Temple)
• Wat Hat Yai Nai
• Wat Klong Hae
• Wat Khlong Ple
• Wat Thaawon (Mahapanya Vidayalai Buddhist School)

Lampang

• Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat

Lopburi

• Phra Prang Sam Yod (Monkey Temple)
• Wat Khao Wongkhot
• Wat Phra Sri Ratana Mahatat
• Wat Sao Paulo
• Wat Sao Thong Thong

Mae Hong Son Province

• Wat Phra That Chom Chaeng
• Wat Phra That Chom Mon
• Wat Phra That Chom Tong
• Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
• Wat Phra That Mae Yen
• Wat Chong Kham
• Wat Chong Klang
• Wat Kam Ko
• Wat Klang
• Wat Nam Hoo
• Wat Phra Non

Nan

• Wat Ming Muang

• Wat Phra That Chae Haeng

• Wat Phra That Chang Kham

• Wat Phra That Khao Noi

Photo: C. L.

Perched on a small hill, this temple offers sweeping views of the town of Nan and is a popular spot to watch the sunset. It is home to the iconic 9 metre-tall standing Blessing Buddha, with the left hand raised, looking out over Nan. Originally built in 1487, the temple houses a relic of Buddha in its main chedi.

• Wat Phumin

Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Located in the heart of Nan’s old town area just across from the National Museum, the Lanna and Thai Lü style temple is the town’s most famous temple. Founded in the late 1500s, the temple is known for its detailed, colourful murals that depict scenes of daily life in Nan in the 19th century as well as the previous lives of the Buddha.

• Wat Sri Panton

Pattaya

• Sanctuary of Truth
• Wat Kho Phra Bat
• Wat Phra Khao Yai

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

• Wat Yanasangwararam

Phetchabun

• Wat Pha Sorn Kaew

Phetchaburi

• Wat Mahathat Worawihan
• Wat Yai Suwannaram

Phrae

• Wat Phra That Cho Hae
• Wat Phra That Chom Chaeng
• Wat Phra That Doi Leng

Phuket

• Wat Chalong

Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Built in the 1800s, Wat Chalong is the largest, most revered and most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket.

• Wat Kathu
• Wat Kajonrangsan (Wat Kajon)
• Wat Khao Rang
• Wat Kosit Wihan
• Wat Mai Luang Pu Supha (Wat Sila Suparam)
• Wat Phra Nang Sang
• Wat Phra Tong
• Wat Putta Mongkon
• Wat Sri Sunthon (Wat Lipon)
• Wat Suwan Khiri Khet
• Wat Suwan Khuha

Sangkhlaburi

• Wat Saam Prasob
• Wat Wang Wiwekaram

Sisaket Province

• Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew (Temple of a Million Bottles)

Sukhothai

• Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo

Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand

• Wat Chetuphon

• Wat Mahathat

Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand

• Wat Phra Pai Luang

• Wat Saphan Hin

• Wat Sa Si

• Wat Si Chum

• Wat Si Sawai

• Wat Trapang Thong

Trang

• Wat Phu Khao Thong
• Wat Tantayapirom Phra Aram Luang

Ubon Ratchathani

• Wat Sirindhorn Wararam

Udon Thani

• Wat Baan Waeng
• Wat Ban Na Kha Thevi
• Wat Matchimawat
• Wat Pa Ban Tat
• Wat Pa Phu Kon
• Wat Photisomphon
• Wat Si Khun Muang
• Wat Sunthorn Pradit