Best Places to Visit in Thailand for Buddhism and Temples

Last Updated: March 12, 2025

Tweet

Thailand, also known as the "Land of Smiles," is home to Buddhist traditions, ancient temples, and peaceful views. Its deep spiritual history invites people to seek peace and knowledge. Each city offers something unique, from the stunning temples in Chiang Mai to the grand ones in Bangkok and the historic ruins in Ayutthaya. The beauty of a Buddhist temple in Thailand is unmatched, combining architectural grandeur with a serene spiritual aura.

Whether you seek to learn about Buddhism or just want to visit Thailand's top Buddhist sites, this guide will help you find the best spots.

Best Places to Visit in Thailand for Buddhism

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, also called the "Rose of the North," is the biggest city in northern Thailand and is full of history and culture. Established in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lan Na Kingdom, the city blends traditional Buddhist temples and architecture with a modern vibe.

Surrounded by mountains, Chiang Mai is famous for:

• Historical Importance: Many ancient temples and ruins.
• Cultural Riches: Traditional crafts, festivals, and unique Lanna cuisine.
• Scenic Beauty: Lush mountains and green countryside.

Here are some places to visit in Chiang Mai to explore Buddhism.

Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan

Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan is a 14th-century Buddhist temple known for its stunning Lanna-style architecture. It is home to the sacred Phra Singh Buddha image and features murals and old manuscripts, highlighting its rich history.

Features, History, and Services: Built in 1345, Wat Phra Singh is a key religious and cultural landmark in Chiang Mai. The temple includes a golden chedi, detailed murals, and a beautiful scripture library. The temple’s ordination hall features 19th-century murals depicting Lanna culture and Buddhist teachings, while its serene grounds reflect over 675 years of spiritual and historical legacy.

It is a place for worship, meditation, and learning, holding daily rituals and large events like the Songkran festival. The temple also offers community activities. Located in central Chiang Mai, it is open daily, with a small entry fee for international visitors.

Why It Is a Must-Visit?

• It has a rich history and impressive Lanna-style architecture
• Has the famous Phra Singh Buddha statue
• It is a popular place for prayer, meditation, and festivals
• Easy to visit as it is in the city center

Wat Chedi Luang Varaviharn

Wat Chedi Luang Varaviharn is a 14th-century Buddhist temple in the center of Chiang Mai. Famous for its massive, partially ruined Lanna-style chedi, it once housed the Emerald Buddha and remains a significant historical and spiritual site.

Features, History, and Services: Wat Chedi Luang Varaviharn, a historic Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai’s old city, was founded in the late 14th century. Its iconic Lanna-style chedi, expanded in the 15th century under King Tilokaraj, once stood as the tallest structure in the Lanna Kingdom.

Severely damaged by a 16th-century earthquake, the partially ruined chedi symbolizes the kingdom’s former glory. The temple briefly housed the revered Emerald Buddha (1468–1551) before relocating to Laos and later Bangkok. Today, it serves as both a spiritual hub and a testament to Chiang Mai’s rich heritage.

Why It Is a Must-Visit?

• The ancient chedi stands as a unique historic landmark
• It was the former home of the Emerald Buddha
• Offers monk chats and meditation for a spiritual experience
• The sacred city pillar adds cultural significance
• Conveniently located in the heart of the city

Wat Umong Suan Putthatham

Wat Umong Suan Putthatham is a peaceful forest temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is known for its ancient tunnels, serene gardens, and peaceful ponds. For those seeking tranquility, this Buddhist temple provides an unmatchable escape for meditation and mindfulness.

Features, History, and Services: Wat Umong Suan Putthatham was established in the late 13th century by King Meng Rai as a meditation center for Buddhist monks. After centuries of abandonment, it was restored in the 1940s. Today, the temple offers meditation retreats, Dhamma talks, and mindfulness practices, preserving its legacy as a sanctuary for spiritual reflection.

Why It Is a Must-Visit?

• The forest setting offers unmatched peace and tranquility
• Ancient tunnels provide a unique meditation experience
• A focus on mindfulness and spiritual growth
• It is ideal for those seeking a quiet, introspective retreat

Bangkok

Bangkok is Thailand’s capital and a busy, modern city. Alongside its tall buildings and crowded markets, it is home to many important Buddhist landmarks that attract visitors worldwide.

Here’s why?

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew is situated in the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok and is Thailand’s most sacred temple. It is home to the Emerald Buddha, a highly respected statue carved from green jade.

Features, History, and Services: Wat Phra Kaew, constructed in 1782 by King Rama I, marked Bangkok’s establishment as Thailand’s capital and the dawn of the Chakri Dynasty. This architectural marvel, nestled within the Grand Palace complex, dazzles with golden spires, intricate carvings, and murals illustrating the Ramakien epic and Buddhist teachings.

As a royal chapel, it enshrines the revered Emerald Buddha, a sacred jade statue central to Thai identity. While no monks reside here, the temple remains a site of royal rituals and national reverence. Here, visitors should adhere to a strict dress code to honor its sanctity.

Why It Is a Must-Visit?

• Home to the Emerald Buddha, a symbol of Thai culture and faith
• Features amazing Thai architecture and vibrant murals
• Part of the Grand Palace, adding to its historical importance
• Provides insight into Thailand’s royal and spiritual traditions

Wat Pho

Wat Pho, in Bangkok, is one of Thailand’s oldest and largest temples. It is well-known for its giant Reclining Buddha sculpture, which is 46 meters long and covered with gold leaf. Also well-known as the motherland of traditional Thai massage, it offers a peaceful and cultural experience.

Features, History, and Services: Wat Pho is another Buddhist temple in Thailand. It was originally established during the Ayutthaya period (likely in the 16th century). This temple underwent major restoration and expansion under King Rama I in the late 18th century (1788). This transformed it into a cornerstone of Bangkok’s Grand Palace complex.

Famed for its 1,000+ Buddha images and 18th-century murals, it is also renowned as Thailand’s first traditional Thai massage school (UNESCO-recognized). Now, here, visitors can enjoy authentic massages, explore wellness traditions, or meditate in its tranquil courtyards, making it a hub of cultural and spiritual discovery.

Why It Is a Must-Visit?

• Features the iconic 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha
• Birthplace of traditional Thai massage, offering unique wellness experiences
• A stunning example of Thai art and architecture
• Ideal for meditation, relaxation, and cultural exploration
• Combines history, spirituality, and wellness in one place

Wat Arun

Wat Arun is located by the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is one of Thailand’s most famous temples and houses a tall central tower decorated with colorful porcelain and seashells. That intricate mosaic glows spectacularly at sunrise and sunset, reflecting its namesake, Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn.

Wat Arun's design and riverside location make it a shining gem among the many Buddhist temples Thailand has to offer.

Features, History, and Services: Wat Arun was originally established during the Ayutthaya period (1351–1767). It gained prominence during King Taksin’s reign (1767–1782), who renamed it Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).

King Rama II (1809–1824) initiated major restorations, and his successor, King Rama III (1824–1851), expanded the central prang (tower) to its current height of approximately 70 meters. The prang symbolizes Mount Meru, the sacred cosmic mountain in Buddhist and Hindu cosmology.

Now, visitors can climb the central prang for panoramic views or enjoy the serene atmosphere for worship, meditation, and cultural exploration.

Why It Is a Must-Visit?

• Known for its iconic prang decorated with colorful porcelain and seashells
• Beautifully illuminated during sunrise and sunset
• It offers stunning sights of the Chao Phraya River
• A unique mix of Thai art, architecture, and spirituality
• Perfect for photography, cultural exploration, and relaxation

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 80 km north of Bangkok, served as the second capital of Siam. For over 400 years, it thrived as a global trading hub, connecting Europe, China, Japan, and Persia.

Today, its ancient ruins, including headless Buddha statues, crumbling temples, and palace remnants, offer a glimpse into its golden past. Here, visitors can explore grand Buddha statues, old temples, and historic parks by bike or boat, surrounded by rivers that once fortified the city.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Wat Phra Si Sanphet, located in Ayutthaya, was the royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351–1767) and served as a model for Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew. Though destroyed during the Burmese invasion, the ruins remain a powerful symbol of Thailand’s golden age, blending Buddhist spirituality and architectural grandeur.

Features, History, and Services: Wat Phra Si Sanphet, constructed in 1448 within Ayutthaya's royal palace complex, served as the kingdom’s royal temple. It housed the Phra Si Sanphet Buddha, a monumental gold-plated statue.

The temple was destroyed during the 1767 Burmese invasion, though its three iconic bell-shaped chedis (modeled after Sri Lankan stupas) survived. Today, it is a part of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors explore the serene ruins, capturing its architectural grandeur and learning about Thailand’s royal and spiritual legacy.

Why It Is a Must-Visit?

• Famous for its three majestic bell-shaped stupas
• Symbol of the Ayutthaya Kingdom’s grandeur and history
• Offers a glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat, a 14th-century Ayutthaya temple, is famed for its Buddha head entwined in Bodhi tree roots: a unique blend of nature and history. Once the kingdom’s spiritual hub, its ruins (destroyed in 1767) now offer exploration of headless statues and remnants of its grand past.

Features, History, and Services: Wat Mahathat was built in the 14th century as a royal temple and a Buddhist center in Ayutthaya. It features prangs, stupas, and rows of Buddha statues, some of which are headless due to the temple’s destruction in 1767 during the Burmese invasion.

Currently, as a part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple is preserved as a historic treasure. It is open to visitors for photography, exploration, and learning about Ayutthaya’s spiritual and cultural history. Additionally, this Thailand Buddhist temple perfectly merges spirituality with the wonders of nature and offers an unforgettable experience.

Why It Is a Must-Visit?

• Known for the Buddha's head entangled in tree roots
• Features ancient prangs, stupas, and historic ruins
• A symbol of Ayutthaya's spiritual and cultural legacy
• Perfect for history lovers, photographers, and cultural discovery

Wat Yai Chaimongkhon

Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, in Ayutthaya, is a historic temple known for its big chedi (stupa) and calm atmosphere. Built in the 14th century, it marked a great victory in battle and was a place for meditation. This temple shows Thailand’s deep history and spiritual roots.

Features, History, and Services: The temple has a large chedi and a big Reclining Buddha statue. The area is peaceful and surrounded by old ruins and Buddha images. King U-Thong built the temple in 1357 to honor monks and remember a battle victory. Over time, it became a key meditation spot and played an important role in Ayutthaya’s spiritual life.

Today, people visit to walk through the calming grounds, see the historic chedi, and enjoy the spiritual energy of the site.

Why It Is a Must-Visit?

• Famous for its towering chedi and big Reclining Buddha
• It offers quiet spaces and beautiful ruins to explore

Tips for Visiting Thailand’s Buddhist Temples

1. Always cover your shoulders and knees: no tank tops, shorts, or tight clothing. Sarongs are often available to rent (20 - 50 THB) at popular temples like Wat Phra Kaew.
2. Remove shoes before entering prayer halls. Never point your feet toward Buddha statues or monks sitting cross-legged or kneeling.
3. Small contributions (20 - 100 THB) in temple boxes fund matters. Look for “Restoration Fund” boxes to support preservation directly.
4. Women: Avoid physical contact (even handling objects). Place offerings on a cloth or table instead. Men: Bow when speaking to monks.
5. On major Buddhist holidays (e.g., Visakha Bucha), temples prioritize worshippers. Visit early or observe quietly.
6. Flash can damage ancient murals and statues. Hence, use natural light while taking photos at Wat Pho and Wat Phra Singh.
7. Light incense, pour water over Buddha statues or drop coins in donation bowls. At Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, wrap gold leaf on the chedi for good karma.

Conclusion

Thailand has a rich Buddhist heritage with deep spirituality, fascinating history, and beautiful temples. Whether it’s your first time visiting a Buddhist temple in Thailand or you’re a seasoned traveler, these sacred sites promise an unforgettable spiritual and cultural experience.

You can visit peaceful temples in Chiang Mai, such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Umong. Bangkok has famous landmarks like Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, showing unique Buddhist art and culture. Ayutthaya, with its ancient ruins and temples like Wat Mahathat and Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, keeps centuries-old traditions alive.

FAQs

What is Thailand's most important Buddhist landmark?

Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand’s most important Buddhist site as it houses the temple of the Emerald Buddha, symbolizing Thailand’s monarchy and spiritual heritage.

Where can I find the Great Buddha in Thailand?

The Great Buddha of Thailand often refers to Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin in Ang Thong Province. This towering statue, standing 92 meters tall, is the tallest Buddha image in the country. Another famous Buddha is the Big Buddha of Phuket, a 45-meter-tall statue perched on Nakkerd Hill, offering panoramic views.

What is considered the Buddhist capital of Thailand?

While there isn’t an official "Buddhist capital," Bangkok is the heart of Thai Buddhism, home to iconic temples like Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho. Historically, Ayutthaya stands out for its ancient religious importance, while Nakhon Pathom hosts the world’s tallest stupa, Phra Pathom Chedi.

Which is the most beautiful Buddha in Thailand?

The Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew is the most beautiful Buddha statue in Thailand due to its unmatched craftsmanship and spiritual significance. Some other notable mentions are the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, which is admired for its grandeur, and the White Marble Buddha at Wat Benchamabophit, which is celebrated for its elegance.