7 Thai Temples Worth Seeing, and How Not to Get Templed Out
How not to melt down in front of dozens of temples
The word wat means temple, and Thailand has so many that by the end of the day they blur together. The secret is not to see everything, but to choose two or three that tell different stories: a royal palace, a giant statue, a ruined city and a surprising modern temple.
In this article you will find seven well-known places by region, the dress and behavior rules, and a simple method for planning a temple day without collapsing in the heat.
Bangkok: Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the Grand Palace
Wat Pho is famous for its giant Reclining Buddha, and is also linked to traditional Thai massage. Wat Arun sits on the bank of the Chao Phraya River and is known for its mosaic-covered tower, best photographed in late-day light. The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, share one compound, and the dress code there is especially strict.
These three sites are fairly close to each other, so you can combine them in one morning or two. If you are looking for a place to stay nearby, or just want ideas for combining them with other days, see the two-day Bangkok itinerary.
Real data ยท Agoda
Real data ยท Agoda
Real data ยท AgodaChiang Mai: Doi Suthep above the city
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits on a mountain above the city, with a lovely view when the air is clear. You get there by a ride from the city, and for the last stretch you climb steps or use a suitable transfer, depending on what is running at the time. Chiang Mai itself has many more temples in the old city, and they are easy to combine.
If you plan to stay in or near the old city, here are a few hotels to consider.
Real data ยท Agoda
Real data ยท Agoda
Real data ยท AgodaChiang Rai and Ayutthaya: white, blue and ruins
Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple, is a contemporary work by the artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. It looks like a dream of ice and mirrors, with colorful, surprising details inside. Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, is in the same city, and its vivid blue makes it unforgettable. You will find everything in our Chiang Rai guide.
Ayutthaya is a different story: the ruins of an ancient royal capital, including a Buddha head caught in tree roots. If you want to plan a visit, read our Ayutthaya day trip guide.
Dress and behavior: what to know
The basic rule: shoulders and knees covered, nothing see-through or too tight, and shoes off before entering halls. Some sites offer a cover-up to borrow or buy, but it is better to arrive prepared with a thin scarf in your bag.
Inside, speak quietly, do not point your feet at statues, do not climb on them, and ask before photographing people who are praying. Women are generally asked not to touch monks or hand things to them directly. More details in the etiquette guide.
How to plan a temple day
Start early, before the heat and the crowds, pick three sites at most, and schedule a food break in the middle. Check opening hours and closures for events ahead of time, because they change. And one more thing: if someone on the street tells you the temple is closed today and offers an alternative tour, it is usually a scam attempt. You can learn how to spot those in our guide to common scams.
In summary: one temple of each kind, covered clothing, an early morning and planning ahead. Then everything gets much simpler.
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