Did you know that Buddhism is the main religion practiced in Thailand? No wonder the country is full of temples. Although you should probably visit every temple that comes in your way, there are some you should not miss. Here are eight (8) historical temples with impressive architecture that will surely ignite your wanderlust:
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| Temple of the Dawn |
1. Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) - one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok because of its riverside location and intricate design. This temple is made of up collection of colorfully decorated spires. The tallest spire is decorated with colorful porcelain, seashells, and colored glass.
2. Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) - this temple is made up of various small buildings and it is also known as the Monastery of the fifth King. It is made of white Carrara marble, thus the name Marble temple.
3. Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) - this temple is reminiscent of a fairy tale castle covered with snow. It has pieces of glass that have been put into the plaster to sparkle in the sun. Accordingly, the whiteness of the temple is a symbol of the purity of Buddha and the glass symbolizes his wisdom. A highlight of this temple is the bridge of the “cycle of rebirth,” under which outstretched hands reach the sky.
4. Wat Rong Seua Ten (Blue Temple) - this temple is painted in an eye-catching blue with overlays of gold embellishments. The centerpiece inside the great hall is a huge statue of a white Buddha in a sitting position while the ceiling and walls are decorated in vibrant patterns and modern art. At the entrance of the temple, you can see Nagas (snake-like creature) which they believed to protect the temple. There's also a winged angelic statue guard at the side of the temple with staff tipped with a Dharma wheel representing the teaching of the Buddha.
5. Wat Chedi Luang (Temple of The Big Stupa) - is a temple ruin in the center of Chiang Mai city. It was once the home of the emerald buddha. Due to an earthquake in 1545, the chedi's height was reduced to nearly half of its original size.
6. The Grand Palace also houses several temples. It was established in 1782 and consists of not only royal and throne halls, but also several government offices and the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
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| Grand Palace |
Here are some of the must-visit temples inside the 218,000 square meter complex surrounded by four walls:
- Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
- Temple of the Reclining Buddha
- Wat Ratchabophit
- Wat Suthat
Other must-see unique temples in Thailand, which I was not able to go to due to limited vacation days, are the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya and the Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew (Temple of a Million Bottles).
7. Sanctuary of Truth - this temple is made entirely of wood with intricate carvings covering every inch of the wood structure.
8. Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew - this temple is decorated with recycled green Heineken and brown Chang bottles. Bottle caps were also used to create mosaics in the temple.
When will you personally discover what makes Thailand temples so interesting? 💕
