Top 5 Temples of Thailand

When we think of Thailand, sumptuous Thai food, its great beaches and islands and its spiritual temples come to mind. It’s Theravada Buddhist culture and deep belief in spirituality has ensured that Thailand is home to some of the most vibrant and beautiful Buddhist temples. While there are many beautiful Buddhist temples across the length and breadth of Thailand, here is my list of top 5 temples of Thailand.

Wat Arun, Bangkok

This temple doesn’t need an introduction. It is so popular that is on the 10 baht coin. This temple known as the ‘temple of dawn’ towers on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok. Apart from this 17th century, which is beautiful in itself, there are 2 things that make Wat Arun such a hot favorite. One,  the first rays of the rising sun on the temple from the Chao Phraya river is a sight to behold. Second, the steep flight of steps that leads to a sensational view of Bangkok’s river side. You can either take a short boat ride or a longer route by road to reach this striking Bangkok landmark.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai

Even though Chiang Mai is a very famous temple city in itself, its most popular temple is located about 15 kms from the city and on a mountain called Doi Suthep. This temple, sacred to many Thai people, offers stunning views of the Chiang Mai city and is especially popular during sunsets. This 14th century temple is built on principles derived from Buddhism and Hinduism. Everything in the temple is gold plated and that includes its pagodas, statues, bells and shrines. This temple also carries a model of the revered Emerald Buddha.

Big Buddha Temple or Wat Phra Yai, Ko Samui
Most of the tourists visiting Ko Samui, do so for its beautiful beaches, but there is a deep Buddhist side to this tropical island too. And this can be seen through its most visible landmark, the Big Buddha temple that can be seen when people fly into Ko Samui. This temple with the 12 meter seated Buddha statue is situated on the north east corner of the island on Koh Faan that is connected to Koh Samui by a causeway. The Buddha here is seated in the Mara posture that symbolizes steadfastness, purity and enlightenment. All the Ko Samui hotels would happily arrange a tour if you are interested in visiting this iconic Ko Samui landmark.

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Chiang Rai

This has got to be the prettiest temple in the whole of Thailand even though it is a contemporary and unconventional Buddhist temple. Like the name suggests, everything in this temple is white in colour. Be it the fish in it ponds, the statue of Buddha, its carvings, its walls and all its stupas, everything is white. The special aspect of this temple is the creative imagination that was used by its designer Chalermchai Kosipipat. The construction of this temple began in 1997 and is still in construction, though tourists and devotees are allowed to visit.

Ayutthaya Historical Temple Complex, Ayutthaya

The ancient capital of Thailand is Thailand’s temple center. There are so many beautiful temples here that one can get lost in temple lore for a long time. The rich history and its ancient feel is what draws people from far and wide. Whether it is the Phra Chedi Chaimongol temple, the sleeping Buddha, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phra Mahathat or Wat Ratchaburana, all the Ayutthaya tours have a lot of stories to share. Its vast ruins give you an idea of its majestic past and a guided tour over a long duration can help you transfer yourself to an Ayutthaya era.

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Boonbundan Guest House, Chiang Rai: A Review

If you are a backpacker and looking for budget accommodation in Chiang Rai, look around Wat Jet Yod. This is what I did when I landed in Chiang Rai a week back and after a lot of walking and searching found the Boonbundan Guest House where I ended up staying for 2 nights and 3 days. This review is based on my experience of staying here.

1) The Boonbundan Guest House is located at a short walk from Chiang Rai’s Bus terminal 1 and it is located close to the night bazaars and the walking streets of Chiang Rai and this is one of the benefits of this place.

2) The place is located slightly away from the pubs and bars and hence the music in the night doesn’t borrow much.

3) At 200 THB, one can get a fan-cooled room with a private bathroom. The rooms are fairly large, but cam do with some new paint and a makeover.

4) The place has hot shower, free wi-fi and an in-house restaurant for their guests.

5) The place does not provide a laundry service and the reception can be a bit better when it comes to handling customers. May be they are home-run, but they can certainly do with some more attention.

The place is not great, but is good for travelers on a budget and who need the basic comfort and amenities.

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White Temple of Chiang Rai: Unique and Interesting Contemporary Art

A temple or Buddhist monastery is usually associated with some creativity, a feeling of spirituality and lots of prayer. But, the White temple is so much different. It is a figment of one’s imagination along with some common sense all converted into beautiful designs. It is a work of contemporary art that has been built in pure white color.


The interesting thing about the White temple is that its construction began in 1996 and it is believed that the work will get complete in 60-90 years. But, even in its current partial completed state, it is quite a sight with its min-blowing appeal and the sense of imagination that has been converted into sculptures.


To start with, the entire temple is pure white in colour. Everything is in white. The outside walls, the sculptures, the Buddha inside, the pillars, the surrounding buildings and even the fish in the ponds around the temple.


Then, there are these unique bits of imagination that you see in the temple. A maze of hands trying to come up. It looks like they are either stuck in quick sand or in hell. There are common sense items that depict hell for smokers and drinkers.


Then, there are weird looking heads hanging on trees. The surprising thing is that none of these heads look like a local person. In fact, they look more American and European to me.


There is also a golden building nearby the White Temple and this golden colour beautifully contrasts the pure white temple to its side. The golden temple looks beautiful during the early and the latter hours of the day, while the White temple looks best when the sun is straight overhead.


So depending on your preference, you can visit the temple accordingly. Personally, I visited just before the closing hours and was lucky to get good reflection shots, though I did realize that I would have got better temple photographs had I visited the temple in the noon hours with a circular polarizer filter to cut away the excessive reflections and to get a richer blue in the sky. A killer combo to have!!


The White Temple, known locally as Wat Rong Khun after the village Ban Rong Khun where it is located, is situated about 15 kilometers from Chiang Rai. If you are staying near the bus station terminal 1, a tuk tuk should cost you 200 baht (2 people) for a return journey with a waiting period of 1 hour.


If you wish for a cheaper fare, take the mini bus from bus station terminal 1 to terminal 2 for 10 baht per person and then take the tuk tuk for 80-100 baht. The temple does not have an entrance fee, though do ensure that you reach the temple before 5 pm as the temple authorities strictly close the temple by 5 pm.


If you are visiting Chiang Rai or even passing by, I would recommend taking 30 minutes out to visit this temple and simply admire its intricate work and beautiful imagination.

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