These are the temples in Thailand to fall in love with right now

Home to over 40,000 temples with new ones added each year, Thailand has become a top pilgrimage destination. Some are archaeological sites and listed among World Heritage sites; meanwhile, more modern Thai temples showcase historical rituals within buildings that surprise with their bright colours and quirky designs. Not sure where to find the best temples in Thailand? These are the top 10.

The north of the country is home to some of the best Buddhist temples in Thailand. Chiang Mai, the second largest city with over 300 temples to visit in this city alone, making it a top tourist destination. Discovering all of Chiang Mai's temples in a single visit is certainly ambitious. But there are some highlights you absolutely shouldn't miss:

For stunning views that stretch across the city of Chiang Mai, visitors need to add the temple complex of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to their travel lists. Perched on a mountain, on the lush slopes of Doi Suthep, this temple dates back to the 14th century.

Its golden chedi, said to enshrine a relic of the Buddha, gleams in the tropical sun and entices pilgrims to climb the 309 naga-flanked steps to reach the pagodas. It is one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand, and a visit you'll remember for a long time.

Located in the heart of Chiang Mai's old town, Wat Phra Singh, with its gilded rooftops and sweeping teak eaves, was constructed in 1345 by order of King Phayu. Today, it represents a particularly important hotspot of Buddhist spirituality and houses a magnificent Buddha statue, the Phra Phuttha Sihing, which is carried through the city streets in a Buddhist procession every year during the Songkran festival. This is a beautiful, ancient temple in Thailand and a must-see during any stay in the city.

Curious minds and intrepid souls may add Chiang Rai to their temple tour. Inaccessible by train, this old city in northern Thailand was once the best-kept secret of locals and those in the know. Weirdly enough, despite it being an older city than its sister, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai’s temples tend to be more modern. These are the ones to know: 

Known as the White Temple of Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun is a modern work of art by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. When it comes to temples in Thailand, this one breaks completely with the traditionally colourful architecture of traditional Thai temples. The facade is completely white, which is very unusual, as white is traditionally the colour of mourning in Thailand. However, in this building, it is meant to represent the purity and enlightenment of Buddha.

Another very unusual and modern temple in Chiang Rai is Wat Rong Suea Ten, the so-called Blue Temple of Chiang Rai. It was designed by local artist Phuttha Kabkaew, who was inspired by Chalermchai Kositpipat and incorporated psychedelic elements into the temple's neo-traditional architecture. The construction of the temple was agreed upon in 1996, yet the main building wasn’t finished until 2016, making it one of the new temples in Thailand.

It’s little surprise that Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital, is home to some of the kingdom’s most breathtaking temples. Since its founding in 1782 as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, the City of Angels, successive monarchs have adorned it with exquisite royal temples. Today, more than 400 wats grace the cityscape, their gilded spires rising above the hum of tuk-tuks, the delicious aromas of Thai food and the shimmer of the Chao Phraya River.

Arguably, the most famous of all Buddhist temples in Bangkok is Wat Phra Kaew. This temple, located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, is considered the holiest temple in Thailand and houses the revered image of the Emerald Buddha, carved from jade and estimated to be over 700 years old. The intricate architectural details and gleaming gold decorations make this temple a true feast for the eyes and a must-visit in the Thai capital.

Almost equally famous is Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, another of the capital's royal temples. Its origins are thought to date back to the 16th century, and it is considered the oldest "open university" in the country.

This is because in the 19th century, King Rama III commissioned over 1,400 wall inscriptions containing Thai poetry and texts on medicine, history, and science. The main attraction, however, is the 46-meter-long reclining Buddha, whose soles are inlaid with mother-of-pearl depicting the 108 attributes of the Buddha.

Once the heart of the Siamese kingdom, Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage City with beautifully crumbling stupas, serene Buddha faces and timeworn temples that whisper of a bygone age. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was one of Asia’s great cosmopolitan capitals with temples built to impress both Gods and kings. 

While in Ayutthaya, head to Wat Mahathat, a 14th-century temple that is best known for the hauntingly beautiful Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree. Wat Mahathat stands as a poignant emblem of the city’s former splendour and a symbol of resilience and reverence that has come to define Ayutthaya itself. This picturesque place is a must-visit and you can almost hear the echoes of chanting monks among the crumbling prangs and weathered stupas.

Rising elegantly on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is Ayutthaya’s most striking testament to the city’s former grandeur. Built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong to honour his mother, the temple’s Khmer-inspired prang and symmetrical layout evoke both power and harmony. Once a royal ceremonial site, Wat Chaiwatthanaram now stands in serene contemplation, a breathtaking silhouette of history against the twilight sky.

For those venturing further on their tour of temples in Thailand, Sukhothai is a great place to pinpoint on the map. It is where the nation’s artistic and spiritual identity first took shape. Amid tranquil lotus ponds and graceful chedis, the temples of this UNESCO-listed historical park tell the story of a kingdom that prized harmony, faith and beauty in equal measure.

At the heart of it all lies Wat Si Chum, home to one of Thailand’s most arresting sights: a colossal seated Buddha enclosed within a towering brick mondop. Known as Phra Achana, this serene figure gazes down with an expression of infinite calm, his gilded fingers glinting softly in the shade. It’s a moment of stillness that captures the essence of Sukhothai, majestic, timeless, and profoundly moving.

Phuket is known for its palm-fringed beach resorts and turquoise coves, yet there is also a quieter, more contemplative side that beckons to be discovered. Scattered across the island’s lush hills and vibrant towns, ornate temples shimmer with golden finials, crimson roofs and the scent of burning incense. Phuket’s temples offer a moment of calm amid the tropical bustle. 

Wat Chalong is Phuket’s most revered temple and a symbol of enduring faith. Founded in the 19th century, it honours two respected monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, whose compassion and wisdom still draw devotees today. Its grand pagoda, said to enshrine a fragment of the Buddha’s bone, gleams in the sunlight, while inside, intricate murals trace scenes from his life. It is arguably the most important and iconic of Phuket’s 29 temples.

Narrowing down the list of the most beautiful temples in Thailand is almost impossible. Especially as there are so many to see. If you are still looking for more temples to visit in Thailand, be sure to head to the Krabi Province, where you will find Wat Tham Suea, or Tiger Cave Temple, as it is sometimes known. A tiger is said to have once lived in the caves of this hill, which, according to legend, was tamed by the monks. Scratch marks inside one of these caves are said to be from the tiger, which gave the monastery its name. To see the magnificent golden Buddha statue at the top of the hill, you have to climb 1,237 steps, but the climb is worth it for the view alone.

To bring your tour to a close, another top temple to see in Thailand is Wat Phra Prang Sam Yot. This historic temple is part of an archaeological complex and is located in Lop Buri Province, just over an hour's drive from Ayutthaya. Known as Monkey Temple, Wat Phra Prang Sam Yot has become a must-see because numerous monkeys have settled around the temple. But aside from that, the unique architecture of this 13th-century sanctuary is also a spectacular sight.