With more than 40,000 wats dotting the landscape in Thailand, you’ll never run out of options for places to explore, but not all wats are made equally. Here are the five you shouldn’t miss.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun is the most prominent wat in the country and is located in the capital city of Bangkok. It stands brightly on the city’s skyline and it’s brilliant golden hue stands out in the night from miles away.
Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun, otherwise known as The White Temple, is an anomaly among ornately decorated Buddhist shrines dedicated to the Lord Buddha. Rather than traditional colors, the entire wat is painted white and contains sculptures depicting famous characters from pop culture, including the Predator and the heads of some of Marvel’s superheroes dangling from trees.
Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most sacred temples in Thailand and contains the famous Emerald Buddha statue. Though small and slightly hidden behind a shroud of ornate golden decorations, the statue is made entirely of jade and certainly worth a viewing.
Wat Tham Seua
The Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi is notable not only for the giant golden statue looking out over the surrounding jungles and valleys, but also the 1,260 steps you have to climb to reach it. Of course, don’t forget about the monkeys that’ll bar your path and try to steal your drink on the way up.
Wat Phu Khao Thong
This famous wat is located among the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam. The once dilapidated shrine has undergone an impressive restoration and now it stands out against the fallen rumble of the once proud empire.
Read This Next
The White Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Entertainment
Nov 16, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedTravel Goods
Nov 21, 2024Never Lose an Item Again with Apple’s New Share Item Location Feature
It’s your worst nightmare: Your plane is taxiing and you’re looking out the window, only to realize you’ve left your iPad or laptop in the airport. Thanks to a new feature from Apple, these fears can be allayed, ensuring we always know where our valuables are, whether traveling or at home.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Dining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Destinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 20, 2024Where to Find the Best Stargazing Spots in Ireland
This year, the Northern Lights put on quite the display across Ireland, but don’t think these lights are the only thing you can see in Ireland. In fact, many spots across the country provide some of the best opportunities to stargaze thanks to low levels of light pollution. Ireland has three International Dark Sky Parks and even more spots which, although not accredited, are worth a visit for anyone wishing to see the sky in its unfiltered form.
ShareThis