10 temples in Thailand you must visit

Thailand can easily be recognized as a country of temples, and a staggering 40,717 Buddhist temples dot its geography, a testament to the deep religious faith of the country and its people. A foreigner's itinerary in Thailand should definitely include one or more temples, and for good reason.

There are several temples to choose from in Thailand, each one more revered, special and enchanting than the last. This list lists the most beautiful temples in Thailand, temples of incredible splendor.

Here are 10 temples in Thailand for a unique visual and spiritual experience.

1. Wat Pho

Ват Пхо, широко известный, как Храм Лежащего Будды, – это старый буддийский храм в Бангкоке, расположенный в окрестностях Большого дворца. Один из немногих храмов в Таиланде, которому был присвоен первоклассный королевский статус. В храме Ват Пхо находится чрезвычайно почитаемое чудо – гигантский 46-метровый, золотой лежащий Будда.

It was built by King Rama III in the 19th century and symbolizes the departure of the Buddha to nirvana. There are 91 stupas, about 1,000 images of the Buddha and a descendant of the holy Bodhi Tree from Bodhgaya, India. Wat Pho is popular as the birthplace of Thai medicine and massage, the practice of which it continues to study, offering educational courses related to this field of study.

Location: Pra Nakhon District, Bangkok
Время: 8:00 – 18:30
Starting fee: 100 baht

2. Wat Rong Khun (Wat Rong Khun)

Wat Rong Khun, also known as the "White Temple," is the most attractive of all the temples in Thailand, perhaps Asia itself. It looks like a view straight out of the Narnia movies, with its white castle temple standing gracefully in front of a pond and greenery like a surreal visual marvel.

Every detail of each structure symbolizes the teachings of the Buddha. The temple has so far been designed by the famous Thai artist Chalermchai Kozitpipat, as the meditation hall, monks' residences, etc., have not yet been built.

Location: Chiang Rai
Time: 6:30 to 6:30 p.m,
Музей картин: понедельник – пятница: с 8:00 до 17:30
Entry fee: 50 Thai Baht

3. Wat Arun

Wat Arun ranks first among the most famous temples in Thailand, as it is easily recognized by postcards and souvenirs from the country. It is one of the six royal temples in Thailand, and the most dazzling of all. It stands on the banks of the Chao Praya River, where its gilded 80-meter prang shoots into the sky, visible from a great distance.

The complex consists of halls, pavilions and more than a hundred images of the Buddha, each marking significant periods in his life. The view of the illuminated temple is best enjoyed after a night cruise on the river.

Location: opposite Ta Thien Pier, Khet Bangkok Yai
Время: 8:00 – 17:30
Starting fee: 100 baht

4. Loha Prasat

Loha Prasat, literally translated as Metal or Iron Castle, was built in the 19th century by King Rama III. It is one of the most unique temples in Thailand, with 37 black metal spires in the sky, each representing the 37 virtues necessary for enlightenment.

Inside on the first floor are meditation chambers where monks chant prayers, and a staircase leads to a temple housing relics of the Buddha and an aisle with an attractive view of the surrounding area. Manicured gardens adorn the Wat complex, and a popular amulet market adorns the back streets of the temple.

Location: Bowon Nivet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Время: 8:30 – 18:00
Entrance fee: free admission

5. Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew is indisputably the most sacred and most visited of all the temples in Thailand. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as it is more popularly known, is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace and contains a sacred emerald statue of the Buddha.

The image is carved from a single piece of green jade and is heavily decorated with precious stones. The origins of the image are disputed, but all agree that it was built in India around 50 B.C. The image, seen as the protector of the country, could not be affected or altered by anyone but the king.

Location: Pra Nakhon District, Bangkok
Время: 8:30 – 15:30
Entry fee: 500 Thai Baht for a combination ticket at the Grand Palace.

6. Wat Saket

Wat Saket is one of the oldest temples in Thailand, dating back to the Ayutthaya period. It originally served as a resting place for the cremated, especially during the reign of King Rama II, when thousands of poor people died as a result of an epidemic and their ashes were buried here. The wonderful golden stupa is built on a hill known as Phu Khao Tong or Golden Mountain, and the temple itself stands at the foot of the hill.

Ironically, most people skip the small temple and climb to the top of the hill because that is where the relics of the Buddha are kept. If you plan to visit Thailand in November, be sure to attend the Loi Kratong ceremonies at Wat Saket, where a procession of locals with candles ascend the Golden Mountain at night in a solemn ceremony.

Location: Thanon Ratchadamnoen Klang, Bangkok
Время: 9:00 – 17:00
Contribution:
For the temple: free admission

7. Wat Tham Pha Plong

Ват Там Пха Плонг – небольшой буддийский храм, скрытый в густых лесах гор Чианг Дао. Лестница из 500 ступеней в окружении величественных скульптур Нага отмечает подъем к храму. Хотя тропа длинная, она никогда не перестает быть приятной, так как мирные звуки природы не дадут вам скучать. Храм был построен как центр медитации для монаха Луанг Пу Сима.

It has architecture that is both rustic and refined at the same time with a prayer hall located in a cave-like structure. It is also home to a monastery where you can find several monks engaged in prayer or meditation. A visit to this temple is a must on your Chiang Mai itinerary, as it includes hiking, nature walks, prayer and meditation together.

Location: Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai
Timing: summer time
Entry fee: No entry fee

8. Wat Benchamabophit

Wat Benchamabophit, or Marble Temple as it is most commonly called, is one of the few temples in Thailand to be accorded first-class royal status, and is located in close proximity to the Dusit Palace. The temple, columns and courtyard are made of Carrara marble imported from Italy, which gives an elegant appearance to the entire structure.

The temple is a fine example of traditional Thai architecture with gold and white engravings, lion motifs guarding the entrance, and tiered roofs. The galleries display 52 Buddha images of different styles and periods.

Location: Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok
Время: 8:00 – 17:30
Starting fee: 20 Thai Baht

9. Wat Phra Singh (Wat Phra Singh)

Wat Phra Singh, or the Lion Buddha Monastery, is an old though attractive temple in the old city of Chiang Mai. Thanks to its construction in the 14th century during the Lanna Kingdom, the temple structures exhibit impressive architecture in the classical Lanna style. The Viharn, or assembly hall, is decorated with rich gold and ochre, and the walls of frescoes tell stories of the Buddha's life.

Another viharn contains a large image of the Buddha and several smaller ones. There is also a library of scriptures on the temple grounds, which contains ancient texts, the residences of the monks, and another building in which there is a golden reclining Buddha.

Location: westernmost end of Ratchadamnoen Road, Chiang Mai
Время: 6:00 – 17:00
Contribution:
At the temple: free admission
In Viharn: 50 Thai Baht

10. The Temple of Truth

Храм Истины – это храм с видом на море в Северной Паттайе. Лучше всего его можно назвать архитектурным чудом и данью умелой ловкости тайского мастерства. Полностью деревянное строение, которое все еще находится в процессе завершения, оно тщательно вырезано из мультикультурных узоров тайских, камбоджийских, индийских и китайских традиций.

It is an unusual temple, devoid of the images of the main deity found in all other temples in Thailand, instead depicting many deities of many Eastern cultures. It can be seen primarily as a center celebrating the virtues of man, the importance of art, philosophy, life and faith. The Temple of Truth cannot be considered an ordinary temple, but it is a great place to pray and strengthen your beliefs.

Location: Pattaya Naklua Road Soi 12, Pattaya
Время: 8:00 – 17:00
Contribution:
Adults: 450 Thai Baht,
Children: 225 Thai Baht

Tips for travelers:

It is considered disrespectful to enter temples wearing short, revealing or indecent clothing.

Wear clothes that cover your shoulders, legs, and stomach.

Keep a handkerchief handy if the temple asks you to cover your head.

Feel free to put money in donation boxes wherever you can.

Be polite and respectful to monks and priests.

Don't make any noise inside the prayer rooms.

Some temples may strictly forbid photography. Respect their rules.

Do not destroy or litter the temple grounds.

В любой стране это восхитительный опыт – познакомиться с их вековыми традициями и таким образом предаться своей культуре.

It helps in creating a more sensitive, gracious and cohesive world. So visit these temples in Thailand because they will enrich your faith and then fill you with their beauty.