TripAdvisor Name Popular Thai Temples

23rd Jul 2013

TripAdvisor, the popular travel website has compiled a list of popular Buddhist temples in Thailand which draw millions of of tourists every year.

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand and temples of worship abound all over the country. The month of July alone has two major festivals which the country celebrates with pomp and pageantry.

First off is the popular Wan Asanha Bucha which happens on July 22, a Monday. This festival commemorates the first sermon of Buddha and is celebrated this year to coincide with the full moon of the 8th lunar month.

This is to be followed by Wan Kao Pansa immediately the day after, on July 23, a Tuesday. This festival marks the start of vassa or Buddhist Lent to many westerners. During this feast, the Thai people all over the country hold the candle parade. Ubon Ratchathani Province in northeastern Thailand is widely known to hold the very colorful Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival each year.

TripAdvisor comes up with its list of popular temples around Thailand to serve as guide for any travelers into the country during the month.

Wat Pho (The Reclining Buddha) - Bangkok

Undoubtedly, one of the most visited temples in all of Thailand is Wat Pho. Located right across another Thai iconic structure, Grand Palace, Wat Pho has been living in the shadow of its more famous resident, the Reclining Buddha. It is thought to be the largest of its kind in the world whose total length from head to toe is 150 feet. The size of the Buddha alone never fails to astound every visitor who happen to marvel at its grandeur.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) ' Bangkok

If the Reclining Buddha is the most photographed Buddha in Thailand, Wat Arun or better known as the Temple of Dawn, is the most photographed Buddhist temple. The temple features a Khmer-style tower which is encrusted with colored porcelain and seashells. The central tower is capped with a soaring spire that hits a height of 70 meters into the sky.

Wat Phra Keaw (The Emerald Buddha) ' Bangkok

Another temple that is quite accessible to many tourists in Bangkok is the Wat Phra Keaw which houses the Emerald Buddha. The origin of the statue itself is uncertain even to this day which makes it more intriguing. The image has been enshrined in Wat Phra Keaw starting in late 18th century when it found its way to Bangkok.

Wat Phra That (Doi Suthep) ' Chiang Mai

Located atop the Doi Suthep, one of the twin peaks with a commanding view of Chiang Mai, the Wat Phra That is approximately 30 minutes drive from the downtown. Visitors need to ascend 309 steps up the hill from the base of the temple to reach the 14th-century pagodas. Alternatively, they can take the cable car for a picturesque ride to the top.

Wat Traimit (The Temple of the Golden Buddha) ' Bangkok

Wat Traimit lends its popularity to the Golden Buddha, said to be the largest of its kind in the world at 3.9 meters high and weighs about 5.5 tons. The image was encrusted with stucco before it was accidentally discovered as made of pure gold during its installation in its present site when it fell hard down on the ground chipping off its crusts revealing its true nature.

Wat Saket (The Golden Mount) ' Bangkok

The magnificent view of Bangkok below can be viewed from Wat Saket. The Golden Mount sits on a hill with its golden spire jutting out 260 feet high into the sky. The temple hosts a chedi that in turn houses the image of Buddha.

Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) ' Koh Samui

Koh Samui may be noted more for its idyllic beaches than for anything else. But this popular resort island also hosts a notable landmark, the Wat Phra Yai. The towering Big Buddha that sits serenely atop the structure is all of 12 meters high from its base.

Wat Chedi Luang ' Chiang Mai

Visitors to this former capital of the Kingdom of Lanna will be treated to a host of beautiful natural wonders as well as centuries-old temples, one of which is Wat Chedi Luang. The temple was built more than 600 years ago, probably between 14th and 15th century. The temple used to host the Emerald Budhha before it was moved to Luang Prabang in Laos.

Wat Chalong ' Phuket

Most visitors to the country usually marvel at the grandeur of Bangkok's Buddhist temples but little do they know that other cities and towns in the country also host some temples that are worth a visit. One of these is Phuket's Wat Chalong, a 19th-century structure which is the largest and most visited temple of its kind in the popular resort town, better known for its magnificent beaches.

Wat Phra Singh ' Chiang Mai

Another Chiang Mai charmer is Wat Phra Singh, a 14th century Buddhist temple which was erected during the rule of King Phayu, the fifth king of the Mangrai dynasty. The complex, which also features prime example of classical Lanna architecture, houses the Phra Buddha Sihing, said to be the most sacred image of Buddha.

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