Choose from 178 Fun Things to Do in Thailand
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Aside from the structure itself, there is a Buddhist university at the site as well. Monks in training are often eager to share conversation and practice their English with visitors in informal "monk chats."
Wat Rong Khun
Better known as Thailand’s White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is well-known and popular among visitors to the Chiang Rai Province. Its unique design is a mixture of both contemporary art and traditional Buddhist motifs with intricate carvings in its all-white structure.
In early May 2014, a massive earthquake damaged much of the temple, and engineers then vowed to rebuild and restore the 1997 structure to its original splendor. As a result of the damage, however, visitors to this historic religious site can only enter a handful of the buildings. Others can only be viewed and photographed from the outside, but the ornate details and meticulously placed tiles still make this a destination despite current repairs. The temple’s ornate designs range from dragons and skulls to dozens of hands reaching up out of the ground.
Walking up to the temple, visitors cross a bridge symbolizing the journey from the cycle of life to the enlightenment of Buddha. The temple’s white color and inlaid mirrored glass are said to represent the purity of Buddha and are surreal in nature, with every detail carrying deep religious symbolism. The grounds are dotted with various statues and sculptures, and inside are murals depicting modern figures such as superheroes and film stars.
Practical Info
The wat is located about eight miles south of Chiang Rai off Asia Highway 1 on the left-hand side of the road. It is open from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.
Address: Highway 1, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
From $ 26
Wat Phra Singh (Wat Phra Sing Waramahawihan)
If you only see one temple during your time in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh (also known as Wat Phra Sing Waramahawihan) should be it. Set in the heart of the old city, the temple was founded in 1345 and is home to Chiang Mai’s most sacred relic – the Phra Singh (Lion Buddha image).
The temple consists of many buildings, but the most spectacular is the golden wihan that houses the Phra Singh. Look for classic Lanna architectural features like the three-tiered roof, white chedi with an octagonal base, and lion statues guarding the entrance. It is possible to go inside to see the Buddha statue, just remember to remove your shoes first.
Wat Phra Singh is an active temple and lucky visitors may see chanting monks or a blessing ceremony. Many novice monks study here and are happy to practice their English by sitting and chatting with tourists in the temple gardens.
The temple consists of many buildings, but the most spectacular is the golden wihan that houses the Phra Singh. Look for classic Lanna architectural features like the three-tiered roof, white chedi with an octagonal base, and lion statues guarding the entrance. It is possible to go inside to see the Buddha statue, just remember to remove your shoes first.
Wat Phra Singh is an active temple and lucky visitors may see chanting monks or a blessing ceremony. Many novice monks study here and are happy to practice their English by sitting and chatting with tourists in the temple gardens.
Practical Info
Wat Phra Singh is located inside Chiang Mai’s old city walls at the end of Ratchadamnoen Road. The temple is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. There is no admission fee, but there are donation boxes where you can make a contribution to the temple’s upkeep. Remember to dress respectfully when visiting any Buddhist temple.
The suggested donation is 20B
The suggested donation is 20B
Address: Wat Phra Singh Woramahavihan, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hours: 6am - 5pm
From $ 24
Wat Chalong
As the most significant of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist temples, Wat Chalong attracts hundreds of visitors daily. A mountain backdrop emphasizes a golden spire, while wall paintings inside each temple depict vibrant Buddhist images. The main stupa, known as the Grand Pagoda, is said to harbor a splinter of the Buddha’s bone.
The Basics
Due to its great religious significance, Wat Chalong is an integral part of most Phuket sightseeing tours. Full-day tours often combine a visit to the temple with stops at Old Phuket Town, a cultural melting pot of Malay and Singaporean architecture, and Wang Talang, where you can shop for artisan crafts.
Excursions that combine cycling and jungle trekking with stops at the Chalong Big Buddha and Wat Chalong are a great way to tick off natural and cultural highlights even in limited time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you plan to enter the temple, wear clothing that covers your legs, chest, and shoulders.
- Make sure you remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- Photography is allowed inside the temple; however, mobile phones must be in silent mode.
- If you want to cool down, head to the air-conditioned exhibition hall that features life-size wax models of Buddhist figures.
- The temple is free to enter, but donations are encouraged.
How to Get There
Wat Chalong is 5 miles (8 kilometers) outside of Phuket City and is accessible by car or taxi. If you want to skip the hassle of public transport and the expense of taxis, consider visiting Wat Chalong as part of a sightseeing tour that includes round-trip transport.
When to Get There
The large crowds that Wat Chalong attracts are testament to its cultural significance. For the best chance of crowd-free photos, head to Wat Chalong either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. For the best photography opportunities, visit during sunrise or sunset.
Buddhism in Phuket
Each year, during the sixth full moon, Wat Chalong hosts processions in celebration of Wan Phra Yai, which translates as “major holy day.” Buddhist monks carry offerings of candles, incense, and lotus flowers to the Buddha, making this celebration a must-see if you’re in Phuket.
Address: Chaofa West Road, Phuket, Thailand
Admission: Free, but donations accepted
From $ 11
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
The golden spire of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep glitters near the summit of Doi Suthep, a 5,499-foot (1,676-meter) mountain outside Chiang Mai. The wat, established in 1383, is one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. The International Buddhist Center at the wat hosts informal discussions, chanting, and meditation.
The Basics
As one of Chiang Mai’s most popular attractions, Doi Suthep Temple is typically included in many Chiang Mai tours, along with other area temples and hill tribe villages. Those with an interest in the spiritual life of Thai Buddhists can opt for an early-morning tour to join locals as they give morning alms to the temple monks. Half- and full-day tours with English-speaking guides are available, and most include hotel pickup and drop-off in Chiang Mai.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must-visit for spiritual travelers and first-time visitors to Chiang Mai.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, and be prepared to do some climbing.
- The temple is accessible to wheelchair users (including the elevator and cable car to the top), but there are some steep ramps.
How to Get There
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is in Doi Suthep–Pui National Park, 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Chiang Mai. If not on an organized tour, jump in a minibus taxi from Chiang Mai. A tram takes you to the summit and the wat, or you can trek along the winding road and climb the 306 steps.
When to Get There
Doi Suthep is a very popular attraction in Chiang Mai. To avoid the crowds, plan to visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. Try to visit on a clear day for the best panoramic view from the top.
History of Doi Suthep Temple
Initial construction of the temple, which gets its name from the mountain on which it was built, dates back to 1386. According to local legend, an elephant carrying Buddhist relics (including a piece of shoulder bone from the Buddha) was sent out from Chiang Mai, but instead of keeping to the flat countryside, it climbed up the mountain and stopped at the summit. A temple was commissioned on the site to hold the relics.
Address: Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Huai Kaew Road, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 7am - 5pm
Admission: 30 baht
From $ 16
Wat Phra Thong
Wat Phra Thong is perhaps not the most impressive of Phuket's temples, but it surely has the best story behind it. And once you know the story, the 'half image' that forms the center of the temple will have way greater resonance.
According to lore, a boy was out watering a buffalo and tied it to some metal protruding out of the ground. In quick order, both boy and buffalo died, but the boy appeared to his father in a dream and told him to investigate the object.
When the father dug around the place, he found the tip of a golden Buddha sitting buried in the ground. All attempts to excavate it over the ensuing centuries failed, and there are stories of attacks by hornets when locals tried to dig it out in the 18th century!
Eventually it was decided to leave the exposed top of the Eventually it was decided to leave the exposed top of the Buddha statue where it was - it so obviously resisted being dug up! - and build a protective layer and a temple over it. That is what you can see today.
Practical Info
Wat Phra Thong is in the center of Phuket - its position away from the beaches is what keeps it so quiet! It's located in Thalang, on the right side of the road as you head to the airport.
Address: Highway 402, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free. Donations expected
From $ 16
Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)
Koh Samui is known for its incredible beaches, turquoise waters and sandy shores. But hidden away from the coastal wonder lies one of the most unique temples in the nation—Wat Khunaram.
While this gilded red and white temple may look typical to travelers who climb the dozen or so stairs that lead to its entryway, once inside, visitors will find a site unlike anywhere else. That’s because a vertical glass casket holds the mummified body of Loung Pordaeng—a famous monk—in his most meditative state. Locals say his meditation techniques, which required less oxygen than his peers—are responsible for his still well-preserved state. Visitors can come tour the site, learn about the life of this religious icon, and bear witness to local Buddhists praying at wat shrines.
Practical Info
Wat Khunaram is located west of Hua Thanon on Route 4169 in Koh Samui. The wat is open during daylight hours and admission is free. Long pants and covered shoulders are essential for visitors.
Address: Route 4169, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand, Thailand
From $ 17
Underwater World Pattaya
Take a breathtaking walk through see-through tunnels at Underwater World Pattaya, as sharks and rays glide overhead. This walk-through aquarium highlights the huge range of marine creatures found in Thai waters, from shallow rock-pool dwellers to coral reef and ocean fish.
In all, there are more than 2,500 sea creatures at this aquarium, representing more than 200 species.
Feeding time is specially spectacular, as the fish line up to be fed by their handlers. The marine creatures you’ll see here include otters, sharks, tropical reef fish, rays and moray eels.
Practical Info
Underwater World Pattaya is in South Pattaya, just south of central Pattaya on Sukhumvit.
Address: Th Sukhumvit, Pattaya 20260, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
From $ 18
Wareerak Hot Spring Spa
The Wareerak Hot Spring Spa is a unique, award-winning spa located within tropical jungle in Khlong Thom district, Krabi. As well as offering a tranquil place to stay, the spa also offers full- and half-day hot spring experiences, including various treatments, lunch, and return transfers.
Located close to Krabi’s famous Namtok Ron waterfall, the spa uses natural hot spring water to promote good health and vitality. Along with the thermal pools, it offers hydrotherapy sessions, spa treatments, Thai yoga, and Thai massages. There are 14 bungalows and villas that are designed to invoke a sense of relaxation and pampering for overnight guests, and the communal areas include a botanical garden, nature trail, reflexology track, relaxation areas, and a meditation zone.
Practical Info
Various packages are available for half-day, full-day, and overnight visits to the Wareerak Hot Spring Spa. These include relaxation treatments, lunch and round-trip transfers from Ao Nang or Krabi Town.
Address: 18 Moo 7, Khlong Tom Nua, Krabi 81120, Thailand
Admission: Dependent on package
From $ 51
Wat Chedi Luang
If you’ve ever wanted to chat to a Buddhist monk, pull up a chair at Wat Chedi Luang. As you enter the wat from Th Phra Pokkao, turn right and you’ll see some tables under a sign reading ‘Monk Chat.’
The partially ruined wat dates back to the year 1441, and is most famous as the former home of the incredible Emerald Buddha. Nowadays, a jade replica fills the eastern niche of Wat Chedi Luang, and you can see the original in Bangkok at the Wat Phra Kaew.
Wat Chedi Luang has undergone a restoration program, which has added several Buddha images, porticoes and statues.
Practical Info
Wat Chedi Luang is in the center of the moated old city of Chiang Mai near Th Ratchadamnoen, a non-stop shopping strip of stalls and street food.
Address: Th Phra Pokklao, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 6am - 5pm, except for Buddhist holidays
Admission: Suggested donation of 20 baht
From $ 16
Wat Chiang Man
Thought to be the oldest wat in Chiang Mai, Wat Chiang Man is a typical northern Thai temple, with massive teak columns holding aloft the central sanctuary.
The wat has two important Buddha images; one on a marble bas relief, the other a crystal seated Buddha. They’re visible in a glass cabinet housed in a smaller sanctuary.
The walls of the wat feature red stenciled murals, depicting scenes from the life of Chiang Mai's founder, Phaya Mengrai.
Practical Info
Wat Chiang Man is in the northeastern section of the moated old city of Chiang Mai.
Address: Th Ratchaphakhinai, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 6am - 5pm, except Buddhist holidays
Admission: Suggested donation of 20 baht
From $ 24
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Thailand has plenty of wats (temples), but the Tiger Cave Temple - or Wat Tham Seua - is a standout.
In a forest setting, the wat’s main hall is built into a long limestone cave and surrounded by monastic cells built into the cliffs and caves. Underscoring the brevity of life, the temple is decorated with skulls, skeletons and graphic pictures of human entrails.
A lighter note is struck by the troop of monkeys living around the temple. Walks through the temple grounds lead to 1,200 steps climbing to the summit of a 600 meter (1,968 foot) peak topped with a gilded Buddha statue. If the sky is clear, you can see the sea from here. Another set of steps leads to a second network of limestone caves.
Practical Info
The Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Seua) is 8 kilometers (5 miles) northeast of Krabi.
Address: Highway 4034, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
From $ 28
Warorot Market
Whether it’s dried durian paste and spicy bowls of hot curry or prayer beads and bath towels, the halls of Warorot Market definitely have a little something for everyone. The indoor hub for local ingredients and inexpensive clothing is a perfect place for travelers to sample local cuisine and stock up on handmade items and cheap souvenirs. The streets surrounding the market are also lined with stalls selling handicrafts and artwork from area hill tribes at a fraction of the cost.
Practical Info
The market is located between Chang Moi Road and Thapae Road in Chiang Mai, about two minutes north of the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Warorot Market opens early in the day and does not close until after dark.
Address: Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hours: Opens early, closes after dark
From $ 26
Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bangkok. It is one of just six temples in Thailand classified as the “highest grade of the first class royal temples.” It houses an eight-meter tall bronze Buddha statue seated in the Mara position, as well as some intricate wall murals that depict the life of the Buddha.
However, Wat Suthat is perhaps best known for the giant red swing (or Sao Ching Chaa) that sits in front of it. The huge 20-meter-tall swing, which is made from teak wood, was built at the end of the 18th century when it was used as part of an annual religious ceremony.
Inside the temple, magnificent wall murals portray the stories of the Buddha, while others depict scenes of daily life in the Rattanakosin era. Along with those found in Bangkok’s Grand Palace, these murals are considered some of the best and most extensive in the whole of Thailand.
Practical Info
Wat Suthat is locatedon Bamrung Muang Road in the old city, opposite Bangkok City Hall. The temple is open from 8:30am to 9pm daily and there is a small admission fee of 20 Baht to enter.
Address: Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: 8:30am to 9pm daily
Admission: 20 Baht
From $ 38
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, not far from Bangkok’s famous Grand Palace complex. Dating back to the eighteenth century, this ancient temple was later altered significantly after one of its monks, Prince Mongkut, became King Rama IV of Thailand.
Wat Mahathat serves as the center for the Mahanikai school of Buddhism, and as such is a hub for monastic learning for its members all across southeast Asia. This large and busy temple shares its grounds with monastic cells, schools, offices, and other buildings, and features a peaceful garden towards the back of its grounds.
Meditation classes are held here that welcome everyone, with many worshippers and other visitors attending these sessions before visiting the various viharns, shrines, chedis, and Buddha images within the temple’s sprawling complex.
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach Wat Mahathat is by boat. Hop on the Tha Chang ferry and alight at Chang Pier. There are several entrances but the one at Mahathat Road is the one most likely to be open. Within the temple, the International Buddhist Meditation Center offers daily meditation classes at 7am, 1pm, and 6pm, while the Meditation Study and Retreat Center also holds daily classes.
Address: 3 Thanon Maharat, Na Luk, krabi, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 60
Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok’s brilliant golden spire stretches high into the skyline of the northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai and has done so just west of the old city walls since the 14th century. The name roughly translates to "field of flowers," as the temple stands on a site that was once the garden of a ruling monarch. Today, the ashes of some of the royal family are tucked into the wat’s spires, as homage to leaders past.
Wat Suan Dok is a favorite among travelers, particularly photographers, who gather amid the temple’s ornate structures during sunrise and sunset to capture impressive photos filled with rose-colored light. A 500-year-old bronze buddha—one of the largest in the region—also makes this a popular stop.
Aside from the structure itself, there is a Buddhist university at the site as well. Monks in training are often eager to share conversation and practice their English with visitors in informal "monk chats."
Practical Info
The temple is located on Suthep Road, a half-mile (one kilometer) west of the Suan Dok Gate, west of the Old City of Chiang Mai. Monk chats are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Also offered are 24-hour meditation retreats on Tuesdays.
Address: Suthep Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand
From $ 16
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is a large and famous Buddhist temple located in the center of Lamphun in Northern Thailand. The complex’s numerous structures originate from different periods; while the temple is thought to date back to the 11th century, the central stupa originated in the 9th century.
An arched entrance gate guarded by giant statues of red lions gives way to the walled temple grounds. The complex features some unique architecture, some fine Buddha images, and two chedi in the typical Hariphunchai style. One of the ancient chedi, Chedi Suwan, is a Mon style brick spire standing 21 meters tall that dates back to the beginning of the 15th century. The newer Lanna style chedi, Phra Maha That, stands at 46 meters high and is covered with golden plates and flanked by a multi-tiered golden umbrella.
Other structures of note include the temple’s Ho Trai, the building where the ancient Buddhist scriptures are kept. This Lanna style scripture library is an elegant teak structure with a multi-tiered roof and intricately carved doors. It sits on top of a three-meter high red stone platform, which protects the scriptures from flooding.
Practical Info
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is situated approximately 30 minutes’ drive south of Chiang Mai. It can be reached by hiring a car and driver, by motorcycle, or even by train by alighting at Lamphun Railway Station.
Address: Inthayongyot Road, Lamphun, Northern Thailand 51000, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 6am-6pm
Admission: 20 baht
From $ 72
Tup Island
Tup Island is one of the most popular offshore islands around Krabi, and is a staple part of the itinerary for most day trips from the mainland. Situated southwest of Ao Nang and between Poda Island and Chicken Island, Tup is smaller than the other islands in the archipelago it belongs to, but its white sands and excellent snorkeling certainly don’t disappoint.
Tup Island is most commonly visited as part of a ‘Four Islands’ longboat tour from Ao Nang. The three other islands include Poda Island, Chicken Island, and Mor Island, with a stop at Phra Nang Cave Beach usually included. This entire area is incredibly scenic, with panoramic views of the Krabi coastline as its backdrop.
The clear waters and abundance of tropical fish surrounding Tup Island make it a haven for swimming and snorkeling, although many visitors prefer to simply relax on the beach or enjoy a stroll. At low tide, a sandbar emerges linking Tup Island with Chicken Island as well as the smaller Mor Island. This unique occurrence is commonly referred to as Talay Waek, meaning ‘divided sea’.
Practical Info
Tup Island is included in Krabi’s Four Island tours, which depart from Ao Nang, as well as a number of other beaches along the Krabi coastline. Alternatively it’s possible to charter a private longtail boat with a driver.
Some sort of footwear is recommended when walking across the sandbar between the islands, as sharp coral and shells usually emerge from the water and lay strewn across the sand.
Address: Tup Island, Krabi, Thailand
From $ 24
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Wat Phra That Doi Kham (Golden Mountain Temple) is named after the forested mountain on which it’s located, just outside Chiang Mai. A much-revered site in Thailand, the temple was built towards the end of the 7th century and is known for its 17-meter high Buddha statue.
Built in the year 687, the oldest structure within the Wat Phra That Doi Kham complex is its golden chedi, which shares a number of features with the chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep further north. It had long been abandoned when, in 1966, local villagers discovered a hidden chamber when the chedi collapsed during some heavy rainfall. A number of Buddha images were found inside and funds were raised to restore the chedi.
With its ancient chedi, impressive Buddha statues and panoramic views of the city from its elevated vantage point, Wat Phra That Doi Kham makes for a pleasant, more peaceful alternative to the popular Wat Phra That Doi Suthep nearby.
Practical Info
Wat Phra That Doi Kham is located on top of a mountain situated approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai city. The site sits just north of Royal Park Ratchaphruek, and the easiest way to reach it is to either rent a motorcycle or book a round-trip in a taxi.
Address: Mae Hia, Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand 50200, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 6am-6pm
From $ 30
Wat Kalayanamit
Wat Kalayanamit is an elaborate Bangkok temple that sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It’s located near the mouth of the Bangkok Yai Canal, although any time spent on this part of the river means you’re unlikely to miss it; the temple’s giant ochre-roofed viharn tends to stand out and demand attention.
While Kalayanamit’s viharn can be said to be traditionally Thai in architectural style, the temple’s other buildings and pavilions have a distinct Chinese influence. This is because Wat Kalayanamit was built in the first half of the 19th century when China was seen as the ideal counterbalance to the growing European influences in southeast Asia. As such, Chinese architecture, sculptures, and other decorative artefacts became increasingly popular.
Inside the huge viharn, an equally huge Buddha statue almost fills the entire prayer hall, while the walls are painted with scenes from the time of the temple's construction. Located next to the viharn, a bell tower houses the largest bronze bell in Thailand.
Practical Info
Due to Wat Kalayanamit’s location, the best way to reach the temple is by boat. The Chaophraya River Express goes to Ratchinee, where a cross-river ferry makes the trip to the pier located next to the temple entrance.
Address: Thailand
From $ 34
Tweechol Botanic Garden
Quiet swimming pools, well-kept bike trails, popular paddle boats, manicured gardens and pristine topiaries make Tweechol Botanical Gardens, just outside of Chiang Mai, a popular destination for travelers looking to escape the big town hustle and enjoy the slower pace of northern Thai life.
Visitors can walk through wild orchid displays and collections of unique succulents, or ride bikes through more than 100 varieties of palm trees on a visit to Tweechol. Travelers will also learn about the traditions of the Lanna people, and children will love the small but impressive zoo—home to dozens of animals including ostriches, deer, camels and peacocks.
Practical Info
Tweechol Botanical Garden is located about 10 kilometers outside of Chiang Mai in Amphur Doi Saket, on the Chiang Mai-Doi Saket Highway. It is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. daily.
Address: 118 M.7, Cheng Doi, Amphur Doi Saket, Thailand
Hours: Daily 8:30am-5:30pm
Admission: Adults: 80 Baht, children 40 Baht
From $ 138