Sacred Sites in Thailand
Below is an illustrated index of the sacred sites and religious places in Thailand profiled so far on Sacred Destinations, listed in alphabetical order by name. Please note this list is far from comprehensive - many more great sites remain to be added. You can also view these sites on an interactive map.
 Bangkok This popular city shrine features the four-faced Hindu god Brahma. Built to appease evil spirits during the accident-prone construction of the Grand Hyatt in 1956, it still attracts worshippers day and night.  This historical park in north-central Thailand is the ruined capital of the Sukhothai kingdom, founded in 1238. The moated central zone contains 21 temples in a beautiful setting of lawns, lakes and trees.  Bangkok This beautiful Buddhist temple is a major landmark on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The central chedi, covered in shells and porcelain, represents mythical Mt. Meru.  Bangkok Named for the white Carrara marble of which it's constructed, the Marble Temple is the most modern and one of the most beautiful of Bangkok's royal wats. It also has some interesting European influences.  Chiang Mai Built in 1391 and expanded later, this impressive temple was damaged in the 1545 earthquake and never rebuilt. It once contained the Emerald Buddha.  Chiang Mai Located in peaceful green grounds, this unique and elegant temple was built in 1453 to host the Eighth World Buddhist Council. Its design is based on the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, India.  Chiang Mai Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, begun in 1306. It enshrines the Crystal Buddha, one of the greatest treasures in Thailand.  Bangkok Dating from the 18th century, Wat Mahathat is one of Bangkok's oldest shrines and the headquarters of Thailand's largest monastic order.  Bangkok This is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, built in 1788 on the site of an even earlier temple. It is known as the birthplace of Thai massage and the home of the giant golden Reclining Buddha.  Bangkok The holiest Buddhist shrine in Thailand, this large temple complex within the Grand Palace houses a revered statue of the Emerald Buddha.  Chiang Mai The Temple of the Lion Buddha is an important Buddhist monastery founded in the 14th century. It houses two medieval Buddha statues and includes some notable Lanna architecture.  Chiang Mai The holiest shrine in northern Thailand, this Buddhist temple crowning Doi Suthep mountain was founded in 1386 under miraculous circumstances.  Bangkok Wat Saket dates from the Ayutthaya era and was restored by King Rama I. Famous for its great golden stupa, it is used for cremation and burials due to its location outside the walls.  Bangkok One of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, Wat Suthat is famed for its beautiful roofs, huge bronze Buddha, magnificent frescoes and giant red swing out front.  Bangkok Wat Traimit is home to the magnificent Golden Buddha, the largest solid-gold Buddha image in the world. Cast 900 years ago, it was hidden under plaster until its rediscovery in 1957. |
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