How to Wat Hop in Thailand – A Cultural Journey

Thailand has nearly 40,000 temples. Most of these temples are active and some are in disrepair. The bulk of the temples are Buddhist sanctuaries, although you can find several Hindu temples as well. These wats aren't only meant for praying; visitors can light oil lamps and incense and talk to the monks for spiritual guidance. Foreign visitors seem to be fascinated by the temples; they make up their own wat hopping tours. Here are some of the most visited temples in Thailand.

Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas or alternatively © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, Chiang Rai Thailand Wat-Rong-Khun-01, CC BY-SA 4.0

1. White Temple, Chiang Rai

Although it is called a temple, White Temple is not really a temple. The temple was in ruins when a local artist decided to restore the site. He spent years turning the temple into a stunning art gallery. The main hall houses a range of artwork and can only be reached via the bridge built over a pool. Some of the other halls are dedicated to learning and meditation. The renovation of the premises is still ongoing, and it's not likely to stop until the year 2070.

2. Wat Arun, Bangkok

Any hotel in Asoke would include Wat Arun in their temple-hopping itinerary. Sitting on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is known to locals as the 'Temple of the Dawn'. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Arun. The temple becomes a stunning sight in the morning when the sun rays sprinkle on the ornate temple walls. The 70-metre-long spire makes Wat Arun one of the most iconic Bangkok landmarks; the spire can be sighted from the river. One of the best things about visiting this temple is the chance to climb up the staircase. If heights don't scare you, you'll be offered the most stunning views of the Chao Phraya River.

3. Wat Pho, Bangkok

Another must-visit place for those staying at Avani Atrium Bangkok, Wat Pho is also called the Temple of Reclining Buddha. The sprawling temple complex occupies a land area of 80,000 square metres. Only half of the complex is accessible to visitors, the other half consists of living quarters and a school. The biggest highlight of the temple is the colossal Buddha statue, with a height of 15 metres and a length of 46 metres; the most eye-catching feature is the feet of the statue.

4. Blue Temple, Chiang Rai

Another name for the temple is Wat Rong Seua Ten. Located right outside Bangkok, Blue Temple is one of the most visited wats in Thailand. Although relatively small, the golden ceiling and azure blue colour of the temple make it a must-visit. Inside the temple are several mosaic paintings and Buddha statues.

5. Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya

Although not a temple, the Sanctuary of Truth deserves a spot on your list of wats. The structure is built of teak wood to make it look like a palace; from some angles, it also looks like a wat. The Sanctuary of Truth was the idea of a local artist who passed away in 2000; he worked on the temple effortlessly until his death. The construction of the building is yet to be finished. The Sanctuary of Truth is a place of art, religion, and philosophy.

6. Tiger Cave Temple, Krabi

The Tiger Cave Temple is located a few paces away from Krabi. The temple has different levels and a staircase with 1,260 steps. If you manage to climb the steep staircase, you'll be gifted with a stunning golden Buddha statue, a shrine, and stunning views of the town below. The temple is surrounded by a tropical jungle; you'll also find several caves here. Some of the caves contain Buddha statues and some are used for lighting incense.