Temples: Overview

There are an estimated 40,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand, official and otherwise. Thai temple architecture, while sharing influences with other Southeast Asian styles, is also unique. Typically comprising a multi-building complex, Thai temples, or wats, feature a tall, bell-shaped stupa, ordination and sermon halls, a space for shrines and Buddha images, and a residence for the monks. Temple roofs are often quite striking, with multiple tiers and gables ending in long, thin ornaments called chofahs.

1. Wat Arun
You know a Bangkok temple is special if its image is on Thai currency, in this case the 10-baht coin. Among Bangkok’s most revered icons, Wat Arun –- the Temple of Dawn -- sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Construction of the stunning "phra prang" (towers), which are covered in tiny pieces of colorful Chinese ceramics, was started by King Rama II (1809-1824) and completed by King Rama III (1824-1851). Though Wat Arun's phra prang are the biggest attraction, they are actually only a small part of the complex, which also hosts lovely white buildings, shrines, ponds and tiny lanes. From a snapper's point of view, the best place to get a shot of Wat Arun is actually from the other side of the river, particularly at sunset. The restaurant at Arun Residence has great views and good food.

2. Wat Phra Kaew
Tourists are likely more familiar with Wat Phra Kaew's home, the grounds of the legendary Grand Palace. Wat Phra Kaew -- Temple of the Emerald Buddha -- enshrines one of Thailand's most revered Buddha statues, which was carved out of a single block of jade. This Buddha image is certainly well travelled. According to Thailand's official palace website, it was first discovered in Chiang Rai in 1464, brought down to Lampang where it remained till King Tilok of Lannathai brought it to Chiang Mai, his capital. Then it was brought to Luang Prabang, Laos, before heading to Vientiane. Then, the King of Thonburi sent an expedition to bring it back. When King Rama I built the city of Bangkok, including the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha was installed in the chapel, where it remains today. Also worth checking out in this Bangkok temple are the murals, which depict the traditional life-story of the Buddha, proverbs and episodes from the Ramakien -- the Thai version of the Ramayana.

3. Wat Pho
Right next door to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is home to Thailand's biggest reclining Buddha statue. The soles of the 46-meter-long statue's feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, depicting the 108 auspicious signs of the Buddha, while the statue itself is covered in gold leaf. According to the Thai history books, after moving to the Grand Palace, King Rama I recognized the old temple as a site of religious significance and ordered his noblemen to restore it in 1788. This first restoration took seven years, five months and 28 days. During the reign of King Rama III another great restoration/expansion period took place, which took 16 years and seven months. Wat Pho is also home to a highly respected massage school, where Thai masseurs have been training since 1955. Visitors can drop in for a full traditional Thai massage or enroll in short or long-term courses.