Top Cultural Wonders to Visit in Thailand

Taking a Thailand tour is a discovery of intriguing customs, sights, and excitement. With 95% of Buddhists, Buddhism architecture and cultural wonders can be seen everywhere in Thailand, from giant golden Buddha statues to temples with intricate and exquisite carvings. From solemn ancient relics to breathtaking modern architecture, showing a high level of artistic achievement as well as the abandonment of cultural wonders, await your visit and exploration.

Here are must-see cultural wonders in Thailand, which can bring you unforgettable experiences.

Grand Palace (Bangkok)

Located in Bangkok's royal heart the Rattanakosin, the Grand palace glitters golden under the sun. It was built in 1782 and has been the official residence of the royal since then, with a total area of 218,000 square meters. Although the current king does not live here, it is still one of the most important places for royal events and official functions.

In the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in English, resides one of the holiest artifacts in Thailand - the Emerald Buddha. The statue is believed to have the spirit of Thailand and bless the country to be prosperous.

There are other fantastic buildings: the golden stupa of Phra Si Rattana Chedi, the Buddhist library of Phra Mondop, and the pavilion of the Royal Pantheon. Next to the palace, you can visit the National Museum, where various collections show you the special history and culture of Thailand.

Grand Palace

Wat Pho (Bangkok)

Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is famous for its 46-meter-long golden reclining Buddha. Within a 10-minute walk from the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is  top attractions you cannot miss. It is one of six first-class royal temples in Thailand, with a great collection of Buddha images taking your breath.

The temple is regarded as Thailand's first public education center, whose marble pictures and inscriptions for public teaching have been recognized by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme. It is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

Notice that you need to take off your shoes before entering some buildings of the temple complex for respecting their religion and tradition.

Wat Arun (Bangkok)

Wat Arun is located on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River, also called the Temple of Dawn. Outside the temple, the sight is splendid. Although it has the name "the Temple of Dawn", the best time to appreciate the building and the scenery around it is during the sunset. Decorated exquisitely with small pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain, the majestic spire is stunning in the sunlight. In the distance, the ever-changing clouds are blanked in orange, red, and purple. Wat Arun is also quite impressive at night when the lights around it are lit up.

Rama II is credited with creating the Buddha image in the ordination hall, which also houses stunning murals showing Prince Siddhartha's (the Buddha) experiences of his people's birth, old age, sickness, and death.

Wat Arun

The Ayutthaya Historical Park (Ayutthaya)

Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, succeeded Sukhothai as the second Siamese capital, which was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. Nowadays, enormous monasteries that still stand there serve as reminders of their former grandeur. With its significance in terms of art, history, and culture, part of the park was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

There are some old temples waiting for your exploration. Wat Chaiwatthanaram, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, has a structure that reflects the Buddhist culture well. The large "Prang Prathan" that dominates the center represents the mountain Meru, which serves as the traditional world's axis. In the famous temple of Wat Phanan Choeng, gilded 19-meter-high Buddha seats there, which is considered a guardian for mariners. Other temples like Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, and Wat Mahathat are also very interesting.

The Ayutthaya Historical Park

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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai)

As one of northern Thailand's most sacred sites, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep(also known as Doi Suthep) will bring you an unforgettable experience. It is situated on the summit of the Doi Suthep mountain, with fantastic nature views and fresh air. King Keu Naone founded Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in 1383 to enshrine a bone fragment said to be from the shoulder of the Buddha, and the temple is mysterious for the legend of a white elephant, which brought an omen for King Nu Naone to build the temple.

To reach the temple, you can choose to climb up 309 steps while enjoying the beautiful scenery. There is also a tram that can take you up to the destination.

White Temple (Chiang Rai)

It is known as the White Temple, for its all-white principal building, whose color represents the purity of the Buddha. There are glass fragments in the plaster, glittering in the sunlight, which shows the Buddha's wisdom and Buddhist teachings. It is owned, designed, and reconstructed by a local artist from Ching Rai, Chalermchai Kositpipat. The reconstruction project will continue until at least 2070.

Wat Rong Khun consists of a series of fine buildings: the bridge of "the cycle of rebirth", a white ubosot, a hall to enshrine Buddhist relics, the monks living quarters, and an art gallery. Buddhist symbols are almost everywhere. For example, Thousands of hands are extended in front of the bridge to the ubosot, as a representation of unbridled longing.

White Temple

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Wat Phra That Phanom (That Phanom)

About 600 meters west of the Mekong River in Thailand's Nakorn Phanom Province is where Wat Phra That Phanom locates. Its holy stupa is a landmark, with white and gold decorations on the exterior. A chest bone relic from the Lord Buddha with other numerous priceless treasures is claimed to be housed in the tower. It is formally honored as one of the royal first-class temples in 1942.

All Thai Buddhists feel lucky to visit Wat Phra That Phanom. Especially for those Thai Buddhists who are born in the Year of the Monkey, it is their holy site.

The temple was destroyed in an earthquake and its ruins are in front of the newer one. There are additional parking spaces, photo spots, and gift stores available to you.

The Sukhothai Historical Park (Sukhothai)

As one of Thailand's most amazing World Heritage sites, the Old Sukhothai City covers the ruins of Sukhothai. With the historical sites of the royal palace and temples, it is definitely a place worth your time. The park receives thousands of tourists annually.

The most significant and stunning temple in Sukhothai Historical Park is Wat Mahathat, also known as Mahathat Temple, whose name can be translated as "temple of the big relic". The principal stupa, with the shape of a lotus bud, was designed to enshrine relics of the Buddha.

Other attractions like Wat Si Sawai, Wat Sa Si, Wat Sorasak, and Wat Si Chum are also worth visiting. Keep in mind that vehicles and motorcycles are no longer permitted inside the park.

Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao Temple (Chong Mek)

Located in Sirindhorn District Abun Ratchathani Province, it is also called Wat Phu Prao Temple. It has unforgettable beauty. In the darkness of the night, there are glowing decorations on the temple and on the grounds around it. The Ubosot on the external wall of the temple, which has Buddhist art in the form of a luminous Kalapapruek tree, is the temple's main attraction. Many fluorescent patterns are pained around the grounds. It is a paradise for photography lovers.

The dry season (December to late April) is the greatest time to visit the temple as the sun is more present and the paintings are more luminous.

If you're interested in traveling to Thailand, but don't know how to start, you can simply send us an inquiry, and our experienced travel experts can assist you in customizing a special Thailand trip. We are committed to offering unique travel packages for different groups of people, which are tailored to your interests and include breathtaking experiences. You can also get more inspiration for the article of "World's Best Destinations for Cultural Tour".