21 Unique temples in Thailand for an out-of-the-ordinary experience

Written by Alexandria Arroyo
Edited by Dawn Pillay

Take a step inside some of Thailand’s most unique temples. From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, travelers boast special experiences in these off-the-beaten path places.

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For somewhere like Thailand, temples are a commonplace, but these 20 unusual and eccentric Wats (temples) will give you an experience that’s anything but ordinary.

1. Colourful elephant temple that looks so grand! – Wat Ban Rai (วัด บ้านไร่)

Have you ever explored Erawan Museum.? There’s another really cool elephant temple in just 3.5h from Bangkok (or 1.5h from Khao Yai)!

Get ready to be stunned by this majestic temple built in the middle of the lake. Welcomed by two huge nagas on both sides, you’ll be wowed by the sheer size of the temple and pond.

Whether you’re here to pray, or just be wow-ed by it all, you’ll definitely want to take a picture here. I mean, with the bright colours and intricate design, you’ve got a picture-perfect setting right there. It’s not as crowded as other temples too, since it’s mainly visited by locals, so you can easily take great photos (without having other people in your shot) here!

Fun Fact: This temple looks like a sea turtle from above.

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2. Walk around a mountain to reach this cave temple with views – Wat Phu Tok, Bueng Kan

Wat Phu Thok, also known as Wat Jetiyakhiri, has a unique wooden walkway curving around the scenic mountain – that travellers and worshippers get to journey through to reach the summit.

The wooden walkway provides endless viewpoints, and when you finally reach the top, you’ll get to enjoy a stunning 360º view. (Make sure to bring water and snacks as it can be quite a tiring walk with about 600 steps!)

Triview: Phu Tok means ‘lonely mountain’ in the Isan language

An important temple where you’ll find practicing monks, nuns and Buddhists – you’ll find 7 levels of wooden ladders, steps, rocks and roots on the mountain – which represent the 7 levels of spiritual enlightenment in Buddhist philosophy.

Ready for some spiritual enlightenment along with great views?

3. The famous Krabi temple complete with dreamscape misty views – Tiger Cave Temple

Looking much like a scene in a dream or fantasy animation from Studio Ghibli, it’s not difficult to see why people make sure to visit Tiger Temple in Krabi.

Before you visit, be warned, there is a price to pay for the unbelievable views – and that is the 1,237 steps you will have to climb to get there. However, the rewards are more than well worth it once you reach the top.

Don’t forget to bring water along, and light snacks to refuel!

4. Wonder the seemingly infinite ground of a spaceship-like temple – Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Pathum Thani

Take a step inside Thailand’s largest temple. The temple is known for it’s unique construction, more minimalist than most ornate Thai temples. Wat Phra Dhammakaya represents the Dhammakaya movement, the belief that inner peace will lead to world peace.

The temple grounds is home to 300,000 Buddha images and house several thousand monks. The temple holds massive gatherings dedicated to meditation. When visiting the temple, you might notice that the architecture is not like other Thai temples.

It takes on a more simplistic structure and focus, with the idea that time and money can be focused on the dedication to the Dhammakaya movement rather than upkeep of a more detailed design.

5. As close as we can get to Targaryen dragons – Wat Samphran, Nakon Pathom

If you’re suffering from Game of Thrones withdrawals, well… Welcome to Wat Samphran – the unusual pink dragon temple that’s as close as we can go to Targaryen dragons.

The very unusually shaped and colored Pink Dragon temple may be one of the most eccentric temples in Thailand. Aside from it’s strange structural characteristics, the temple has no written history.

No one knows who designed it or how old it actually is. The soaring temple reaches 17 stories and features a dragon wrapped around the pink skyscraper. Visitors can also find a large bronze Buddha on the grounds.

6. The stunning azure blue temple on a hill  – Wat Pa Phu Kon, Udon Thani

At Wat Pa Phu Kon (also known as Wat Phu Phu), all you’ll get are views, views and more views.

Couple that with beautiful temple architecture, and a magnificent white marble reclining Buddha – this is the go-to temple in Udon Thani.

The temple’s gorgeous designs means it’s a sight to behold both during the day and at night. If you visit at night, one unique sight to look out for, is the reclining buddha dappled in peaceful patterns.

Altogether, the Buddha statue and temple grounds cost an incredible 370 million Baht (USD $11.1 million) to build, which makes it one of the more luxurious temples around.

PS: If you’re hungry, there’s a simple restaurant around temple grounds for you to lunch at!

7. Unprecedented location and the most breathtaking temples and pagodas in all of Thailand – Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn, Lampang (2.5 hours from Chiang Mai)

Also known by the names Wat Phabatpuphadang, Wat Phrabuddhabat or Wat Doi, these spectacular temples and pagodas are truly one of a kind. Clinging to the jagged cliff face at the top of a mountain, the temples overlook a sheer drop close to 1,000 meters below!

An hour’s drive from Lampang deposits you at the first level, where you can wander around the main temple, and meet the monks who live in this area.

The second level is farther up the mountain, and can be accessed by Songthaew or on foot. Here you will find the famous footsteps that are believed to belong to Buddha.

Leading to the final level of the temple complex are 800 extremely steep steps that bring you to the most magnificent mountain top in Thailand. This third tier is known as Doi Prat Bet – and here you’ll find the golden pagoda, prayer hall, and many white stupas scattered along the rocky surface of the mountain top.

The 360 degree views from the summit are incredible; the Thung valley below, the hills in the distance, and the temples surrounding you. Located in the Lampang province (112km from Chiang Mai), this magnificent, 3-level Buddhist tribute may be a little difficult to get to, but more than worth the journey.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai sits eights hours north of Bangkok by car and just one hour by plane. The northern Thai city is famous for its old history and historical temples. To separate from the crowds, explore the less traveled.

8. An artist’s dream, The Silver Temple – Wat Srisuphan, Chiang Mai

Any artist looking for a unique temple experience will appreciate Wat Srisuphan, also known as the Silver Temple. It’s known for its specially decorated shine of hammered silver art, and those famous blue watery steps.

The shrine is decorated by local artisans who still work at the on-site studio today – and you’ll be able to make your own silver keychain there too.

Historically, the neighborhood was a silver worker’s district, and the tradition lives on today. To top off the experience, stop by for a monk chat on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday from 5.30pm to 7 pm or an introduction to meditation from 7pm to 9pm.

9. Hike to Chiang Mai’s secret jungle waterfall temple – Wat Palad (Wat Pha Lat), Chiang Mai

A temple tucked away inside the jungle, what more could you ask for? Serenity, no tourists, and no entry fee. A true sense of what a temple should feel like— meaningful.

Wat Palad is a temple built amongst the lush green jungle, featuring a rock waterfall at the side, and overlooking the city line of historic Chiang Mai.

10. Walk through this 700 year old temple with ancient tunnels – Wat Umong, Chiang Mai

When the temple was first built in the 14th century, it was used as a forest monastery. The lush greenery still remains, along with the historical importance.

The temple grounds house several tunnels, some of them dug out and now contain shrines of Buddha where local Thais and foreigners can pay respects.

Interested travellers can also head here to learn more about meditation and Dhamma.

Bangkok

In the heart of bustling Bangkok, you’ll quickly notice the must-see temples of the typical tourist, but if you look beyond those and dig deeper for the hidden gems, you’ll find the real magic hidden in plain sight.

11. Admire the world’s largest and most expensive solid gold Buddha – Wat Traimit, Bangkok

If you want something with a wow factor, take a trip to Wat Traimit. The temple houses a solid gold Buddha that weighs in at five and a half tons. The Buddha is 83 percent gold and 15 feet tall.

With the current gold prices, it’s said to be worth millions of dollars. The golden Buddha was once housed in temple in Bangkok, which was abandoned sometime near 1931. In the Buddha’s earlier years it was covered in plaster and lacquer, which some say was to disguise its true worth.

When the Buddha was being moved from the abandoned temple to where it’s at now (Wat Traimit), the statue was dropped when some ropes broke. During this incident, the true gold body of the Buddha was shown, which many forgot about over the years.

Some of the chipped plaster is now on display at the temple’s museum!

12. The David Beckham temple with Pikachu and even Luffy from One Piece – Wat Pariwat, Bangkok

Yep, you read that right. The David Beckham Temple of Bangkok has become infamous for featuring, you guessed it – David Beckham’s head. The head of the temple is a huge Manchester United fan, David Beckham’s old soccer team.

Visitors can find the head of Beckham at the bottom of the temple shrine – along with other familiar characters like Popeye (the sailorman), Pikachu, Luffy from One Piece, and more.

The temple is only officially open on special occasions, but if you start asking around town you may just meet the right person to let you inside to see it for yourself.

13. Take a ride, no not really, in the Boat Temple – Wat Yannawa, Bangkok

Visitors can walk through the boat-shaped temple at Wat Yannawa. The temple sits along the Chao Phraya River. During the Loy Krathong Festival, the temple is wall-to-wall people, locals who float their way to the wat.

The trip to the boat temple affords many opportunities for other river adventures. The temple’s main attraction is a viharn (houses Buddha images) in the shape of a Chinese junk.

King Rama III wanted the people to remember the past ships that brought prosperity to the kingdom – which is how Wat Yannawa came about!

14. Revel in a multi-cultural gothic cathedral-style temple – Wat Ratchabophit, Bangkok

Many cultural influences can be seen at Wat Ratchabophit, from Thai and Sri Lankan to Italian. The interiors even resembles gothic European cathedrals which is what makes it truly unique.

Like other temples in Thailand, this one often gets passed up due to its close proximity to the ever popular Grand Palace.

This melting pot of temples houses even more surprises, The Royal Cemetery can be found on the temple grounds, where many deceased royal family members have been laid to rest.

It doesn’t end there. A Christian church can also be found, in addition to an area for monks to reside.

15. It’s a magical marble temple with stained glass windows — Wat Benchamabophit, Bangkok

Also know as the marble temple, Wat Benchamabophit boasts stained glass windows and the ubosot inside the temple is made of Carrara marble imported from Italy, as well as incredible history and architectural style.

In addition to the impressive structure, the grounds house a gallery of Buddha images, a Bodhi tree from India, and several resident monks. The Bodhi tree holds significance due its roots in Bodhgaya, India, where Buddha is known to have reached enlightenment.

16. Enjoy a meditation journey to a mountain caveside temple – Wat Tham Pha Plong, Chiang Dao

Located on the side of a cave surrounded by lush greens, Wat Tham Pha Plong offers meditation classes at 3am. The journey to the mountainside temple is just a short 500 steps away.

Visitors will reach a golden stupa at the top, while also enjoying views. As you climb your way to the top, you’ll accordingly, gain wisdom with every step as encouraging proverbs are littered throughout.

17. The beer bottle temple – Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew/Wat Larn Kuad, Sisaket

This eco-friendly wat (temple), also known as the Million Bottle Temple, is made of nearly 1.5 million recycled glass beer bottles (mostly Heineken and Chang Beer bottles!).

In 1984, a group of monks were tired of growing amount of litter in Sisaket and decided to start a recycling initiative via glass beer bottles – and bottle caps for mosaics and Buddhist designs. Over the years, the temple has expanded into a multi-building complex and now features sleeping quarters, bathrooms, and a crematorium.

The grounds are still being added to, and the recycled-glass-bottle temple is meant to be a conversation starter, as well as be a symbol of the cleansing of the mind

18. Monkey around in Monkey Cave/Temple – Wat Tham Phanthurat, Khao Sok National Park

Families of macaque live near the temple, greeting visitors as they discover the cave. The temple is built on a flat open area atop a large limestone in the lush green jungle of Khao Sok National Park.

The monkeys run rampant, so be sure to watch for any snacks in your packs. Fruit stands have bananas and nuts for sale if you dare to feed the little rascals.

19. Take a walk through this twisted Thailand temple – The Black Temple, Chiang Rai

Many travellers exploring the northern city of Chiang Rai make a stop at the infamous White Temple, but not many know of the Black Temple. Known to locals as Baan Dam Museum, the grounds are made up of various buildings filled with images of death.

From animal skins and bones to furs, the unusual “temple” is not quite a temple. You won’t find a golden Buddha or any monks living here. The temple is a representation of all things horrible and ugly that Buddha saw during his journey.

PS: Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, the creator of the Black Temple, has also been put under major scrutiny for his work.

20. The chickenless chicken temple of Hell – Wat Gai, Ayutthaya

Wat Gai literally translates to Chicken Temple, but oddly enough you won’t see any chicken wandering around these temple grounds. The name is meant to pay homage to the chickens that once inhabited and died here.

Although no chickens are present, Wat Gai is known for it’s main attraction – the hell sculpture garden. The sculptures can be a little gruesome and graphic, so this trip is not for the faint of heart.

Oddly enough, Thai parents always bring their kids here as a lesson in morals and consequences – ie, the consequences that could possibly await them if they were naughty.

21. Another look into Buddhist Hell — Wat Pa Thewapithak, Changhan District

If you believe you have bad karma coming your way, taking a step inside Wat Pa Thewapitak might not be the place for you. A hellish picture is painted of what may come if you commit any sins, as a Buddhist.

Various torturous activities are depicted, it’s meant to scare any wandering souls straight. If you want to take the fright one step further, each sculpture has a box that takes 1 Thai baht, and you’ll get to see the torture in action accompanied with frightful laughter or screams.

If you happen to work up an appetite or get thirsty in the Thai humidity, vendors on site have a mix of offerings.

How do you feel about these unique temples we’ve found?

Ranging from quirky (David Beckham temple) to bizarre (spaceship temple), artistic (beer bottle temple) and downright frightful (hell temple) – there’s something for everyone!

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