Rainbow temples in Thailand
Other than Thailand’s beautiful culture, people and endless nature resorts, the Land of Smiles is also known to be incredibly spiritual. The largely Buddhist country is home to some of the most beautiful shrines in the world and we have collated a list of 8 must-visit temples in Thailand that each represent the colours of the rainbow. Perfect for curating colour-coordinated IG feeds during your time here.
So if you’re tired of cafe-hopping or shopping, it’s time for you to delve into the spiritual side of this nation with us in this article.
More on other spiritual places in Thailand:
- Wat Arun: Bangkok’s most iconic temple with photogenic architecture
- Wat Rong Suea Ten is an all-blue temple in Chiang Rai
- Wat Pariwat is Bangkok’s most unique temple with sculptures of Pikachu
1. Red temple in Koh Samui: Wat Ratchathammaram
First on the list is the Red Temple in Koh Samui: Wat Ratchathammaram. Made of unpainted clay and red stones, this structure is a sight to behold against the vivid blue skies in Koh Samui.
You could snap pictures at the entrance of the magnificent temple or within its mysterious dark red walls. Inside the temple, there are detailed and exquisite stone carvings on the walls – all part of a large stone mural – that looks akin to a painting from afar.
So when you find yourselves in the south of Thailand, be sure to pay this striking temple a visit. Y’know, perhaps it’s time to add a red dress or two into the packing list.
Wat Ratchathammaram
Address: Wat Phra That Sila Ngu, Tambon Bophut, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily, 9AM – 5PM
Google Maps
2. Orange marble temple in Bangkok: Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram
Up next on our list, we have the Orange Marble Temple in Bangkok: Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram. This temple was built at the request of King Chulalongkorn back in 1898 and is made of Italian marble.
This gorgeous temple has orange-red roof tiles and two giant doors that open to the grand temple. Given that the late King Chulalongkorn’s ashes rest beneath Buddha’s statue in the temple, it only makes sense that the grand premises befit royalty.
The temple is also designed with intricate gold accents along its pillars and its rooftop. Should you come dressed in a red or orange dress, you’re sure to look like you’ll fit right in with the majestic landscape in Bangkok.
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram
Address: 69 Rama V Rd, Dusit, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily, 8.30AM – 5.30PM
Telephone: +66 6 4334 4135
Google Maps
3. Golden temple in Chiang Mai: Wat Phra Singh
Speaking of gold, the next one on our list is a living proof that “All that glitters IS gold.” Up in Chiang Mai, lies their famously golden temple, Wat Phra Singh. The temple houses two iconic pagodas – often mentioned as must-visit spots by locals – Doi Suthep Temple.
Given that the temple is houses a significant Buddha: the Phra Buddha Sihing – the temple’s name is inspired from the statue’s name. During your visit there, you’d also note that Wat Phra Singh is an active temple with many monks and disciples calling it home.
With Doi Suthep towering over visitors and glistening on a sunny day, it is hard to ignore the brilliance that the golden pagodas embody in this temple. With all the life within the temple, a visit here will not only reward your IG feed but also your spiritual journey as well.
Wat Phra Singh
Address: 2 Samlarn Rd, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50280, Thailand
Opening Hours: Daily, 9AM – 6PM
Telephone: +66 53 416 027
Google Maps
4. Emerald temple made from beer bottles: Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew
Next up on our list, we have the famous green temple of a million bottles: Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew. Undoubtedly one of the most creative and interesting picks we have on this list, this temple is made of a million beer bottles over the course of two years.
Since its original completion back in 1986, the monks that first initiated the project have also moved on to complete more buildings to add to the main temple as seen here.
While it may not seem possible to construct a temple out of beer bottles, you can clearly see upon closer inspection, how numerous individual beer bottles have been stacked to create this grand structure.
Previously listed as one of the pioneer examples of eco-friendly architecture, we’re fascinated by how this sturdy temple has stood the test of time after all these years. For guests, it’s truly a humbling experience to walk through the glass beer bottle-studded floors and walls of this shrine for sure.
With the green and brown mosaic walls. you could play imaginary games of tetris in your head while you stand to admire this work of art from a distance. Situated in the lesser known province of Sisaket, we believe that this temple is definitely worth a visit while you’re in Thailand.
Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew (Wat Lan Khuad)
Address: JC99+9PM, Si, Khun Han District, Si Sa Ket 33150, Thailand
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8AM – 5PM (Closed on PH & eve of PH)
Telephone: +66 4524 3770
Google Maps
5. Blue temple in Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Suea Ten
Next on our list is the well-known blue temple of Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Suea Ten. The temple is more affectionately known as the ‘Blue Temple’ as it is famous for its brilliant sapphire blue colour tones on both the interior and exterior of the shrine’s premises.
The Thai name ‘Wat Rong Suea Ten’ translates to ‘House of The Dancing Tiger’ as locals claim that tigers used to roam freely on the temple grounds more than a century ago.
There are many temples to be discovered in Chiang Rai but this stunning blue temple is a marvellous choice for those on the hunt for a spiritual experience, while also being floored by the intricate architecture.
Wat Rong Suea Ten
Address: 306 Moo 2 Maekok Rd, Tambon Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily, 7AM – 8PM
Telephone: +66 6 4347 3636
Google Maps
6. Purple zodiac temple in Chiang Mai: Wat Ban Den
At this point, we’ll like to talk a little about one of the largest temple complexes in Chiang Mai: Wat Ban Den. In Thailand, every animal in the zodiac has a dedicated temple across the country.
Since it’d take some time for locals to travel from place to place to visit and worship in these temples, Wat Ban Den’s abbot decided to build 12 pagodas in the temple – each representing an animal in the zodiac.
You’d be able to find stunning and colourful structures here in Wat Ban Den – from imposing green Naga dragons guarding the entrances of the temples to this giant purple hamsa, also known as a sacred goose.
While the temple is situated a little further up north in rural Chiang Mai, we believe that the temple’s unique designs and concept warrants a visit to those who find themselves in the north of Thailand.
Wat Ban Den
Address: 5X5H+39X, Inthakhin, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily, 7AM – 6PM
Telephone: +66 8 1961 2396
Google Maps
7. White temple in Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Khun
As we approach the end of our list, be sure to check out my personal favourite of the lot: the iconic White Temple – Wat Rong Khun. Immediately, upon entering the temple, look out for the famous yin-yang walkway, framed by the grim clay sculptures of skulls and hands reaching into the skies.
This macabre contrast set against the calm white and greys tones of the entire temple, will make for pretty striking snapshots for sure.
Other than its outstanding all-white exterior, the temple grounds are also intricately designed – from its Naga dragons, to its pillars and the bridge that connects the walkway to the main temple.
Honestly, I had so much fun twirling in my long skirt to capture some OOTDs while I was visiting this temple. The skies were also incredibly cooperative that day and our mini photoshoot paid off with these wonderful photos I walked away with after my trip.
The White Temple is also a relatively large complex with photo corners like this Bodhisattva leaves walkway, away from the main temple itself. A pro-tip is to set aside enough time for this massive complex, as you could easily spend up to 2 hours just exploring the temple grounds and snapping photos for the road.
Wat Rong Khun
Address: 60 Moo 1 Phahonyothin Rd, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Opening hours: Daily, 8AM – 5PM
Telephone: +66 5 3673 967
Google Maps
8. Silver Temple in Chiang Mai – Wat Sri Suphan
Last but not least on our list of colourful temples, we have the ethereal Silver Temple in Chiang Mai – Wat Sri Suphan.
While it’s not necessarily the largest temple, it is arguably the most expensive – reportedly USD1 million was spent to construct the entire temple. While the essential parts of the shrine were crafted with real silver, the masterpiece is a result of a combination of silver and other metal alloys.
Be sure to plan your visit when there’s ample sunlight as the entire temple – including its interior – is glazed with silver, something you’ll spot easily as it gleams magnificently in the sun.
One of the most popular photo spots for guests is also the entrance of the temple where you can pose comfortably on the turquoise steps framed by two silver Naga dragons.
Right from the entrance, you’d then notice the gold statue of the Buddha that rests at the end of the silver worship hall.
As for art aficionados, you’re bound get lost in the impressive murals found here. These intricate wall carvings often depict tales from the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment, with this silver temple’s display being no exception.
So if you’ve already checked off some of the more popular temples or tourist spots in Chiang Mai, make sure to give this temple a visit and wrap up your temple hunt in the most meaningful way possible.
Wat Sri Suphan
Address: Wua Lai Rd, Tambon Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Opening hours: Sunday – Friday, 6AM – 6PM/
Telephone: +66 9 2787 9326
Google Maps
A vast array of stunning temples in Thailand await you
If you’ve stayed with us this far, we hope that you’ve found a few places to add to your bucket list while in Thailand.
While some of us might prefer to get lost in Thailand’s nature or hypnotic nightlife, this country is also home to hundreds and thousands of temples. Thus, even if you’re completely new to temple-hopping, the experience is sure to intrigue you.
So if you are already planning your next trip to Thailand, do bookmark these places for some ideas. Your IG feed will thank you for it.
Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): @aulmuhm, thailanda.travel, @heimatchange
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