Wat Phra Chetuphon, commonly known as Wat Pho, topped the list as part of Tripadvisor's 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best, based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings collected on its website over the past year.
Located on Maha Rat Road next to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, this temple is famous for its large reclining Buddha statue, which was constructed during the reign of King Rama III and is covered in gold.
The statue is 15 meters in height, with the soles of its feet adorned with over 100 auspicious images, decorated with pearls.
The pagoda is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with an entry fee of 300 baht (US$8).
Photo courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) ranked second.
Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in central Bangkok, it was named after Arun, the Indian god of dawn.
The temple's central prang (tower) stands at approximately 82 meters high, making it the tallest in Bangkok. The five prangs are covered in porcelain mosaics and seashell fragments, giving the temple a gleaming, iridescent appearance when illuminated by the rising sun.
Up close, you'll find the tiles decorated with exquisite floral patterns in various colors.
Wat Arun is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with tickets costing 50 baht. The temple is located just across the river from Wat Pho.
Photo courtesy of Wat Arun Temple
Big Buddha Phuket ranked third.
Also known as Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, it is a towering symbol of peace and spirituality situated on Nakkerd Hill in Phuket. Standing at 45 meters tall, the statue is adorned with white Burmese marble and was completed after construction began in 2004.
With free entry, visitors can take photos, learn about the landmark's significance and contribute to its preservation by purchasing marble pieces.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Located in the heart of Bangkok, The Grand Palace ranked fourth and serves as a symbol of Thailand and its royal family.
Although no longer the residence of the royal family, the palace is used for hosting royal ceremonies and welcoming state guests and foreign dignitaries.
Entry fees for foreigners are 500 baht, which includes access to Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles within the complex.
Photo courtesy of The Grand Palace
In fifth position, Jim Thompson House is a museum in downtown Bangkok that houses the art collection of the American businessman and architect Jim Thompson, who also designed the museum and was its former owner.
Visitors are required to join a guided tour to explore the main house.
The entrance fee is 200 baht, and the tour showcases the beautiful architecture, well-preserved artifacts, and tranquil gardens.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) ranked sixth.
Wat Phra Kaew is located within the Grand Palace complex and is home to the revered Emerald Buddha, dating back to the 14th century.
Visitors are required to wear long pants when entering the temple, with a rental service available for those without appropriate attire.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Sukhothai Historical Park ranked seventh.
The historical park is one of Thailand’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites and contains the remains of 21 historical sites and four large ponds within the old city walls, with an additional 70 sites within a 5 km radius.
Motorbikes and cars are not allowed inside the park, which is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to cycle through the park, admire the well-preserved ruins and stunning architecture, sample local food at nearby stalls and capture postcard-perfect photos of the historical statues.
Photo courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand
Phraya Nakhon Cave ranked eighth.
It is a limestone cave located in Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, a 45-minute drive from the resort city of Hua Hin. Though challenging to reach and somewhat off the tourist track, its remoteness adds to its charm.
The cave, discovered 200 years ago by Chao Phraya Nakhon Sri Thammarat, houses a small temple.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) in Chiang Rai ranked ninth.
It stands out among Thailand’s temples for its unique, pure white appearance, giving it a snow-covered look.
Located about 13 kilometers southwest of Chiang Rai city center, the temple is famous for its bridge adorned with hundreds of outstretched hands, symbolizing the "greed, anger and delusion" of humanity.
The bridge represents the journey toward overcoming worldly temptations and reaching enlightenment.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai finished the list.
Built in 1345 and located on Sam Lan Road in Chiang Mai, the temple houses the North’s most revered Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Sihing, enshrined in Vihan Lai Kham, a chapel featuring exquisite woodcarvings and traditional northern-style murals.
During the Songkran festival (April 13-15), Phra Phuttha Sihing is paraded around town so that locals can bathe the statue with scented water, a ritual believed to bring good luck.
The temple is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo by Tripadvisor
