It's no secret that Thailand is home to lots of temples, and some of which are highly sought-after among foreign tourists.
Moreover, there are also endless options for those who look for some out-of-the-ordinary experiences.
So, read ahead to learn more about that!
Exploring at least a handful of temples is a must-do activity in Thailand, no matter what type of traveler you are. This country has an estimated 40,000 Buddhist temples that seem very appealing with their rich architectural design. While most of them look more or less similar, there are also a number of temples that are quite bizarre in terms of appearance. Unspoiled by mass tourism, these temples draw the attention of only those who want to travel off the beaten path.
Wat Samphran: The Dragon Temple
Wat Samphran is a breathtaking pink-colored temple wrapped in the coils of a dragon. Located in Nakhon Pathom, this temple reaches 17 stories and is visible from a far distance. The dragon - which is entirely hollow inside - is made of iron and glass fiber. There are both stairs as well as elevators to reach the top floor, and the view from up there is magnificent in the truest sense of the term. The whole area is packed with several other temples, living quarters, meditation spots, and food stalls. Also, there is a large bronze Buddha statue that also attracts visitors.
Wat Niwet Thammaprawat: The Church Temple
Wat Niwet Thammaprawat is known for its unique church-like exterior. Moreover, the entire structure - designed by the renowned Italian architect Joachim Grassi - looks stunning with a marble floor, stained-glass windows, and intricate decorations on the wall. The construction was commissioned by King Rama V in the year 1876, to serve as a royal temple for the nearby Bang Pa-in Palace. In the compound, there are a library, offices, monk residences, and a school that also represent the European style of architecture. Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan, etc. are some other attractions nearby.
Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew: The Temple of a Million Bottles
As the name suggests, Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew is built with more than 1.5 million empty beer bottles. This weird yet equally beautiful temple is located in the Khun Han district of Sisaket province. In 1984, a group of Buddhist monks started collecting empty beer bottles littering around the sea and went on to use them to build this temple. The main building is set on a concrete core, while there are several other buildings in a similar appearance. Now, this temple is recognized as one of the most eco-friendly tourist attractions in the world.
You can also visit Wat Yannawa, Wat Saen Suk, Wat Ban Rai, etc.
