There are over 400 Thai temples in and around Bangkok city. Why the Thai need so many temples in their city? It might be a question from a visitor. There are reasons for this. Let’s find out more.
Thai Temples and community, which one is established first?
To answer this question it is not like chicken and eggs. It depends on what kind of Buddhist temple.
Because, over 90% of Thailand’s population practices Theravada Buddhism, making it the dominant religion. The construction of temples is a way for communities to express their faith and devotion.
Type of Thai temples
For city temple(วัดในเมือง), it’s built for serving the local for ritual activities. Therefore, the community was established first and then people built the temple for their own benefit later.
Another type of temple, we call Wat Pa(วัดป่า). It is a place for Buddhist monks who seek a quiet place for meditation practice. Those temples maybe have no facility at the beginning, later they create the building and other facility for the Buddhist monk.
Thai people and Religion activities
Buddhist monks and the local people have a tight relationship. In the old day, the Buddhist monk was high respected as well as a knowledgeable person of the community. He could be a teacher, community consulting for public issue, marriage advisor, fortune teller, medical doctor and so on. Temple literally means everything for Thai people’s life.
Daily Activities
Every morning, the Thai will go to the temple or on the street waiting for Buddhist monks. They will offer food and flower into the monks blow. It is a good day to start by giving the best thing for religion.
Buddhist Chanting is a daily activity. They monk will gather in the morning before arm procession and in the late afternoon. Layman allows to join chanting and listening to sermons. I think there are two types of daily activities depend on how much time you have. Any activities are good for your mind developing, Let’s take advantage for these as follow:
Merit-Making (Tamboon)
- Offering Alms to Monks: Early each morning, laypeople offer food to monks in a practice known as Tak Bat, believed to generate merit and bring good karma.
- Temple Visits: Regular visits to the temple to pray, make offerings, and participate in rituals are common.
- Offering Donations: Donations of money, food, or other goods to temples are frequent, supporting the monastic community and temple maintenance.
Praying and Meditation
- Meditation Practice: Many Thais practice meditation either at home or in temples, fostering mindfulness and mental peace.
- Daily Prayers: Reciting prayers and chants, either alone or with family, is a routine practice.
Special event
There are many events held in Thai temples or related to Buddhist monks. For example, wedding, ordination ceremony, ordination and study are major events that may take place in the temples which depend on area.
Thai temples are also a place for a special national event to celebrate such as Loy Krathong, Songkran, Buddhist rain retreat, Kathin, and local activities by each region. Let me take you to each day, some of you might hear before but what they do as follows:
Makha Bucha Day
Commemoration: Celebrates the Buddha’s teaching to 1,250 enlightened monks. Activities include candlelit processions around temples (Wien Tien) and merit-making.
Visakha Bucha Day
Triple Celebration: Marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Devotees participate in temple rituals, processions, and merit-making.
Asalha Bucha Day
First Sermon: Commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon and the founding of the monastic community. Temples hold sermons, and people make merit.
Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa)
Monastic Retreat: Marks the beginning of the three-month monastic retreat during the rainy season. Laypeople offer candles and other supplies to monks.
Loy Krathong
Festival of Lights: People float decorated baskets (krathongs) on water bodies to pay respects to the goddess of water and seek forgiveness for past misdeeds.
Songkran (Thai New Year)
Water Festival: Celebrated with water splashing, temple visits, merit-making, and cleaning of Buddha statues. It is a time for family reunions and paying respects to elders.
Special Religious Practices
Buddhist Lent End (Wan Ok Phansa)
Conclusion of Retreat: Marks the end of the Buddhist Lent with merit-making and the Robe Offering Ceremony (Kathina).
Kathina Ceremony
Robe Offering: An annual event where laypeople offer new robes and other necessities to monks after the end of the rainy retreat.
Ordination Ceremonies
Boys’ Ordination: Often held in April before the start of the school year, young boys temporarily ordain as novice monks (Samanera).
Funeral Rites
Cremation Ceremonies: Typically held in temples, with elaborate rituals and merit-making activities to honor the deceased.
Each year they will have a different date for each event, if you want to witness the event you need to check the date that year. The lunar calendar influences the dates of these festivals, making each year’s celebrations slightly different in timing but consistent in their cultural and spiritual importance.
Tourists with Thai Temples
Tourists and Thai temples share a unique and dynamic relationship, where visitors from around the world engage with these sacred sites in various ways. This interaction not only enriches the experience of travelers but also contributes to the preservation and global recognition of Thai cultural and religious heritage.
Most Thai temples are open to the public, allowing tourists to visit and explore without significant restrictions. Whether in bustling cities or quiet rural areas, temples provide a space for both locals and visitors to connect with the spiritual and cultural aspects of Thai life.
You can visit Thai temples even if you are not Buddhist. Thai temples are open to people of all religions and backgrounds. They are not only places of worship but also cultural and historical landmarks that welcome visitors who wish to explore and learn.
However, there are a few guidelines to follow when visiting a Thai temple to show respect
Dress Modestly
Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing hats, sleeveless shirts, or revealing outfits.
Remove Shoes
Before entering the temple buildings, especially the ordination hall (Ubosot) where the main Buddha image is housed, remove your shoes. There is usually a designated area for shoe storage.
Be Respectful
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Avoid loud talking or disruptive behavior. Refrain from pointing your feet towards Buddha images or monks, as this is considered disrespectful.
Photography
While photography is often allowed in temple grounds, be mindful of signs indicating where it is not permitted, especially inside sacred areas. Always ask permission before photographing monks or people in prayer.
Donations
It is common for visitors to make a small donation to the temple, which helps with its upkeep. You can also light incense or candles as part of the merit-making tradition.
Avoid Touching Sacred Objects
Do not touch or climb on Buddha statues or other sacred objects. It’s important to show reverence in the presence of these items.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your visit to Thai temples while respecting the local customs and religious practices.
Temples typically have flexible visiting hours, making it easy for tourists to fit a visit into their travel itinerary. Some temples are even open early in the morning and late into the evening, accommodating the schedules of all visitors. Therefore, you can go to Thai Temples everyday as you feel like. You don’t need to have anything plans, you can just go inside the temple and chill. The temple is like a place for anyone to rest your mind and body, or do meditation.
The most famous and iconic temples in Thailand
This is only my opinion for the most famous temples in Thailand, maybe some of you think different. I have been visited all these temples below, I feel so impressed for all of them. It would be nice for you to stop by those temples if you go nearby.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Location: Bangkok
Highlights: Thailand’s most sacred temple, located within the Grand Palace. It houses the Emerald Buddha, a revered statue of the Buddha made from jade. The temple is a major pilgrimage site and a symbol of Thai Buddhism and the monarchy.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Location: Bangkok
Highlights: Known for its striking central spire (prang) covered in colorful porcelain tiles. The temple offers stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and is a prominent landmark in Bangkok.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Location: Bangkok
Highlights: Home to a massive Reclining Buddha statue, Wat Pho is also a renowned center for traditional Thai massage and a repository of ancient Thai medical knowledge.
Wat Saket (Golden Mount)
Location: Bangkok
Highlights: Features a golden chedi perched atop an artificial hill. The temple offers panoramic views of Bangkok from its summit and is a site of significant religious festivals.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Location: Chiang Mai
Highlights: A major pilgrimage site located on Doi Suthep Mountain, famous for its golden chedi and stunning views over Chiang Mai. It is a central figure in Lanna Buddhist culture.
Wat Chedi Luang
Location: Chiang Mai
Highlights: Known for its partially ruined chedi, Wat Chedi Luang was once the tallest structure in Chiang Mai and housed the Emerald Buddha before it was moved to Bangkok.
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Location: Chiang Rai
Highlights: A contemporary and unconventional temple designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat. Its all-white exterior and intricate, symbolic details make it a unique and visually stunning site.
Wat Phra Kaew (Chiang Rai)
Location: Chiang Rai
Highlights: Historically significant as the original home of the Emerald Buddha before it was moved to Bangkok. It’s known for its beautiful architecture and historical value.
Wat Yai Chaimongkol
Location: Ayutthaya
Highlights: Features large chedis and a reclining Buddha. The temple played a significant role during the Ayutthaya period and remains an important site for historical and cultural reasons.
Wat Mahathat
Location: Ayutthaya
Highlights: Famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots. The temple is one of the most iconic ruins in the ancient city of Ayutthaya and reflects the grandeur of the former capital.
Wat Chalong
Location: Phuket
Highlights: The largest and most important temple in Phuket. It’s known for its elaborate architecture and serves as a major center of worship and cultural activities in the region.
Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple)
Location: Krabi
Highlights: Famous for its challenging climb up a steep staircase to reach the summit, offering breathtaking views. The temple is associated with meditation and spiritual practice.
Wat Phra Kaeo (Phetchaburi)
Location: Phetchaburi
Highlights: An ancient temple known for its beautiful architecture and significant historical importance, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
Location: Lampang
Highlights: Known for its well-preserved Lanna-style architecture and golden chedi. It’s one of the most revered temples in northern Thailand.
These temples are celebrated for their historical significance, architectural splendor, and cultural value, making them essential destinations for those interested in Thailand’s rich heritage and spiritual traditions. Which temples are your favorite? Maybe you think differently from me. Religious is oneself believe, therefore we speak with open minded.
Do you know, there is a Buddhism class in Thai school?
Yes, Thai Government has a policy to put a Buddhism class in school, especially public school. Buddhism is often included as a subject in the school curriculum. Students may learn about Buddhist teachings, history, and practices. The curriculum can vary by school and educational level but generally includes basic principles of Buddhism, the life of the Buddha, and Buddhist ethics.
Students often participate in chanting Buddhist scriptures and practicing meditation as part of their daily routine. This is aimed at promoting mindfulness, concentration, and moral development.
English speaking meditation class at temples for foreigners in Thailand
Many temples in Thailand offer English-speaking meditation classes specifically designed for foreigners. These classes are typically led by monks or experienced meditation instructors who provide guidance in mindfulness and Vipassana (insight) meditation. Like I said you don’t need to be Buddhism to go to temple. Likewise, you don’t need to be Buddhism to study meditation class, they open for everyone who are interested to practice. It is about mind fulfillment.
Here are some notable temples across Thailand offering such classes
Wat Mahathat, Bangkok
- Location: Near the Grand Palace, Bangkok.
- Overview: Wat Mahathat’s International Buddhist Meditation Centre (IBMC) offers meditation classes in English. This temple is one of the most accessible for foreigners interested in Vipassana meditation. Classes are available daily, and participants can choose to attend short sessions or more extended courses.
- Language: English.
- Type: Vipassana meditation.
Wat Pho, Bangkok
- Location: Near the Grand Palace, Bangkok.
- Overview: Wat Pho is known for its meditation courses and also for being a center for traditional Thai massage. English-speaking instructors guide participants through various meditation techniques, making it suitable for beginners.
- Language: English.
- Type: Vipassana, mindfulness, and breathing exercises.
Wat Suan Mokkh, Surat Thani
- Location: 50 km from Surat Thani, Southern Thailand.
- Overview: Suan Mokkh, also known as the Garden of Liberation, offers 10-day silent meditation retreats each month, taught in English. The retreats focus on Vipassana meditation and incorporate mindfulness practices. This is a rustic and immersive experience, with a simple monastic lifestyle.
- Language: English.
- Type: Vipassana meditation.
- Schedule: 10-day retreats beginning on the 1st of every month.
Wat Pah Nanachat, Ubon Ratchathani
- Location: Ubon Ratchathani, Northeastern Thailand.
- Overview: Wat Pah Nanachat is an international forest monastery founded to cater to English-speaking practitioners. It follows the Thai Forest Tradition, with meditation classes and opportunities to engage in monastic life. The instruction is in English, making it an excellent place for foreigners interested in deeper meditation practice.
- Language: English.
- Type: Vipassana, mindfulness, and monastic discipline.
Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
- Location: Doi Suthep Mountain, Chiang Mai.
- Overview: The International Meditation Center at Wat Doi Suthep offers Vipassana meditation courses in English. The classes are available for short-term or long-term practitioners and are conducted in a peaceful setting on the mountain.
- Language: English.
- Type: Vipassana meditation.
Wat Ram Poeng (Tapotaram), Chiang Mai
- Location: Near Chiang Mai city.
- Overview: Wat Ram Poeng offers meditation retreats that can last from 10 days to several weeks. The meditation instruction is in English, focusing on Vipassana techniques. This temple is particularly popular among foreigners seeking a more intensive meditation experience.
- Language: English.
- Type: Vipassana meditation.
- Duration: 10-day to several-week retreats.
Wat Chom Tong, Chiang Mai
- Location: 58 km from Chiang Mai city.
- Overview: Wat Chom Tong is known for its meditation center, which offers courses in English. The temple provides a serene environment, and the courses focus on Vipassana meditation. It is a great option for both beginners and experienced meditators.
- Language: English.
- Type: Vipassana meditation.
Wat Prayong Gittivhan, Chonburi
- Location: Chonburi, near Pattaya.
- Overview: Wat Prayong offers meditation instruction in English for foreigners. The temple provides a calm and supportive environment for those looking to practice mindfulness and Vipassana meditation.
- Language: English.
- Type: Vipassana and mindfulness meditation.
Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, Bangkok
- Location: Near Khao San Road, Bangkok.
- Overview: This royal temple offers meditation classes in English, focusing on Vipassana meditation. The temple is a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, making it convenient for tourists.
- Language: English.
- Type: Vipassana meditation.
Tips for Attending Meditation Classes
Advance Registration: Some temples require pre-registration, especially for longer retreats.
Dress Modestly: Wear appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
Donations: Many classes are free, but donations are encouraged to support the temple.
Be Punctual: Arriving on time shows respect for the instructor and other participants.
These temples offer a blend of cultural immersion and spiritual practice, providing foreigners with an accessible way to experience meditation in Thailand.
Monks role at temple
A man, with bald head, who wears bright orange-yellow rope is called Monk, or Pra (พระ) in Thai. Monks play a central and multifaceted role in Thai temples, serving as spiritual leaders, teachers, and community figures. The monks stay at temples. Their responsibilities and activities extend beyond religious rituals, impacting various aspects of daily life and cultural practices. Here’s an overview of the roles monks typically fulfill in a Thai temple:
Spiritual Leadership
Conducting Religious Ceremonies: Monks lead various religious ceremonies, such as chanting, ordination ceremonies, merit-making rituals, and special Buddhist holiday observances.
Giving Blessings: Monks often provide blessings to individuals and families for special occasions like weddings, housewarming events, or the start of a new venture.
Chanting and Prayers: Monks chant sacred texts daily, usually in the morning and evening. These chants are believed to bring protection, peace, and merit to the community.
Teaching and Guiding
Dhamma Talks (Sermons): Monks regularly deliver teachings or “Dhamma talks,” where they explain Buddhist principles, ethics, and meditation practices. These teachings are aimed at helping laypeople lead a virtuous and mindful life.
Meditation Instruction: Monks often guide meditation sessions, teaching various techniques such as Vipassana (insight meditation) or Metta (loving-kindness meditation). These sessions are available to both novices and laypeople, including foreigners.
Moral and Ethical Guidance: Monks provide moral and ethical advice to individuals and families, helping them navigate challenges and make decisions aligned with Buddhist values.
Community Engagement
Almsgiving (Tak Bat): Monks participate in the daily alms round, where they receive food offerings from the community. This ritual fosters a connection between the monks and the lay community, allowing laypeople to earn merit by supporting the monks.
Social Services: Monks often engage in community service, such as providing education, supporting charity work, or helping with disaster relief efforts. Temples may serve as centers for social support, offering resources like food and shelter to those in need.
Monk Chats: In some temples, monks engage in informal discussions with visitors, often in multiple languages. These chats are opportunities for cultural exchange, learning, and answering questions about Buddhism.
Monastic Discipline and Study
Observing the Vinaya (Monastic Code): Monks adhere to a strict code of conduct known as the Vinaya, which governs their daily life, including rules on behavior, dress, and interactions with others. This discipline is essential for maintaining the purity and integrity of monastic life.
Study and Recitation: Monks spend significant time studying Buddhist scriptures, philosophy, and languages like Pali (the language of the early Buddhist texts). Regular recitation and memorization of these texts are key components of their spiritual practice.
Mentoring and Training Novices
Training Novices (Samaneras): Monks mentor young novices, teaching them the basics of Buddhist practice, monastic discipline, and ethical conduct. This includes instruction in chanting, meditation, and daily rituals.
Preparing for Ordination: Monks prepare novices and laypeople who wish to become fully ordained monks, guiding them through the necessary study, rituals, and understanding of monastic life.
Maintaining the Temple Grounds
Temple Upkeep: Monks are often involved in the maintenance of the temple grounds, including cleaning, gardening, and repairing structures. This work is seen as a form of mindfulness practice and community service.
Managing Temple Activities: Senior monks may oversee the organization of temple events, festivals, and ceremonies, ensuring that they run smoothly and in accordance with Buddhist traditions.
Leading and Participating in Buddhist Festivals
Festivals and Holy Days: Monks play a central role in leading the community in celebrations and rituals during important Buddhist festivals like Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Puja, and Buddhist Lent. They guide the community in merit-making activities, chanting, and processions.
Rituals and Offerings: Monks lead rituals where the community offers food, flowers, incense, and other items to Buddha images or monks themselves as a way of generating merit and showing respect.
Serving as Cultural Custodians
Preserving Buddhist Teachings: Monks are responsible for preserving and transmitting the teachings of the Buddha. This includes maintaining religious texts, educating the community, and ensuring that rituals are performed correctly.
Cultural Education: Monks often educate the community about Thai culture and Buddhist traditions, especially during festivals, ceremonies, and public teachings. This helps maintain the cultural heritage and religious identity of the community.
Providing Counseling and Support
Spiritual Counseling: Monks provide spiritual counseling to individuals facing personal difficulties, offering advice grounded in Buddhist teachings. This might include guidance on dealing with grief, stress, or moral dilemmas.
Support During Life Events: Monks are present during significant life events, such as births, marriages, and funerals, offering blessings, performing rituals, and providing comfort to those involved.
Interfaith and International Engagement
Cultural Exchange: In more internationally-focused temples, monks engage in interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange, welcoming visitors from different religious backgrounds and teaching them about Buddhism.
Education for Foreigners: Monks in temples frequented by tourists often provide education about Buddhism in languages other than Thai, making the teachings accessible to a broader audience.
The role of monks in Thai temples is deeply interconnected with the spiritual, cultural, and social fabric of the community, making them key figures in both religious practice and daily life in Thailand.
Conclusion, Wats is a place that people get together. They work and play in harmony to maintain the community relationship and center of the spiritual. That is why so many Thai temple in Thailand and Bangkok.
Sometime, you also be able to see the village near temple they made product related to Buddhist activities. It is very important to have certain thing and people no longer create or made it by their own.
Now, you know about Thai temple. We hope it will make your visiting temple more enjoyable. You can notice and find and join some of activities with us.
