What Is Thailand Known For? | Celebrity Cruises

Temples

Wat Arun, Bangkok

A historically Buddhist country, Thailand and its jungles, mountains, islands, and cities bristle with the gilt pinnacles of its innumerable temples and spirit houses. Many of its most significant sites, which house its most revered buddhas, can be found in and around the capital.

First among equals is Wat Arun, separated from the Grand Palace by the waters of the Chao Praya. Its 82-meter-high central tower is one of the city’s most recognizable sights, especially when lit at night or dramatically framed by an extravagant Bangkok sunset.

The temple is a deliberate echo of the towers of Angkor Wat and a close-up visit to the “Temple of the Dawn” reveals how the imperious tower is garlanded with flower motifs bright with innumerable pieces of broken porcelain.

Wat Saket, Bangkok

On the other side of the Grand Palace is eye-catching Wat Saket, also known as the Temple of the Golden Mount. Dramatically elevated above the encircling parkland and topped with an immense golden stupa, Wat Saket dates back to the medieval Ayutthaya era.

Hiking up the encircling 300 steps of this popular pilgrimage site rewards you with a sacred buddha at the top, as well as staggering 360-degree views of the city’s Old Town.

Wat Sila Ngu, Koh Samui

While Bangkok might outshine the rest of the country in terms of holy bling, impressive displays of reverence aren’t confined to the capital. A good example is Wat Sila Ngu, or the Red Temple, found on Koh Samui.

Overlooking the southern Hua Thanon Beach, its centerpiece is the ornate stone snake pagoda, decorated inside and out with elaborate bas reliefs re-telling Buddhist scriptures.

Finally, temples in the country aren’t confined to the spiritual. Returning to Bangkok, a visit to Jim Thompson’s House is to step into a shrine to Southeast Asian art. Collected by ex-pat businessman Jim Thompson in his purpose-built Bangkok mansion-turned-museum, this is a wonderful introduction to another side of the regional culture.

Read: 13 Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia