Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand offers the perfect blend of everything a traveler looks for in a vacation.
Its larger cities, like the capital of Bangkok, have streets lined with modern high-rises, ancient temples, and street vendors.
Thailand’s coastline offers picturesque beaches, outdoor adventures, and blue lagoons.
Interspersed throughout are the country’s farming villages, which provide a glimpse into Thailand’s unique history and culture.
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder nearly 40,000 million people travel to Thailand each year.
Historically, Thais have always held their monarchs in high regard.
As a result, Thailand has some of the most extraordinary castles in the world.
Referred to as “palaces” or “temples” in Thailand, these places of honor are massive and intricately detailed.
Each palace is architecturally unique, with its roots firmly planted in the country’s history.
Whether you’re a history buff, an aesthete, or a xenophile, visiting the temples of Thailand is a must for your itinerary.
But, with over 40,000 temples across the country, deciding which castles to visit in Thailand can be daunting.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of our top must-see palaces in Thailand.
Each site is special in its own right, commanding the appreciation it deserves.
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1. Wat Pho
Also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon, Wat Pho is one of Thailand’s earliest and largest temples.
The temple, which is located in the capital city of Bangkok, is also one of the most visited by travelers.
Its main attraction is the 150-foot-long and 50-foot-high reclining Buddha.
The gold-plated Buddha is just one of 394 golden Buddha images throughout the temple complex.
While the temple’s early history is unknown, Wat Pho was King Rama’s primary temple.
Some of his ashes are still enshrined here to this day.
After King Rama’s death, Rama III renovated and expanded the complex to what it is today.
Wat Pho is famous for being the country’s first public education center and the birthplace of Thai massage.
This traditional form of massage is still practiced and taught at the temple today.
2. The Grand Palace
With over one hundred structures and a variety of architectural styles, the Grand Palace is perhaps the biggest tourist attraction in Thailand’s capital city.
If you are looking for an immersive experience that provides valuable insight into the history and culture of this great country, the Grand Palace should be at the top of your list.
You can spend an entire day exploring the various buildings on the grounds of this colossal palace.
Because the Grand Palace was constructed over many years and saw the reign of multiple kings, each structure has its own style and tales to tell.
A must-see monument on the Grand Palace’s grounds is the Wat Phra Kaew, often referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Located inside the ordination hall, this ornate structure features orange and blue mosaic tiles with gold embellishments, statues of Naga and Garuda, and frescoes of Buddha.
3. Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
About an hour’s car ride from Bangkok is the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace.
Located in the historic city of Ayutthaya, the Royal Family calls this palace home and still holds royal ceremonies here throughout the year.
Built between 1872 and 1889, the architectural style of Bang Pa-In Royal Palace is primarily European.
The structure is divided into two zones.
The inner zone is reserved for the Royal Family and is off-limits to tourists.
The outer zone, which is where royal ceremonies are held, is open for visitors to explore.
While you’re there, don’t forget to take a photo of the palace’s reflection off the waters of the Chao Phraya River.
4. Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is another awe-inspiring temple that’s just a short drive from Bangkok.
Rather than being just one simple temple, Ayutthaya is actually an ancient city with multiple palaces and temples.
Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam.
Its town center is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Today, visitors can wander the grounds and immerse themselves in the history and culture of the region.
While each temple and structure offers something unique, Wat Phu Kao, Wat Maha Tat, and Wat Phra Sin Sanphet are the largest and most preserved in Ayutthaya Historical Park.
While travelers can get to Ayutthaya on their own, an organized tour from Bangkok is recommended.
This makes traveling to the site a breeze and will save you money on entry fees to the individual temples.
5. Sukhothai
If you enjoy learning about ancient cultures and history, add the ancient city of Sukhothai to your travel itinerary.
Located in Mainland Southeast Asia, this kingdom was founded in 1238 by Si Inthrathit.
To see everything in this massive ancient city and its many temples, you’ll want to set aside at least half of a day.
The best time to visit is in the morning and it’s best explored by bicycle, which can be rented at the park gate.
In total, there are almost 28 square miles of grounds to explore.
6. The Dusit Palace
Another Bangkok site you won’t want to miss is the royal compound called the Dusit Palace.
Originally called Wang Suan Dusit, which translates to “Dusit Garden Palace,” this compound was constructed between 1897 and 1901 by King Chulalongkorn.
Over the course of history, it served as the primary residence for numerous Kings of Thailand.
The Dusit Palace covers over 40 square miles, including thirteen royal lodgings separated by gardens and canals.
One of the compound’s main attractions is the Ananta Samagom Throne Hall.
This two-story building now serves as a museum and is often used for royal affairs.
Its most impressive feature is its six domes, which surround a central dome.
Paintings of the Chakri Dynasty adorn the walls and domes, which were completed in 1915.
Visitors are required to adhere to the palace’s strict dress code.
Sleeveless shirts and shorts are not permitted.
7. Sanam Chandra Palace
Northwest of Bangkok in the Nakhon Pathom Province lies the Sanam Chandra Palace.
This compound, built by Vajiravudh, consists of four royal residences, a grand hall, and a Ganesh shrine.
This impressive palace intertwines both Thai and European architectural styles and cultures.
It’s interesting to see how the designers adapted Western architecture to fit the needs of Thailand’s tropical climate.
When visiting this complex, you will be asked to respect Thailand’s dress code.
Photography is encouraged but is restricted inside several of the palace residences.
If you happen to visit in March or April, be sure to check out the orchid show hosted on palace grounds.
8. Wat Arun
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok is the Buddhist temple Wat Arun.
Originally called Wat Makok, Wat Arun dates back to the early 1300s.
The name Wat Arun translates to “temple of the dawn.”
This is because of the pearly iridescence the temple takes on when the morning light shines upon it.
While the rising sun on the temple is breathtaking, travelers should also check it out from across the Chao Phraya River at sunset and after dark, when the temple is lit up.
9. Wat Prah Yai
Wat Prah Yai, which translates to “Big Buddha Temple” in English, is the main tourist attraction for travelers visiting Thailand.
The temple is located on the small island of Ko Phan and features a 39-foot Buddha statue.
The Buddha, who is in a state of calm, is surrounded by a multitude of smaller Buddha statues in varying states of illumination.
This iconic temple is still in operation and attended by monks daily.
Visitors can interact with the monks, learn more about Buddhist teachings, and make their own offerings.
Since this is a working temple, the locals ask that travelers respect the country’s dress code and cover up before entering.
10. Wat Rong Seur Ten
Wat Rong Seur Ten often referred to as the Blue Temple, should be included in every Thailand travel itinerary.
Like Wat Prah Yai, the Blue Temple is a working Buddhist temple.
Visitors must cover their knees and shoulders and leave their shoes at the door before entering.
Everything in the Blue Temple is painted blue, including its interior and exterior walls, doors, carpet, and statues.
Gold fixtures are sporadically placed throughout the temple, which only adds to the grand nature of this magnificent temple.
11. Wat Suan Dok
Last, but certainly not least on our list is Wat Suan Dok, one of the earliest temples in the mountainous city of Chiang Mai.
This 14th-century temple is most known for its white pagodas, which serve as mausoleums for the region’s royal family.
The temple is also home to a 158-foot golden Buddhist monument called a chedi.
Wat Suan Dok, which translates to “flower garden temple” is one of the most photogenic sites in Thailand.
The contrast between the white pagodas and the massive golden chedi makes for magnificent photos.
Thailand Safety Overview
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- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Thailand Known For?
First inhabited approximately 20,000 years ago, Thailand is known for its long and rich history.
The country has over 40,000 palaces and temples, each with its own architecture and interior design.
What Should I Avoid in Thailand?
To ensure you respect the customs and beliefs of Thai culture, you should avoid public displays of affection, vaping, and gambling.
Locals warn against falling for the gem scam, drinking the water, and ask that you always cover up when visiting a temple.
Can You Kiss in Public in Thailand?
Public displays of affection, such as hand-holding, hugging, and kissing, in Thailand are considered impolite and should be reserved for the confines of your hotel room.
Are the People in Thailand Friendly?
The Thai have a reputation for being some of the friendliest, happiest, and most laid-back people in the world.
Thailand is often referred to as the “land of smiles.”
Thailand’s castles, such as Wat Pho and The Grand Palace, offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture.