Temples in Thailand

A visit to Thailand is not complete without seeing a Buddhist temple (wat).  The Christian use of the word “temple,” however, inadequately describes the Thai “wat.”  A temple is a single structure, while a wat is a complex of various buildings devoted to any number of religious, social, and spiritual uses.  There are over 30,000 Buddhist temples (wats) in Thailand.   Within any given wat, different buildings will have different functions.  Buddhist monks are ordained in the bot, the most sacred part of the wat, and in the viharn (sermon hall), monks and lay persons worship together.  The chedi (pagoda) dominates the wat complex, and is either bell-shaped on terraces that taper to a thin spire, or a round tower that is shaped like a finger. Chedis are typically built over relics of the Buddha.  A wat complex may also contain a mondop, which is a library of sacred texts; a crematorium; a school for monks; and, sometimes, a school for children.  Some larger wats may also have cloisters, bell towers, and various pavilions.  Royal Wats, in particular, with their imposing architecture, religious and mystical imagery, and murals, are not to be missed.   

Visiting a Temple

Visitors to Thailand's sacred temples should be aware of the various customs in place so as to be respectful.  For example, there is a dress code and wearing short, revealing, or sleeveless clothes is considered impolite.  Shoes must be removed before entering a temple, and open-toed sandals are often considered impolite.  Visitors are advised to never touch a statue or image, and posing in front of either should always be done in a respectful manner.  It is considered rude to turn one's back on the Buddha, and under no circumstances should you ever point your feet at the Buddha or his attending monks.  Lastly, female visitors are not permitted to touch or be touched by monks, nor should they offer items (like money) directly to them.  In most wats, there is a communal collection plate for donations and offerings.