A bit of culture can also be included in otherwise typical beach holidays – and colorful temples are even interesting for children. Thailand has freedom of religion, 95% of the residents follow Theravada Buddhism, which has a strong undercurrent of Hinduism. A Thai-Chinese part practices Taoism and other Chinese folk religions and in the southern part of Thailand there are some Muslims, only 1% of the population is Christian.
To visit the numerous temples, you should be dressed appropriately: legs and shoulders covered, shoes left in front of the temple. Some temples also sell scarves or spare clothing if you don’t have any with you.
Here are our Top Ten Temples in the Khao Lak area:
Wat Khomniyaket – Khuek Khak Temple
The new and colorful temple in classic Thai style is located near the main road 4 in Khuek Khak, right next to the entrance to the JW Marriott. You have to walk a bit to the back through the eye-catching gate. In the surrounding park there are animal figures that indicate the animistic part of the Buddhist religion.
Wat Phanat Nikhom in Bang Niang
A small but beautiful temple in white and gold near the police boat in Bang Niang (same side, set back a bit). In the evening it is colorfully lit.
Wat Samnak Song Daeng – monastery complex on the road to Takua Pa
The monastery complex with the large golden Buddha is located on the 4005, the road between Khao Lak (turnoff at Sai Rung waterfall) and the ancient town of Takua Pa. The Buddha and the stairs leading to it were rebuilt in 2018 and will be completed by 2021. The Naga staircase with the multi-headed snakes is very impressive, the one on the left in gold, the one on the right in mother-of-pearl white. From the platform above you have a nice view of the hilly, wooded hinterland
Wat Tha Sai / Tesdhammanava Tempel – Wooden temple at Thai Mueang
This beautiful temple made of dark wood with gold is located near Thai Mueang, 40 km south of Khao Lak. It is located directly on the pretty, deserted beach with palm trees and sea view. On weekends he has a lot of Thai visitors, otherwise you are often by yourself. The wood for the temple was imported.
Wat Khongkkha Phimuk – at Takua Pa
A temple with a lot of “bling-bling”! The relatively new Buddhist temple at Takua Pa impresses with its splendor inside and out. The chedi next to the classic red and gold Thai-style temple is gilded all around and has a complete mirror mosaic interior. The builders apparently come from India, the Buddha images on the walls have the typical Indian-kitsch style. Worth seeing!
Guan Ou Shrine – Chinese Temple in Takua Pa
Takua Pa has a large Thai-Chinese population, most of whose ancestors came here as guest workers in the surrounding tin mines. That’s why there are several Chinese temples here. The temple at the end of the street where the Takua Pa Sunday market takes place is worth a visit, especially during Chinese festivals: Chinese New Year, Vegetarian Festival, Moon Festival (with moon cakes).
Wat Suwan Kuha – temple in a cave with big reclining buddha at Phang Nga
Wat Suwannakuha or Wat Tham, also known as “the temple with the big Buddha in the cave”.
Many tours and tourists visit this temple near Phang Nga, which is why a whole infrastructure of small shops has formed in the parking lot. There are many monkeys here who beg for food from tourists. The entrance to the cave leads through a beautifully (blue) painted gate. In the cave itself (you pay an entrance fee), in addition to the 15 m large reclining Buddha statue, you have a few smaller golden statues and the opportunity to have the future predicted using a machine set up.
Wat Bang Riang – on the hills at Phang Nga
The temple is also called Wat Rat Upatam and consists of several parts: a large temple complex at the foot of a hill and temples and statues scattered around the top of the hill. One of the temple buildings below is designed in the shape of a ship in the middle of a small artificial lake. The hilltop complex combines three different temple styles: Thai, Chinese and a Chedi Pagoda. A large seated Buddha statue looks out over the land, the (Chinese) goddess of compassion looks into the distance next to it and a tooth of Buddha is kept in a shrine. A visit to the very pompous temple with the chedi is possible with appropriate clothing (otherwise you can buy clothes here) and only costs 20 baht. The temple is located quite far inland, 40 km north of Phang Nga.
Leng San Keng Shrine – Chinese temple in Thai Mueang
Behind the Chinese gate in the town of Thai Mueang there is a picturesque, colorful, small Chinese temple. The visit is worth a stop to soak up the atmosphere and marvel at the colorful decorations.
Wat Chalong – Phuket
Wat Chalong or Chaithararam Temple is the most important temple on Phuket and one of the largest and most magnificent in the area. One of the monks revered here is said to have magical powers and many come here to ask him for help – if the wish is granted, chains of firecrackers are burned. Opening times daily 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Around Chinese New Year there is always a big market here where you can shop extensively and try out food and there are amusement rides set up.
Even more tips and information can be found in our travel guide Discovering Khao Lak Compact. It is regularly revised and kept up to date. The book is available from amazon and bookstores (ISBN 978-3033075955) and as ebook.
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