Sacred and spiritual destinations in Thailand off the beaten path.
Less-touristed spiritual destinations in Thailand, for travelers seeking fewer crowds but all the beauty.
Phra Phutthabat
Phra Phutthabat, a town in Saraburi province, is home to Wat Phra Phutthabat, a royal Buddhist temple built around a natural depression in rock believed to b…
Nakhon Pathom
Dominated by Phra Pathommachedi, claimed to be the world's tallest stupa, Nakhon Pathom is a city in central Thailand roughly an hour west of Bangkok.
Nakhon Luang
A Thai town in Ayutthaya province where weathered red-brick temple walls and a gold-spired sanctuary rise above manicured gardens, sitting close to the water…
Ban Ko Doi Tung
A high mountain in Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai Province, at Thailand's northernmost tip, Doi Tung is home to Wat Phra That Doi Tung, a stupa said to en…
Thung Saliam
A district town in Thailand's lower north where an ornate Buddhist shrine hall — its interior blazing with gold lacquer columns, a multi-headed naga Buddha,…
Phimai
Home to the Phimai Historical Park, one of Thailand's most significant Angkorian temple complexes, this modest town in Nakhon Ratchasima Province in northeas…
Suwannakhuha
A gilded Thai temple pavilion built directly against a dramatic limestone cliff face makes this little northeastern district a striking stop for visitors dra…
Maha Chana Chai
Rural district in Thailand's northeastern Yasothon province, where a gold-and-crimson Buddhist temple with ornate carved gables stands amid lush green trees…
Phaya Mengrai
This hilltop Buddhist stupa tiled in mirrored mosaic overlooks a misty valley at sunrise, capturing the spiritual atmosphere of this Chiang Rai district in T…
Uthumphon Phisai
Ancient sandstone and brick temple ruins in warm golden light share the landscape with an ornately decorated Thai shrine, making this Sisaket district town a…
Phanom Dong Rak
This district in Surin province, northeastern Thailand, is home to the Ta Mueang Historical Park, a cluster of Khmer temple ruins that includes Ta Mueang, Ta…
Song Phi Nong
Dozens of gold-robed Buddha statues arranged across an open-air temple ground define Song Phi Nong, a district in central Thailand's Suphan Buri province, se…
Chiang Klang
This small northern Thai town in Nan province where an ornately decorated Buddhist temple interior — gold Buddha, hanging ceremonial strings, and vivid texti…
Kham Khuean Kaeo
A district in Thailand's northeastern Yasothon province where a white-and-gold chedi rises from a ceremonially decorated temple courtyard, flanked by red-roo…
Kong Krailat
Small Thai district town in Sukhothai province, where a richly decorated Buddhist shrine room — gold-robed Buddha, vivid mural panels, and garland offerings…
Nong Bua Lamphu
This Thai provincial town in the northeast, where boldly decorated Buddhist shrines — like this vivid red, white, and gold temple pavilion — anchor daily lif…
Tha Wang Pha
A northern Thai district town along the water, where a striking white temple with layered terracotta roofs, gold-detailed gables, and guardian lion statues r…
Doem Bang Nang Buat
This central Thailand district in Suphan Buri province where an active Buddhist temple complex — featuring a large gilded seated Buddha and a stupa under con…
Lat Lum Kaeo
A flat, canal-laced district in central Thailand's Pathum Thani province, where a striking white-and-crimson Buddhist temple with layered rooflines and a sil…
Phanom Thuan
A pocket-sized town in Thailand's Kanchanaburi province where an ancient moss-covered brick chedi rises beside a decorated temple gateway, offering a quiet g…
Sangkhla Buri
Compact town in western Thailand's Kanchanaburi province with a café and restaurant scene that punches above its size, Sangkhla Buri sits close to mountains…
Chiang Kham
Modest northern Thai town where ornate dark-wood temple architecture, traditional percussion, and colorful lantern displays reflect the living cultural herit…
Wiang Pa Pao
A compact district town in Chiang Rai's upland north, where a forested hill crowned by a golden pagoda rises above the surrounding plains, offering a glimpse…
Non Din Daeng
A district in Buriram province, northeastern Thailand, Non Din Daeng draws visitors to the Lam Nang Rong reservoir, the Nong Hong castle ruins, and the Dong…