The most beautiful temples to visit Thailand

Wat Tang Sai is a magnificent temple that was built in 1996 to mark the 50th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It has 9 pagodas representing His Majesty King Rama IX. Overlooking the beach of Baan Krut, built on top of a hill, it is a little marvel with its five chedi proudly pointing their golden arrows. The panorama embraces mountains and palm groves as far as the sea, as far as the eye can see. On the right, before the entrance, a small building houses a barrel-shaped gong. On the left, an identical building supports a bronze bell. These two instruments are used to give rhythm to the ceremonies. The first one follows the lunar calendar. The second one sets the rhythm of the days. Blood-red doors frame the temple itself. On the ground floor, four representations of Buddha appear on the marble altar. Upstairs, another Buddha, standing in the middle of the room. On the ceiling, also painted red, friezes represent the stars of nirvana. The alcoves all around are real little architectural treasures. The refined stained-glass windows represent Buddha at the decisive episodes of his life: a unique work of art! Outside, a gigantic golden Buddha, 19 m high, was built in homage to the queen, the temple itself being dedicated to the king. It is protected by statues of "demons" that do not represent evil but act as guardians. The temple complex, which also has beautiful gardens, is called Pramahatart Chedi Pakdepragard.

Located on top of a hill overlooking the city, this Burmese style temple founded in 1860 has two chedi, two viharn, and a statue of Buddha sitting on a pedestal, in the Mara position. There is nothing exceptional about the architecture, but the view over the valley is magnificent. Come there by motorbike or even on foot. No athletic performance is required: a half hour of quiet climbing from Wat Phra Non or Wat Muo Taw.

This beautiful royal temple is one of the most important Buddhist centres in the country. It consists of two important buildings. The viharn, surprisingly graceful in its proportions, is a very good example of the architecture of Rattanakosin's style. The Buddha statue, which comes from Wat Mahathat of Sukhothai and was brought back by Rama I, dates from the 13th century. The bot is especially interesting for its mural frescoes and especially those between the windows that represent the episodes of Buddha's life. In front of the temple is the large swing.

A nice little Buddhist temple with pleasant architecture. This Wat contains one of the great attractions of the island: the mummy in perfect condition of a monk with an exemplary life, Loung Por Ruam. It was after his death that his students discovered with amazement that his body had not decomposed but remained mummified and thus remarkably well preserved. You can see him behind a glass cage wearing sunglasses, in a meditation position. The features are taut and you can even make out some rare hairs!

The temple is housed in a cavern accessible by a long red staircase, flanked by dragon (mangkon) carvings on either side, with 95 steps. The temple has a small museum displaying a variety of ancient objects found in the area. The temple's popularity, however, is due to a Buddhist nun who, from time to time, performs a plank in a deep pool, assuming various poses of contemplation. It's more carnival than meditation, but the Thais love it!

Located north of the main beach of Paramaribo, this hill dominates the surrounding area and the panorama of the bay - but also on the border with Myanmar just about kilometres away - is worth a visit. To access it, close to 400 steps to climb by taking care not to get teased, or worse, by the countless macaques who have invaded the place. Some may be aggressive (dominant males or mothers with small children), so attention with children. At the top is the temple Thammikaram, with mystical charm.

The marble temple was built by order of King Rama V and completed in 1899. It is very famous because its chapel (bot), its pillars and its statues of lion keepers, are entirely made of white marble from Carrara (Italy). The bot's entrance is guarded by two Khmer style lions. Inside is a bronze replica (2.5 tons) of the Phutta Chinarat Buddha of Wat Phra Sri Ratana Mahatat of Phitsanulok. In its base are preserved the ashes of Rama V.

It is necessary to climb a little more than 200 steps to reach this temple, famous for its imposing statue of a scorpion which faces Myanmar. It was placed there to intimidate possible invaders. Once arrived at the top, one is entitled to a superb sight on the city of Mae Sai, the river which skirts it. Nice view on the town of Tachileik on the Myanmar side, on the other side of the Ruak river. The temple, of Burmese style, has nothing exceptional, it is for its unique panaroma that the visit is essential if you are in Mae Sai.