Deer is Travelling in Thailand: 3 hidden gem temples everyone should check out
If you love the idea of a Deer is Travelling in Thailand special, you’re in for a treat! It’s Aon & Lan from Deer is Travelling again – we’re back on GoThaiBeFree after showing you our Phuket guide with another blog post and this time, we would like to show you three temples that may be not the most visited in Thailand, but we absolutely love them and we’re sure you will, too!
By the way, we always share our new hidden gem findings on our Instagram and Twitter, so don’t forget to follow us there. But for now, let’s explore our favourite, rare architectural beauties of Thailand!
Wat Hong Thong, Bang Pakong
Wat Hong Thong, also known as Wat Klang Nam, is located in the coastal mangrove forests of Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao Province.
An unusually beautiful and peaceful place among the sea waves, the sacred site belongs on any Deer is Travelling in Thailand itinerary and is sure to remain in the memory of those who are lucky enough to visit. The operating Buddhist temple, set on powerful stilts, resembles a ship, making visitors feel like they’re at sea when they come out to the observation platforms of the five-level complex. If you look at the sea at low tide, you get the impression that the whole building is floating on water.
Wat Hong Thong has paths that connect it to the shore, but the stupa and the main hall built into the sea make it truly memorable. The entire structure of the chedi has five levels, each of which is decorated with paintings that tell the story of Buddhism and the life of Thai kings. Several images of the Buddha also appear throughout the temple. At the highest level, there is a golden stupa, which contains the relics of ancient arhats.
Wat Mahathat Worawihan, Phetchaburi
Wat Mahathat Worawihan is perhaps the most important and central temple in the city of Phetchaburi. Its beautiful snow-white prang is visible from anywhere in town and it’s the most recognisable local architectural structure. Khmer motives are easily recognisable in its design, which is not surprising since the site was originally erected 800 years ago. It has the status of a royal temple, making it a Deer is Travelling in Thailand highlight.
In general, this is a fairly large monastery complex, and there are always a lot of people here, including plenty of local residents. There is even a playground where you can leave the children while the parents ask the Buddha for blessings. You can freely walk throughout the complex and enter any buildings, but you should show respect and take off your shoes when entering the temple. As with all sacred structures, you should also be appropriately dressed: do not enter the temple in a mini-skirt, shorts, or bare shoulders. Follow these simple guidelines, and you’re in for a spectacular, cultural experience!
Wat Phu Khao Thong, Ayutthaya
Wat Phu Khao Thong is a Thai temple that ranks among the tallest temples in Ayutthaya. It was built by the order of Ramesuan, the king who ruled Thailand in the XIV century. The temple construction started as early as 1387, making the site truly historic. Next to it is a statue of King Naresuan, who went down in history for proclaiming the independence of the Thai state.
The temple has a white chedi, which is so striking and breathtaking to look at, you might just recognise it from your Instagram feed. But seeing it in real life is quite different, as the height of the Wat Phu Khao Thong chedi is about eighty meters – you can’t really see this on your mobile phone! Anyone can ascend Wat Phu Khao Thong and enjoy panoramic views of the city of Ayutthaya. It’s a wonderful experience, and another Deer is Travelling in Thailand must!