Thai Temples to Visit for Songkran 2026

As we celebrate the Thai New Year 2025, many people plan to return home to visit family or travel during the long holiday. One meaningful activity for Thai people during Songkran is to "pay respects at temples" to seek blessings and enhance good fortune for a smooth year ahead. This is a wonderful tradition for Buddhists to observe during this festive time.

Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn), Bangkok

Known simply as Wat Pho, this temple is a popular destination for Thai visitors seeking blessings, especially in matters of love. Many come here believing they will have their wishes granted. Wat Pho, a royal temple established during the reign of King Rama I, is both a significant religious site and a well-known tourist attraction for both Thais and international visitors. Located in the Phra Nakhon district, the temple is home to the impressive Reclining Buddha statue, which is the third largest in Thailand. It was built during the reign of King Rama III and is also famous for its traditional Thai massage school. The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

2. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Bangkok

Wat Arun, located along the Chao Phraya River, is famous for its stunning spires that many Thais and international visitors recognize. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Bangkok. This temple is a popular place for Thai people to pay respects and seek blessings. At Wat Arun, you can find the Buddha statue in the Meditation Pose, which is well-known for granting safety and protection from all dangers.

In addition to its spiritual significance, Wat Arun boasts beautiful architecture, including the iconic central spire, the Grand Hall, and several smaller chapels, making it a popular tourist destination. The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

3. Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram (Marble Temple), Bangkok

Originally known as "Wat Laem" or "Wat Sai Thong," this temple underwent renovations and was renamed by King Rama V to Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram. It is commonly referred to by international tourists as the "Marble Temple" due to its stunning assembly hall, which is decorated with marble imported from Italy.

Visitors come not only to admire the temple's exquisite architecture but also to pay respects to a replica of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, originally housed in Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok. Many people visit this temple to seek blessings for good fortune in life and career. The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

4. Wat Kalyanamit Woramahawihan, Bangkok

If you're unable to travel to Ayutthaya to pay respects to the large Buddha statue, you can visit Wat Kalyanamit Woramahawihan instead. Located on the Thonburi side along the Chao Phraya River, this temple was built during the reign of King Rama III by Chao Phraya Nikorn Bodhin, also known as To Kalyanamitra.

Wat Kalyanamit is one of the popular temples in Bangkok, celebrated for its unique architecture that beautifully blends Thai and Chinese styles. It is renowned for fortune-telling using bamboo sticks (known as "siam see") and praying for safe travels and good friendships.

When visiting, it's customary to bring offerings such as three incense sticks, two red candles, and a flower garland. The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

5. Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan is an ancient temple situated in the historic city of Ayutthaya, just a short distance from Bangkok. It is home to the Phra Buddha Trairatana Nyak, commonly known as "Luang Por To," which is revered by both Thai and Chinese communities. This statue is the largest seated Buddha in Thailand and is especially popular among business owners and entrepreneurs who come to seek blessings for prosperity and success in their ventures.

Students also frequently visit to pray for success in their studies. Inside the temple, you will find the shrine of "Mae Sroi Dok Mak," which is a popular spot for those seeking blessings in love. The temple is open to visitors from Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

6. Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawihan, Chachoengsao

Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawihan is a very ancient temple located in Chachoengsao province. It attracts many visitors from both the local area and across the country who come to pay their respects. Originally named "Wat Hong," the temple features a "Hong Pole" that gives it its name. It has been closely tied to the community of Phaet Riu since the late Ayutthaya period.

The temple is home to the revered Luang Por Phut Sothorn, known for its sacredness, and many people visit to pray for prosperity in business and success in their studies. It is common for worshippers to use boiled eggs as offerings to fulfill their vows, while others ask for holy water from Luang Por for healing. The temple is open from Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

7. Phra Pathom Chedi Rajaworawihan, Nakhon Pathom

Located in Nakhon Pathom, Phra Pathom Chedi Rajaworawihan is a premier royal temple and one of the oldest temples in Thailand. It is a significant cultural landmark for the city and features the impressive Phra Pathom Chedi, which is shaped like an inverted bell and stands at a height of 120.45 meters with a base width of 53 meters, making it the tallest stupa in Thailand.

At night, the top of the chedi is beautifully illuminated, creating a stunning sight. This temple is a popular destination for worshippers, especially during the Songkran festival. It is open daily from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

8. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Rajaworawihan, Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Rajaworawihan is a famous temple located on Doi Suthep Mountain in Chiang Mai. Known for its great sacredness, this temple is also a popular tourist attraction that offers stunning 180-degree views of the Chiang Mai city below. It’s an ideal place for visitors to pray for good fortune, wealth, and financial success. The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

9. Wat San Chao (Sian Pae Rongsi), Pathum Thani

For those in Pathum Thani who prefer not to travel into the heart of Bangkok, Wat Sala Jao is a well-known temple worth visiting. This ancient temple has been around for over 200 years and features a beautiful assembly hall, a Mon-style stupa, and is famous for the "San Sien Pae" (Master Pae Shrine). The influence of "Sien Pae Rong Si" attracts many visitors seeking blessings for financial success and career advancement, hoping for good fortune in their business ventures.

Since Sien Pae played a significant role in restoring Wat Sala Jao, he is highly respected by the community even today. The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

10. Wat Phra Mani, Nakhon Nayok

For those hoping to attract good fortune, win the lottery, or succeed in investments, visiting Wat Phra Mani in Nakhon Nayok is a must. Located not far from Bangkok, this temple is home to the revered Luang Por Pak Daeng, a sitting Buddha statue known for its strikingly red lips, resembling lipstick.

When visiting Luang Por Pak Daeng to seek blessings, it's customary to bring offerings such as 9 clusters of Nam Wah bananas, 9 sets of betel leaves, 9 flower garlands, and a bottle of red drink. These offerings are believed to enhance your chances of receiving the fortune you desire. The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

In addition to its sacred significance, the temple features beautiful architecture. Visitors not only receive blessings during the Thai New Year but also get to admire the stunning beauty of the temple itself. This makes it a wonderful activity to enjoy during the Songkran festival!

Check out more articles from our good friends at Twinkl with this Songkran festival activity guide.

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