The Most Beautiful Temple Statues in Thailand and What They Represent

Home to the largest Buddha statue in Thailand and ninth-largest statue in the world, Wat Muang’s giant Buddha in Ang Thong province is both impressive as a work of art and as a feat of engineering. At 92 meters tall and a bright gold colour, they don’t come much bigger or more impressive than this, and the temple is also home to impressive statues of Naga and creepy statues of humans in distress in Buddhist hell.

At 45 meters tall and covered in white marble, Phuket’s Big Buddha is amongst the most beautiful and the biggest in the country. Sitting pretty at the top of a hill, those who make the climb in the sun are not only greeted with a awesome statue, but with a stunning view out onto Chalong Bay. Visible all over southern Phuket, it’s just as impressive from up close as it is from afar.

The attack of Ayutthaya saw the Burmese army destroy many of the statues and temples in Ayutthaya and, with them, their secrets. Whilst Buddha statues had their heads removed and taken, one remained — and became one of the most famous in the land. The head of the Buddha growing in the roots of a banyan tree is a haunting sight and proves a popular attraction for both local and foreign tourists who flock to the once-great city.

Wat Phra Kaew may be Thailand’s most famous temple, but its neighbour Wat Pho houses one of the most beautiful likenesses of the Buddha in the country. At 46 meters long, and golden, it’s an impressive sight. It represents the Buddha about to enter parinirvana, or the nirvana after death.

Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple features many beautiful statues, but its huge golden Buddha is easily the most beautiful. Located at the top of a mountain that requires 1,247 steps to reach the summit, the beauty of the statue is matched by the beauty in the grueling ascent of the mountains and the views from the top, which the Buddha enjoys every day.

A statue of the Buddha crafted from one piece of jade in the 14th century, the Emerald Buddha is one of the most famous and revered statues in the country. Housed in an ornate hall, it’s a beautiful statue in an equally beautiful setting, and its clothing is changed only by the King himself throughout the year.

Located on the scenic island of Koh Samui, the impressive statue of Guanyin is one of the most striking and memorable in the land. A goddess of compassion and mercy, this Chinese-style statue features no less than 18 arms and sees her foot resting on the crook of a dragon. Set out on a lake, it’s well-worth paying a visit if you’re ever in Samui.

A small shrine located in Bangkok, it houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hinuda god Brahma. Golden-coloured and featuring Brahma in his three-headed form, the statue is a thing of beauty amidst a backdrop of brutalist architecture. The tempe is a popular spot for Thai dancers to perform. In 2015, the shrine was the site of a terror attack, and some worshipers tragically lost their lives.

Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin is the largest Buddha statue in Thailand and among the biggest Buddha statues in the world. Also known as “The Great Buddha of Thailand,” the gigantic golden statue can be found at Wat Muang Monastery in Ang Thong province. Seen from far and wide, the striking statue is 92 metres tall and 63 metres wide. It is in the “Calling the Earth to Witness” pose and is made from concrete that has been painted gold. Recommended by Sarah Williams.

Often referred to as simply “The Big Buddha,” Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri is one of Phuket’s major attractions. Sitting high in the Nakkerd Hills, the pale statue seems to radiate in the sunshine. The seated statue is made from concrete and adorned with Burmese jade marble. It’s a large statue, standing at 45 metres tall. Recommended by Sarah Williams.

Housed in Chinatown’s Wat Traimit, Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon is also known as the Golden Buddha. It is the biggest Buddha statue in the world to be made from solid gold. The statue has a long and interesting history, and it was disguised for many years. The statue is thought to date back to the Sukhothai period (1238-1438), but its true identity only became known in the mid-1950s. Recommended by Sarah Williams.

Established as a religious site in 2004, Wat Phra That Pha Kaew (previously called Pha Sorn Kaew) officially became a temple in 2010. Located in Phetchabun province, it is a centre for meditation. The glorious colourful temple is one of the most stunning in the country, and the dazzling white five-Buddha statue stands spectacularly against the green hilly background. The elevated position means that clouds often hang close to the statue, giving it even more of an ethereal air. Sitting cross-legged amid lotus petals, the five Buddha images decrease in height. The biggest has a golden head decoration and other golden details, while the others are mostly pure white. Recommended by Sarah Williams.

With the huge and grandiose name of Phra Buddha Metta Pracha Thai Trailokanath Gandhararath Anusorn, this impressive Buddha statue is in Kanchanaburi’s modern temple of Wat Thipsukhontharam. The statue is standing with its hands in the position known as “abhaya”; this posture is one of protection and fearlessness and is based on a Buddhist tale of the Lord Buddha stopping a charging elephant by raising his hand. The statue’s face is exceptionally serene. Cast from bronze and standing at more than 30 metres tall, it is Thailand’s biggest standing bronze Buddha statue. Recommended by Sarah Williams.

Phra Achana is one of the most beautiful Buddha statues in the ancient city of Sukhothai. Located in Wat Si Chum, the large seated statue’s name means “the one who is not frightened.” Local legends tell of a Burmese army running away in surrender upon seeing the statue. Part of what makes the statue so visually appealing is its setting; it is housed within a large and now-roofless hall, with the statue partially visible through a tall and slender opening. The long fingers have been coated in gold leaf for good luck. Recommended by Sarah Williams.

The temple of Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkon Khiri is in the Northern Thai province of Phrae. It is a fairly modern temple that has traditional Lanna-style architecture and details. It boasts an attractive reclining statue of the Lord Buddha that is rather different to others found across the country. The statue is in a Burmese style with more colour than many of Thailand’s other Buddha statues. The face is also more feminine. The figure’s skin is pale, wrapped in a pale yellow robe, the lips are bright red, and the eyes are ringed with deep black liner. The large feet display typical Buddhist symbols. Recommended by Sarah Williams.

Phra Buddha Chinnarat is a golden Sukhothai-style Buddha statue in Phitsanulok’s historic temple of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. Many Thai people see the statue as the most beautiful Buddha statue in the whole of Thailand. The statue’s name translates as “The King of Victory.” It is in the “Calling the Earth to Witness” posture, with crossed legs, one hand resting in the lap, and the other pointing toward the ground. This pose is representative of the time that the Lord Buddha reached enlightenment. Recommended by Sarah Williams.

Chaing Rai’s stunning white Wat Rong Khun temple is matched only in beauty by the intricate, ornately carved statues that can be found throughout its grounds. Both figures from the Buddhist and Hindu faiths can be found in statue form here, from the fearsome Naga to the God of Death and Rahu, not to mention the eerie sea of souls, with its hands stretching desperately up toward the sky.

Figures of the Buddhist and Hindu faiths, Yak are giant creatures who, despite their intimidating demeanor, are usually benevolent. The most beautiful of these statues are found at Bangkok’s Grand Palace, where they stand guard by the entrance, sword in hand, to protect it from evil spirits, whilst replicas can be found at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Despite being a Hindu god, Ganesh — or known in Thailand as Phra Phikanet — is still widely respected and worshipped by some as the god of fortune and success. Chachoengsao’s Wat Saman Rattanaram features a large, reclining Ganesh in striking colours, whilst two other giant statues of the elephant-headed god can also be found in the province.

Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, visiting breathtaking temples, or discovering hidden gems, there’s something for every traveler. Don’t miss out on seeing Thailand’s most stunning temple statues, from the Emerald Buddha to the Reclining Buddha. Immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of this amazing country.

Take advantage of our well planned trips to see the finest of Thailand, and have life-changing experiences, from strolling through Bangkok’s energetic streets to unwinding on Phuket’s breathtaking beaches. Don’t pass up the opportunity to view some of Thailand’s most magnificent temple statues, such as the imposing Reclining Buddha and the well-known Emerald Buddha.