The Best Spiritual Places to Visit in Thailand

Wat, Pho, Buddha
Wat, Pho, Buddha | © Courtesy of sumet_k/Pixabay
Kelly Iverson

From shrines to temples and even natural landscapes, there are many places that are regarded as holy in the Land of Smiles. Locals frequent for religious purposes while many tourists visit for the photo opportunity. Here are the best spiritual places to see in Thailand.

Tiger Cave Temple, Krabi

Many visitors to Thailand head to the province of Krabi to catch a glimpse of the limestone cliffs rising from the Andaman Sea. While these are certainly noteworthy, everyone visiting this province should add the Tiger Cave Temple to their itinerary before venturing elsewhere. Stories circulate around this spiritual temple found in Southern Thailand and how it got its name. Wat Tham Suea, otherwise known as the Tiger Cave Temple, was dubbed this because apparently a tiger used to reside here, though today it is one of the most coveted religious sites in the country . The golden Buddha found at this shrine sits at the 2,000-foot peak. To get here, visitors must first climb the stairs, hugged by jungle terrain on both sides, before finally arriving at the amazing spiritual site.

Wat Pho, Bangkok

Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai

The mountain of Doi Inthanon, also known as Doi Ang Kha, is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in all of Thailand . Two trails, the Pang Wua Trail and the Den Ya Khat Trail, lead up to the summit. The Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park, which is where the mountain is found, covers some 161 square kilometers. The mountain sits 7,299 feet above sea level and is protected by the Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, which makes the national park so pristine in the first place. The most spiritual feature of the national park is Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon.

Wat Bang Phra

Though the jury is still out on how safe sacred Sak Yant tattoos are, there is no denying that are they incredibly cool… and many believe they possess spiritual powers. These tattoos are said to protect those who have them, whether it be from things like danger or even death. Those who want this type of tattoo can get them done in shops around Thailand , but the most popular destination for an authentic Sak Yant tattoo is at the Wat Bang Phra temple, which is located about 30 miles west of the capital. Wat Bang Phra is also a working Buddhist temple where monks live and meditate.

Dragon Cave, Nakhon Pathom

Found in the southern province of Phang Nga is the Dragon Cave. It overlooks rolling green mountainous terrain, which only adds to its tranquil atmosphere. The iconic cave is said to heal, and it is said that those who visit can possibly be healed just by visiting, regardless of their ailment. Visitors can apparently stay overnight for free if they bring their own supplies, but donations are accepted.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article