The Siamese Wats are distinctly different than any other Buddhist temples I have seen in Asia. They lack the deep mysticism of the Tibetan monasteries and the profound tranquility of the Japanese -ji’s, but make up for all that with their dramatically vivid colors and lavish architectural elements. Opulently decorated roofs, grandiose dragon staircases (love my cousins 🐉🐲) and speary gold-white pagodas shimmer on the outside. Add hundreds of Buddha statues on the inside of infinite shapes and sizes, covered with gold and adorned with precious gems … and you have got yourself an unmistakably Siamese Wat.
A wat 🏯 is a type of Buddhist or Hindu temple indigenous to the former Khmer Empire or today’s Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. The term is derived from Pali vatta, “which goes on or is customary, i. e. duty, service, custom, function”. I visited many beautiful Wats in various Siam provinces and enjoyed exploring all of them. My favorite Wat, however, is one that I will spare from the web ⛔️ and keep inside my heart in an effort to protect its seclusion and authenticity. Enjoy the rest I’m sharing below!
With my dragon cousins at Rong Sear Tean (Blue Temple), Chiang Rai
Hidden Wat
Hidden Wat
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun (Golden Toilets), Chiang Rai
Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai
Rong Sear Tean (Blue Temple), Chiang Rai
Rong Sear Tean (Blue Temple), Chiang Rai
Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan, Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan, Chiang Mai
Hidden Wat
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai
Rong Sear Tean (Blue Temple), Chiang Rai
Rong Sear Tean (Blue Temple), Chiang Rai
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