If you want to explore the history of Thailand through the ages there are a number of historical monuments in Thailand including the time-honored buildings, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Phuket. The presence of these monuments of Thailand will take you on a walk through the city’s rich history. If you are willing to have in-depth historical information about Thailand, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical sites in Thailand for a great trip:
List of Monuments to Visit in Thailand
1. Wat Arun
2. Big Buddha
3. Kua Tian Keng Sapan Hin Shrine
4. Karon Circle
5. Wat Pho
6. The Sanctuary Of Truth
7. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum
8. Grand Palace
9. Wat Phra Kaew
10. Love Art Park
11. Big Buddha (Phuket)
12. Wat Suwan Khiri Khet
13. Wat Phra Thong
14. Tsunami Memorial Park
15. Phuket Heroines Monument
1. Wat Arun
Wat Arun is an ancient structure dating back to the battles between the former Siam and Burma and it is also a place of worship with a rich past. The site was built by remaining survivors and General Taksin and also known as the Temple of Dawn. Later, the temple was renamed as Aruna after the Indian God of dawn to commemorate the founding of a new Ayutthaya, the former capital of the kingdom.The famous landmark in Thailand is a massive structure with a key highlight being the 82m-high rahng (Khmer-style tower). By Rama II this structure was constructed and later completed by Rama III during the first half of the 19th century. The striking murals adorning the temple date back to from the reign of Rama V while the main idol of Buddha installed is said to be designed by King Rama II. The depiction of Prince Siddhartha encountering examples of birth, old age, sickness and death outside his palace walls is an eye-catching feature of Wat Arun. To abandon worldly life, these stages finally lead him. It is said that at the base of the Buddha idol is the ashes of Rama II. As one reaches the top, it is a different story.
Address: Wat Arun, 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand.
2. Big Buddha
You’ll find an enormous 18 metre tall Buddha statue that is located at the very top of Pratumnak Hill. This Big Buddha is situated within the premises of the Wat Phra Yai temple and is the largest statue in the region. The statue is also called Luang Phor Yhai by Thai people and was established in the year 1977. The Big Buddha, extremely popular with tourists is revered by the locals who come to pray at the temple. Do check out the intricate design on the statue while there. It is one of the religious landmarks in Thailand. Please maintain the tranquillity of the place because it is an active place of worship. Keep remember because dressing in conservative so clothing is recommended.
Address: Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, Thailand, Pattaya.
3. Kua Tian Keng Sapan Hin Shrine
The shrine located in a superb location at Saphanhin Park, Kua Tian Keng must be one of the most beautiful places of worship in Phuket. It is considered the departure spot to send all gods/deities back to heaven on the final night of the Vegetarian Festival and the only shrine that is located near the seashore and This is the only shrine on the island that is almost directly on the sea. And as such, it has a special purpose. This is supposed to be the departure point of the gods and deities who have come down to mingle among us mortals during the vegetarian festival. It is one of the beautiful monuments in Thailand. Including the smirking silver sculpture of the rebel-spirited monk and cultural folk hero Ji Gong, check out the statues and images of the various deities in the shrine. There are 8 statues in all, all of them beautifully made. For its role in the culture of the island, and for its unique location, make sure to visit this temple if you’re close by.
Address: Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand.
4. Karon Circle
There are a number of white statues, assuming marble in the centre of the circle. The statues are a tribute to the heritage of local Thai people. It is one of the oldest monuments in Thailand. They pay homage to fishermen, banana farmers and workers in the rubber plantations and tin mining. Karon Circle is at the busy intersection of Patak and Wiset Road on the beach front. The statues can be viewed from the pavements that line the roads. At night the base of the statues are lit up with coloured lights.
Address: Unnamed Road, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand.
5. Wat Pho
Wat Pho is also known as the Temple of Reclining Buddha and located behind the spectacular Temple of Emerald Buddha. Wat Pho is the largest temple and major tourist attraction in Bangkok. The temple is very famous for its marvelous and huge statue of Buddha reclined on a gold leaf. For a sacred experience you must explore this statue. From any other temple in Bangkok, Wat Pho is said to have the highest number of statues of Buddha.The reclining Buddha of Wat Pho certainly should not be missed and because it has become something of a cultural symbol for Thailand. Wat Pho Reclining Buddha is one of the main attractions in Bangkok everyday thousands of visitors come here to pay respect. If you are planning to see this religious monument in Bangkok keep remember don’t miss out to capture all the images of Buddha and you also need to follow the dress code.
Address: 2 Sanamchai Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand 10200, Thailand.
6. The Sanctuary Of Truth
The Sanctuary of truth in Thailand is a serene, calm and meaningful tourist destination. It is worth a visit to the important monument in Thailand. Within it is an amazing representation of the culture and architecture of Thailand, this tall structure made of wood houses. It is a monument worth a visit built in the traditional style. The idea behind this popular monument in Pattaya is the message of peace through this shrine and it is to preserve the eastern wisdom architecture and built as an ode to it. The wooden sculptures depict different elements from their mythologies as well as Hindu and Buddhist Gods. Each section intricate awe-inspiring carvings and is full of symbolism.
Address: 206/2 Moo 5, Soi Naklua 12, Naklua, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand, Pattaya
7. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum
The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum in Pattaya displays really bizarre memorabilia from all over the world and it is part of a chain of museums. Ripley’s collection may be known from the popular television show and is one of the most intriguing in the world. The Ripley’s Museum is like a giant circus show from shrunken heads to stuffed versions of weird animals, with amazing abilities two headed cows to people. A huge range of unbelievable things here and you are sure to come across. It is just the main exhibit. On the premises, there are several other attractions. If you dare to take it and there is a very creepy haunted house tour. You can also feel a 4D movie experience which is a must try. Infinity Maze is the best part about this place where with state of the art technology you can experience amazing illusions. These old monuments in Thailand is sure to amaze and daze you.
Address: 218 Garden Park Royal shopping center. Plaza. , Room No. C 20-21 Moo 10, Pattaya beach. Tambon Nong Prue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260., Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand.
8. Grand Palace
Both Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace are located in the same complex so you can combine your visit to the Grand Palace with that of the temple. The designs of Grand Palace are more of European style unlike Wat Pra Kaew. The Palace is used for various memorable occasions like weddings, events, special ceremonies, etc. Visitors are allowed in the European style reception room and a few other sections inside the Palace. Various state functions are held inside the Palace, every year.The Grand Palace is a compilation of various buildings, pavilion, huge open lawns, halls, rooms and much more. Once you visit this beautiful landmark in Thailand, you will realize the grandeur of architectural style which is unique to this region. Grand Palace is regarded as the most highly recognized architectural Palace and landmark of tourism in Bangkok. Also, visit the popular attractions in the city by following Bangkok other historical places. Before entering into this palace keep mind following instructions:
- Dress code should be followed strictly.
- Parking is available near the Palace.
- Photography not allowed.
- At a rent of 100 Bht.Personal audio guide also provided.
Address: Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Grand Palace, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200, Thailand.
9. Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok is also known as the land of temples. Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as one of the most sacred temples of Bangkok which also hosts Bangkok tourism. This ancient monument in Thailand is located in the centre of Bangkok attracting several tourists every year. The main building of this historical place consists of a huge statue of Emerald Buddha. Through this temple you can surely explore many important parts of the life of Buddha.The statue of Buddha is in a meditating position and about 14 century old. It makes sense to hire a guide or avail the audio guide to take in more information about the place. One thing that needs to be remembered is that it is a sacred place, and photography is strictly prohibited here. Wat Phra Kaew will surely provide you with ultimate relaxation and a complete peace of mind.
If you are wishing to explore it keep remember following steps:
- Photography is strictly prohibited.
- Men should not wear shorts, pants and slippers.
- Women should avoid wearing shorts, singlet, sandals and undershirt.
- Parking space is provided to visitors.
Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Rajawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand.
10. Love Art Park
Along with beautiful landscapes, the Love Art Park in Pattaya, a quirky tourist attraction has on display hundreds of erotic body sculptures. Each statue depicts a romantic, funny, wacky or erotic story and sculpted by professional artists. This most famous monument in Thailand is an outdoor sculpture park that is spread across a huge area which also has a live café, childcare centre, a conference room, restaurant, and video arcade.
Address: M.8 T.Huaiyai A., 129/5-7, Banglamung Chonburi, Thailand, Pattaya.
11. Big Buddha (Phuket)
The big Buddha of Phuket is an important landmark in the Thailand skyline. It is visible from the whole of south Phuket that is the remarkable thing about it. In usual meditative pose is the pride of Phuket, this extremely lavishly built plain white figurine of the Buddha. A beautiful lotus throne surrounds it. On white stone slabs around it there are thousands of messages written.The Buddha is a symbol of faith and prayer and is important to Buddhists in Phuket. As it is a religious monument of Phuket it is best visited in the right spirit by the religious tourist. You are sure to get some awe-inspiring views of the ground below If you do visit it. It’s a landmark that has to be a part of your 3 days in Phuket itinerary.
Address: Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Tambon Karon, Chang Wat Phuket 83100, Thailand.
12. Wat Suwan Khiri Khet
Not far from Karon Beach is a rather attractive temple complex. It is an elegant layout, with two great green dragons called Naga encircling the compound. The doors and windows of the temple building depict scenes from the life of the Buddha. The other temple building is guarded by two blue figures with the dramatic embellishments. In the Buddhist mythology, these are called yak, supernatural beings. You will usually be able to see some monks going about their daily activities and come across a stray dog or two. It doesn’t feel like a tourist attraction, but more like a tranquil community. Try and visit this popular landmark in Thailand during Tuesdays and Saturdays, when there is a small market right outside the temple and you can combine the experiences.
Address: 1 Patak Rd, Tambon Karon, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83100, Thailand
13. Wat Phra Thong
From the outside, this is not a very impressive-looking temple. A temple doesn’t have to be impressive from the outside but it has a gigantic half-buried statue of a golden Buddha. There is a rather fantastical legend about the origin of the statue and of the temple, and you should get the locals to tell it to you. It is one of the oldest temples, an ancient landmark in Thailand on the island and you should know it. You will also find a small museum exhibit on site. The museum contains artefacts from the now extant mining industry and these all things were used to function here. Right in the center of the island, all things considered a very intriguing little attraction.
Address: Amphoe Thalang, Tambon Thep Krasatti, 202 Nanai Rd, Chang Wat Phuket 83110, Thailand.
14. Tsunami Memorial Park
300 souls in Phuket, locals and tourists, were killed in the 2004 tsunami, most of them in the Baan Nam Khem village, which was nearly wiped off the map. This park with its wave shaped walls was established to commemorate those dead souls. There hang photographs and plaques. Since this most popular monument in Thailand was established, the park has become something of an annual pilgrimage site. There is nothing much to do here except to spend a moment in reflection and move on.
Address: 75/2 Rim Hat Rd, Tambon Kammala, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83120, Thailand
15. Phuket Heroines Monument
Even though there is nothing to do here except to click a photograph of the monument and move on, it is still worth visiting for the sheer symbolic importance the two women hold for the island of Phuket represented in this monument in Thailand. Lady Chan and Lady Mook, during the invasion of the island by Burmese invaders roused the locals and led them to victory. This has had a long and powerful impact on the image of the island. They are basically the Joan of Arc of Phuket. If you look at the base of the monument you will see a shrine where people pray to the two women before leaving the island. This is also the location of a festival known as Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn in the month of March. .
Address: Thao Thep Kasattri Thao Sri Sunthon Monument, Si Sunthon, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand.
