A southeast Asian country that tops the charts for being the top tourist destination, Thailand, is home to decorated temples, tropical beaches, caves, and luxurious palaces. In the capital city of Bangkok, the canal-side communities, iconic stupas, and the city’s skyscrapers will have you spoilt for choice. If you want to escape the urban life for a bit of the island, there are plenty that will cater to your needs. Islands such as Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Lipe, and Hoh Tau will be your quick fix to the much-needed island life. The moment you land in the country, you will be welcomed by the friendliest people ever and you will know why Thailand is called the ‘land of smiles’. For accommodation, you can book rooms in one of the resorts or Airbnb vacation rentals. Scroll down for a list of some of the best famous buildings in Thailand.
1. Wat Phra Mahathat, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Nestled beside the Pa Than Bridge, Wat Phra Mahathat in Ayutthaya is one of the oldest temple structures. It is believed to have been constructed by King Boromaraja I and was a royal temple for his kingdom.
The temple is significantly important and holds value, especially for followers of Buddhism, as it has Buddha’s holy relic. History says that when the kingdom faced its decline in 1767, the temple was destroyed in a terrible fire and remained an abandoned property for many years. It is located inside the Ayutthaya Historical Park in the current day.
Tourists can visit the temple for its stunning pagodas, royal halls of incredible architecture that offer a glimpse into its past glory, and impressive murals under a Bodhi tree. One can also witness the sandstone head of Lord Buddha within a tree’s root designed in Ayutthaya-style themes.
Wat Phra Mahathat, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Address: Wat Mahathat, Naresuan Rd, Tha Wasukri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 50 THB (1.37 USD)
2. Bang Pa-in Palace, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Bang Pa-in Summer Palace is found only steps away from the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya. This magnificently beautiful place was constructed by King Prasart Thong and was a summer retreat for the royals in the 17th century. It was, however, demolished and left in ruins when the kingdom of Ayutthaya saw its fall.
It was King Rama IV who resurrected the palace in the mid-19th century. The palace also houses the King Prasart Thong Shrine, which was constructed by King Mongkut in honor of King Prasart Thong. Styled in a classic Greek Corinthian order, the palace has several monuments, gardens, and pavilions that are a testament to the glory of its rulers.
Tourists can reach the palace by bus or train. Tickets for a visit can be booked online as well.
Bang Pa-in Palace, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Address: Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Ban Len, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13160, Thailand
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 30 THB (0.82 USD) for Thai nationals; 100 THB (2.74 USD) for foreigners
3. Elephant Tower, Bangkok
Elephant Building, otherwise known as the Chang Building, located in the Chatuchak district of northern Bangkok, is one of the most popular places to visit in Thailand, because of its architectural resemblance to the elephant. With 32 floors in the building, the Elephant Tower completed its construction in 1997. Ranked in the top 5 among the 20 world’s most iconic skyscrapers, the Elephant Tower is a national landmark with three towers that make up the shape of an elephant. You can even see the tusk and eye-detailing when you stand on the edge of the building’s right side.
Elephant Tower
Address: Khwaeng Chom Phon, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
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4. Baiyoke Tower II, Bangkok
Want to observe the beauty of Bangkok through the eagle’s eye view? Head to Baiyoke Tower II on your next vacation - a major landmark in Thailand. An unmissable attraction in Bangkok’s Pratunam area, Baiyoke Tower II is an 84-story building that is considered as one of the world’s tallest building. In the tower, there is a skywalk situated on the 77th level and features large windows from where you can enjoy the striking views of the city. Standing tall at 343 meters (1,126 feet), the tower houses a hotel that was established in 1998, as well as a shopping complex. Along with this, the area that the tower is located, is also popular for Pratunam market, where you can shop for multiple items.
Baiyoke Tower II
Address: Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
5. Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok (from USD 31.0)
There was once a time, in the 18th century, when the architecture all around the world was inspired by the European style. But, one monument that stood out and was made an exception is Thailand’s Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of Emerald Buddha. Back in the day, this independent kingdom called Siam mixed foreign and traditional elements to create something beautiful and unique. The Buddhist temple, the Wat Phra Kaew, is nestled in the heart of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, within the Royal Palace grounds. The attraction comprises several structures inside the compound wall.
Bangkok Temple Emerald Buddha Entrance Ticket With Hotel Transfer
Duration: 3 hours
6. White Temple, Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun, also famously renowned as the White Temple, is a unique landmark and a striking one in the country. Situated in Chiang Rai, the temple, among many other notable things, is famous for its stunning white, fairy-tale-like structure that has innumerable sculptures and gates. The building features the golden building, the cycle of rebirth bridge, a meditation hall, ubosot (ordination hall), and a gateway to heaven. Its remarkable features make it one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
White Temple
Address: 60 หมู่ที่ 1 Phahonyothin Rd, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Website: White Temple
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 5:30pm
Tip from Content Creator
Visiting this temple is like visiting an art exhibition inspired by the teachings of Buddha. The white color of the temple symbolizes purity, while the glittering mirrors signify the teachings of Lord Buddha to reflect kindness to others. Every statue or structure has a meaning and relates to his teachings. An interesting fact about the temple is that the work is still not over and is expected to go on till 2070!
Please remember to wear modest clothes to the temple as it is mandatory.
7. Lebua State Tower, Bangkok
Situated in Bangkok’s business district, Lebua State Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in Thailand and has grown in popularity since its role in the film The Hangover II, where the film cast shot a scene at the tower’s restaurant and sky bar. Standing tall at 247 meters (810 feet), the building comprises 68 floors and a golden dome, which can be seen from afar. The building features office spaces, hotels and residences.
Lebua State Tower
Address: State Tower Bangkok, 1055 Si Lom, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Website: Lebua State Tower
8. The Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya (from USD 11.1)
A popular attraction in Pattaya, The Sanctuary of Truth is a 344-ft (104 m) tall one-of-a-kind structure, which is made completely out of teakwood. The renowned monument is an ode to Thai craftsmanship, featuring intricate details of interesting scenes, elephants, people, and characters from mythological stories. The architecture of the museum is inspired by elements of Hinduism and Buddhism. In the four corners of the building, it features multiple figurines from the legends and beliefs inspired by Chinese, Cambodian, Indian, and Thai.
The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya, Bangkok
9. Robot Building, Bangkok
The Robot Building, otherwise known as the Bank of Asia, was established in 1987 features a striking design to the structure, which is known to reflect how the banking industry has been influenced heavily by computer technology. The building is named as such as it represents the outlook of a robot, with eyes and antennas. It is also known for housing the United Overseas Bank headquarters.
Robot Building
Address: Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10120, Thailand
Website: Robot Building
10. Wat Chedi Liam, Chiang Mai
The Buddhist temple Wat Chedi Liam is nestled in Wiang Kum Kam, which is one of the historical places in Thailand. The temple was founded in 1288. The town where the structure is located is ancient and fortified that was built by the king of the Lanna Empire, King Mengrai. In 1296, Wiang Kum Kam was the capital of Lanna Kingdom, until Chiang Mai was found. The temple, roughly translated as the temple of the square chedi, is an active temple that still houses monks. Also renowned as Wat Ku Kham Luang, the structure comprises an ubosot, Mon Dvaravati chedi, and a viharn.
Wat Chedi Liam
Address: 220 Kaeonawarat Rd, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Website: Wat Chedi Liam
11. Jim Thompson House Museum, Bangkok (from USD 45.0)
One of the most renowned attractions in Thailand, Jim Thompson House is a museum situated amidst green scenery, in the center of Sia, between MBK Center and Siam Paragon. This museum is a group of stunning houses made of teak, in traditional Thai architecture. These houses feature artifacts and other elements that showcase the lifestyle of that period.
Jim Thompson House Museum Entrance Ticket & Hotel Pick up
Duration: 2 hours
12. King Power Mahanakhon, Bangkok (from USD 26.53)
Another prominent skyscraper and a famous building in the country, King Mahanakhon has hotels, retail outlets, homes, and an observatory deck. Situated in Bangkok’s heart of Silom business district, this structure is next to the Bus Rapid Transport System and Bangkok Skytrain. The irregularly shaped building is made so in a way where it takes complete advantage of the striking city views and tropical climate.
King Power MahaNakhon SkyWalk Discounted Admission Ticket
Check out the striking buildings of Thailand
Thailand has a wide array of attractions to offer such as beautiful beaches and amazing monasteries. Along with exploring the top-notch landmarks in the country, make sure you visit these spectacular buildings in the country. You will not regret it. Both architecture and non-architecture buffs will be in awe of these man-made wonders and famous structures in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions about famous buildings in Thailand
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