Thai Temple Architecture

Bangkok’s 400 Buddhist temples are an important source of religious and cultural heritage. Their vibrant colours and remarkable architecture leave everyone in awe. Even though they don’t all look alike, all temples follow a certain structural rule… A wat, the Thai word for temple, must be made up of three main sections. First, there’s the sala, or temple courtyard, a space for monks to gather and carry out their daily activities. Next is the vihara, the hall where monks receive their teachings. Finally, we have the bot, the main sanctuary where Buddhist ceremonies take place. There are also three other features found in Thai temples. You may come across a ho trai, a library that houses sacred Buddhist texts, a chedi, where Buddha’s relics are kept, or a prang, a tall tower-like sanctuary. You can now call yourself an expert on Thai temples!