Temple Hopping Through Thailand

Try as you might, I am here to tell you it is impossible to visit every temple in Thailand! There are temples around every corner in some places, and each one is more beautiful than the next. That's why we had to narrow down our selection before we tackled the list.

I decided the best place to visit temples was in Chiang Mai's Old City. It's about 1.5 square kilometers and used to be surrounded by walls and moats as protection. There are still remnants of the old brick walls in some areas of the city, and you can still feel how the Old City is somewhat separated from the rest of Chiang Mai.

We started our self-made walking tour at the Three Kings Monument in the dead center. It depicts the three founding kings of the city. Next, we made our way to the following temples:

• Wat Chiang Man: This is the oldest temple in the town.

• Wat Chedi Luang

• Wat Phan Tao

• Wat Lok Moli: Here, we were able to purchase a gold leaf with the symbol of the year of our birth on it. We hung them on one of three wishing trees in the compound with our names on it. This was one of the most beautiful temples we went to because it was full of statues and symbolism.

• Wat Phra Singh, "The Temple of the Lion Buddha": Here, we had to pay to get in. Any foreigners were asked to make a donation of 40 THB, or a little over $1 USD. We were given a small flower, which you placed at the feet of wax monk statues.

These are the temples we went inside. We passed by a handful of other beautiful structures that were either closed or we didn't have time to step inside.

Our short trip did not allow us the time to see all we wanted to. I've compiled a list below of the temples that I did not get to visit but wish to go back and see:

Chiang Mai Temples:

• Wat Umong

• Wat Chiang Yuen

• Wat Ku Tao

• Wat Suan Dok

• Wat Sri Suphan, "The Silver Temple": This temple does have an admission fee of 50 THB, or a little over $2 USD.

• Wat Phra That Doi Kham

Bangkok Temples/Palaces:

• Grand Palace: This is the home of the Thai King. It contains Wat Phra Kaew and a number of other buildings. A strict dress code is enforced, and the cost to enter is 500 THB, or about $15 USD, for foreigners.

• Wat Phra Kaew, "Temple of the Emerald Buddha"

• Wat Pho, "Temple of the Reclining Buddha"

• Wat Arun, "Temple of Dawn"

• Wat Mahatat

Visiting temples, we learned some valuable information that may be helpful for your trip:

• Always remember to take off your shoes at the door. It is a sign of respect that you are leaving any dirt you may track in at the door.

• Layers are a good idea. For our little excursion, we were walking around Chiang Mai in the heat and humidity for minutes at a time, stopping in temples when possible. I wore flowing linen pants that were breathable and a loose fitting tank top. Then, I packed a linen scarf in my backpack that I could easily access whenever I entered a temple. I was able to stay cool while walking and be respectful inside the temples.

• If there was one thing I forgot, it was sunscreen. It was a bright and sunny day, and there was no real shade in the old city. I was able to use my scarf to shade myself somewhat, but I still got sunburned.

• Think about the time of day you are visiting the temples. We went in the later afternoon, and some of the temples had closed at 3 p.m. Do your research, and if there are any temples on your must-see list that close early or on certain days, it will help to know that in advance.

• Bring some cash. Some of the temples cost money to enter, and they will only accept Thai bahts in cash.

• Remember that these temples are places of worship. Many locals are there for religious rather than tourist reasons, and it is important to respect them.

No matter your background or beliefs, the Thai temples are a must-see! Share some of your photos or experiences with me, and happy temple hopping!