There are over 31,200 Buddhist temples spread around Thailand. In Thai we call them wat. They are grouped into two main groups: temples which are permitted to carry out religious functions, and those which are used only for living quarters for monks.

Temples are classified into two main categories: Royal Temples and Common Temples. The Royal Temples were either built by royalty or came under their sponsorship. In Thailand, there are about 200 Royal Temples though there are only six of the highest grade. These are:

1. Wat Phra Chetuphon, Bangkok
2. Wat Mahathat, Bangkok
3. Wat Suthat, Bangkok
4. Wat Arun, Bangkok
5. Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom Province
6. Wat Phra Buddhabat, Saraburi Province

We have visited many beautiful temples during our travels around Thailand. Below are some of the highlights:

• Wat Khun Inthra Pramun, Ang Thong, Ang Thong Province
• Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawihan, Chachoengsao, Chachoengsao Province
• Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom
• Wat Bang Phli Yai Klang, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan Province
• Wat Phra Phuttabat, Saraburi

For more information about visiting Thailand, please consult thailandguidebook.com. If you want to learn about the Thailand that most tourists don't get to see then visit thailandlife.com. For people learning Thai, try the biggest Thai language resource center at learningthai.com.

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