Krabi is a town that is very different from other Thai cities and towns. Life here has its own pace and spirituality is a big part of it. The region is blessed with some of the most beautiful temples in Thailand and apart from the beaches, rainforests, and limestone cliffs, the temples are a huge tourist draw. So, if you are looking for spiritual experiences that also include beautiful nature, then look for the best Krabi holiday packages and come and experience tranquility over here. Here’s a look at Krabi’s best temples:
Wat Tham Suea
Home to a 50-foot Buddha statue, Wat Tham Suea is located inside a limestone cave. The temple is also called Tiger Cave Temple because the cave was found to have many tiger prints. This place was then turned into a temple because centuries ago, monks used to meditate on top of the mountain. Today, the temple complex has beautiful depictions of Buddha and other Buddhism-related murals and has a massive Buddha statue on top. You have to climb 1,260 steps to get here, which can be challenging, but the views of the sea and forests around make it all worth it. Wat Tham Suea’s most significant festival is Makha Bucha Day. Meditation, chanting, and candlelight processions are held to celebrate.
Wat Bang Riang
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Another mountaintop temple, the Wat Bang Riang is one of the best examples of Buddhism because the temple complex draws inspiration from India, China, and Thailand, the three main regions from where Buddhism spread to the world. The designs, murals, and idols incorporate influences from all three countries. The huge Buddha statue takes center stage, and it is placed on a big throne. One of the best features of this temple is the massive pagoda. It is stunning. Wat Bang Riang is one of the most beautiful Krabi temples, and its beauty is further enhanced during sunset when the complex glows golden. Wat Bang Riang is an amazing place that is located on the Khao Lan Mountain, away from the hustle and bustle of Krabi City. The water festival of Loi Krathong is celebrated here with much fervor as devotees release decorative float lanterns called krathongs to honor the water goddess.
Wat Suan Dok Mai
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The Ao Nang village hosts one of the best Krabi attractions! Wat Suan Dok Mai is a gorgeous temple located here whose best features are the beautiful gardens. While devotees go to the temple to pray, many others simply come to enjoy the beautiful, lush gardens. The temple architecture is adorned with a lot of carving that will mesmerize the onlooker, and the atmosphere will instantly put you at ease. Many also use the gardens as a great opportunity to meditate as there is a lot of peace and tranquility here. One of the best times to come here is during Songkran, which is the Thai New Year. Many water-throwing events are organized here and the people of the town all gather to have fun.
Wat Ao Luek
Take your spiritual experiences to the next level at Wat Ao Leuk. This is one of the few temples in Krabi that offers meditation retreats where participants can come and learn meditation from monks and other experts. Wat Ao Leuk is located inside a forest, away from the noise and traffic of the cities and towns. Therefore, many people who are interested in meditation and finding balance and inner peace come to be a part of the retreats. One of the best days to come here is Asalha Bucha Day. This day is celebrated as the day when Buddha delivered his first iconic sermon. At Wat Ao Leuk, many monks deliver sermons and lead meditation events that anyone can be a part of. Wat Ao Leuk is a great experience that will help you unlock the secret to peace.
Wat Sai Thai
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Known for its beautiful statue of Buddha reclining against the limestone cliffs, the Wat Sai Thai is a small temple that does not have the pomp and frills of some temples. This temple is simple and has a more natural design with a lot of nature incorporated into its existence. The temple complex, though not humongous, is still quite beautiful. One of the biggest reasons people visit temples is for a spiritual experience, and you will get that here because there are hardly any tourist crowds here. The only time you’ll find crowds here is in July, during the Buddhist lent season. Devotees bring food, alms, clothes, and other offerings for the monks.
Wat Klong Thom
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Apart from getting a temple experience, you can also see ancient artifacts excavated from Khuan Luk Pat, a site behind the temple. All these artifacts have great cultural significance as they give a deep look and understand how life in the region was 5000 years ago. At Wat Klong Thom, you can see colored beads, metal coins, stone tools, ceramic art, stone art, bronze implements, and pottery shards that were dug up in great condition. Wat Klong Thom sees a lot of crowds thanks to these historical and ancient artifacts. So, make sure you visit at the right time to avoid too many crowds.
Wat Kaew Korawaram
Made from white marble, Wat Kaew Korawaram is easily one of the best sacred sites in Krabi. This is a hilltop temple with some of the most beautiful architecture you will ever see. The marble shines during the day and looks like a beacon after the sun goes down. On the inside, the temple has some intricate murals that are based on the various famous scenes from Buddha’s life and his teachings. So, a tour here also becomes like a crash course on Buddhism. Despite the temple being in Krabi Town, there is a lot of peace and tranquility in the area. One can easily do some meditation and mindfulness exercises that will make you feel better. Wat Kaew Korawaram also becomes a focal point during the main Buddhist festivals.
Religious Festivals Celebrated in Krabi
Visakha Bucha Day
This is one of the most important religious festivals for Buddhists as it is celebrated to remember the birth, enlightenment, life teachings, and death of Lord Buddha. All the temples in the region celebrate this festival. And many people from all over the country come here to be a part of it.
Makha Bucha Day
1250 monks gathered to hear Buddha’s sermon and since then, this day has been celebrated with much love. Devotees light candles and march in processions carrying the candles, incense, and even flowers. They march in circles around the main Stupa in the temple before making their offerings.
Asalha Bucha Day
Buddha gave his first-ever sermon on this day, so to celebrate this day, the temples hold many meditation sessions throughout the day, chanting events are held, and sermons are delivered on the topic Buddha spoke about – ‘The Four Noble Truths’. This is one of the busiest days in all temples.
Khao Phansa
Khao Phansa, also known as the Buddhist Lent, is the time when people abstain from vices, the monks go back to the monasteries and temples and remain inside doing prayers all day long. Devotees bring in alms and clothes for the monks to show support for their sacrifices.
Loi Krathong
The festival of lights is one of the most important days in Thai Buddhism. Lanterns are released into the sky and floating baskets are released to honor the water goddess who takes away the negativity from the people. All the water bodies and the skies look beautiful on this day.
Krabi has gained a lot of good reputation for its amazing temples and the spiritual experiences that are on offer. In these temples, religious and local customs are followed further adding to the authenticity and appeal. Therefore, if you are coming to Thailand for a religious experience, come and stay in Krabi and visit all the temples mentioned above for a peaceful and tranquil time.
