One of my favourite parts of travel is visiting sacred sites, and I absolutely love exploring the world’s most iconic temples, from Angkor Wat in Cambodia to the Reclining Buddha in Thailand to the Golden Temple in India. They’re all very different, yet each is stunning in its own way. Whenever I visit some of the most famous and beautiful temples in the world, it’s like an out-of-body experience, and I just live in the moment.
In this blog, I share my list of my top 10 temples in the world. What my experience was like, the cultural significance, the architecture, the location, and why you should add these impressive temples to your list. The list includes some of the world’s most famous temple countries, such as India, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Because narrowing the list to 10 was so difficult, I’ve also included other important temples at the end that left a lasting impression on me. These include the Pak Ou Caves in Luang Prabang, Laos and the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, India.
👉 Curious about the most important churches I have visited around the world? This list features some of the most beautiful churches and mosques. Read my blog, 8 Iconic Churches You Must Visit Around the Globe.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of them at no extra cost to you. I only promote travel brands that I use myself.
Top 10 Temples in the World (Quick List):
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- Angkor Thom, Cambodia
- Golden Temple, India
- Wat Arun, Thailand
- Wat Pho, Thailand
- Lingaraja Temple, India
- Prem Mandir, India
- Ta Prohm, Cambodia
- Dilwara Jain Temple, India
- Wat Phra Singh, Thailand
Map of Temples
Scroll down to explore temples across Asia, from Cambodia to India to Thailand. A visual, clickable overview of all 10 temples featured in this guide. (Plus 2 bonus temples featured at the end)
Top 10 Temples in the World You Must Visit
This is my list of the most beautiful temples in the world, in my eyes. Some are renowned for their incredible architecture, others for their religious and spiritual significance, and still others for being iconic landmarks and UNESCO Heritage Temples that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Every temple on this list offers a special feeling you need to experience and see in person to fully understand.
1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia – One of The Most Famous Temples in the World
This list isn’t in any particular order, but Angkor Wat is about as famous as it gets for temples. It’s at the top of the list for a reason. It’s such a mesmerizing experience that I often refer to Angkor Wat as a Wonder of the World, even though it technically isn’t. Many call it the eighth wonder, although I have seen it listed as a modern and contemporary wonder of the world. It’s also one of the most visited temples in the world.
How to Visit Angkor Wat
If you ask me, the best way to see Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples is to take a tuk-tuk tour. There are tuk-tuks everywhere in Siem Reap, so just flag one down and book a temple tour. Many hotels in Siem Reap also offer tuk-tuk tours. When I took my tuk-tuk tour, it cost $20 USD for the day, not including entrance fees. You’ll stop for breakfast and lunch and have one of the best travel days of your life, visiting the ancient temples and surrounding architecture.
I booked this tuk-tuk tour through Antonios Villa Hotel in Siem Reap. 👉 This is my affiliate link for Antonio’s Villa Hotel.
When is The Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat?
The best time to visit Angkor Wat is at sunrise. This is non-negotiable, as it is easily the best sunrise I have ever seen. It will be pitch black at about 3:30 AM when you leave your hotel, but it’s worth it. When you arrive at the temple, it’s still dark as you tour 2 ancient buildings on your way to the perfect spot for the epic sunrise.
Watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat is a surreal experience, as the first light slowly rises over the temple’s iconic towers, reflecting in the still lotus ponds. The sky shifts from deep blue to warm gold, creating a peaceful, almost spiritual atmosphere as the ancient stone silhouette comes to life. When you do the tuk-tuk tour, you return in the afternoon, which is a completely different experience.
Angkor Wat Travel Tips
- I booked my Angkor temple pass on the same day I visited the temples. They have limited tickets daily, so arrive early at 5 am. A day pass costs $37 USD.
- You can wear shorts at Angkor Wat, but make sure you dress respectfully. Technically, they should reach your knees.
- Head to the nearby Phnom Bakheng Temple for an epic sunset.
For a complete Angkor Wat temple guide, check out my blog, Ultimate 4-Day Cambodia Itinerary for a First-Timer
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2. Angkor Thom, Cambodia – A Historic Temple City of the Khmer Empire
Angkor Thom is as iconic as it gets when it comes to temples. This temple is world-famous on its own, but it reached another level when Tomb Raider, starring Angelina Jolie, was filmed here.
The architecture of Angkor Thom reflects the grandeur of the Khmer Empire, with massive laterite walls, monumental gates crowned with stone faces, and a carefully planned city layout centred on the historic Bayon Temple. Intricate stone carvings, towering spires, and symbolic design elements blend Hindu and Buddhist influences, creating a city that feels both spiritually powerful and architecturally impressive.
Exploring Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom is so much fun to explore, with its ancient architecture dating back to around 1181 AD, making it about 850 years old. Walk the steep stairways to the top and enjoy an epic view from one of the world’s most iconic temples. Perhaps the most famous part of this temple is the stairway of the Phimeanakas Temple, located within the Royal Palace. If you have seen the movie First They Killed My Father, this is the location where they were praying at the end. Angelina Jolie produced this movie, too.
I found this temple while staying in Siem Reap on a tuk-tuk tour that included Angkor Wat.
3. Golden Temple, India – The Most Sacred Sikh Temple in the World
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, is unique from the other temples on this list. The most obvious reason is, well, it’s golden. The Sikh temple completely floors you the second you step into the compound. I have never seen a temple anywhere in the world that resembles the Golden Temple.
It’s surrounded by a man-made, mirror-like sacred pool. The temple itself appears to float on the water, and its reflection makes for epic photos. A narrow walkway leads to the temple across the water. I saw many Sikhs bathing in the sacred pool during the day.
Visiting The Golden Temple Complex
The buildings around the Golden Temple create a calm, welcoming space that highlights its beauty. White marble walkways surround the water, and nearby buildings feature simple arches and domes, giving the complex a clean, peaceful look. Overall, the complex feels open and easy to explore, enhancing its quiet, spiritual vibe.
If you are using Google Maps to find the temple, make sure you search for “Sri Harmandir Sahib,” the temple’s official name. My first trip to the Golden Temple was a failure, as it took me to a much less significant Sikh Temple that wasn’t the real “Golden Temple.”
The Golden Temple Religious Significance
Walking the grounds of the Golden Temple is the most spiritual experience I have ever had. This is the most important temple for Sikhs; it would be equal to the Vatican for Catholics, and you can feel it. Visiting this temple made me realize how important faith is to Sikhs. I walked the grounds for hours on my first night, admiring them and taking in the most religious experience of my life. It’s hard to put into words; you need to experience it to fully appreciate it.
The Golden Temple Security
Sikhs are very serious about this temple; there are rules enforced by guards with spears, no joke. They wear blue robes, tall turbans, and carry traditional weapons like spears and swords. They represent the traditional Sikh warrior. For example, I was sitting on the marble floor around the pool, and they approached me to tell me I had to cross my legs if I was going to sit in that spot.
Golden Temple Travel Tips
- You need to cover your head. On your way to the temple, you’ll find vendors selling bandanas, and free ones are available at the entrance. If you plan multiple visits, buy one, as head covering is required to enter the Golden Temple complex.
- You have to remove your shoes and socks. At the complex, to your left, there is a shoe stand where you can leave them.
- Leave your shorts at home – you will need to wear long pants, so don’t forget them.
- Go inside the temple early, ideally between 2 am and 8 am, to avoid long lines that can reach 6 hours during the day, especially on weekends. The temple is open 24 hours.
- Visit the complex both at night and during the day. The experiences are completely different. The nighttime views of the temple are absolutely stunning, and your Instagram followers will love you.
- Have a meal at Langer Hall, the world’s largest community kitchen, for a free meal. They serve everyone, regardless of race, religion, or social status. This was one of the most incredible travel experiences I have ever had.
- Stay in the Golden Temple area. If you stay in the Golden Temple area, which is listed when searching for hotels, you can easily walk to the temple and visit as much as you like.
Are you looking for a hostel that’s a 10-minute walk to the Golden Temple? 👉Here is my affiliate link for The Hosteller Armitsar, Near Golden Temple.
4. Wat Arun Thailand – Bangkok’s Most Iconic Riverside Temple
One of Bangkok and Thailand’s most important Buddhist temples, this site is a must-visit for travelers exploring Bangkok’s rich cultural heritage. The temple symbolizes renewal and new beginnings, making it a deeply significant spiritual site for Thais. It remains an active place of worship, where monks still live, and Thais come to pray.
Its towering central prang is the temple’s most iconic feature, making it instantly recognizable against Bangkok’s skyline. I recommend visiting Wat Arun both during the day and at night. At night, when it’s lit up, the view is spectacular, making it one of Bangkok’s most iconic cityscapes. Find a Chao Phraya River restaurant or café near the temple, watch the sunset, stay into the evening, and experience the magic of Wat Arun.
How to Visit Wat Arun
Spend a couple of hours immersed in Thai Buddhist culture while admiring the iconic architecture. Snap some epic pics and make memories at one of the top temples in the world. This was one of the first temples I ever visited, and it set the bar very high. It was an experience I will never forget.
Wat Arun is very close to the Grand Palace. It’s a short ferry ride from the Tha Tien Pier, which is near the Grand Palace and takes just a few minutes.
For a complete Thailand itinerary guide featuring temples in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, read my blog, Ultimate 3-Week Thailand Itinerary For First Timers
5. Wat Pho Thailand – Home of the Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Let’s be serious, the Reclining Buddha is the main draw here, one of the most fascinating statues you will ever see. It’s a 46-meter-long golden Buddha statue lying down. Honestly, it’s absolutely insane, making it one of my top temples in the world. I have visited 46 countries since my first visit to Thailand, and I still haven’t seen anything like the Reclining Buddha.
How to Get to the Reclining Buddha
The temple sits right next to the Grand Palace, making it one of the most convenient temple visits in Bangkok’s historic district. It is located just south of the Grand Palace, within the same historic royal area, so you can easily walk between the two in a few minutes.
One thing to be aware of when visiting temples in Bangkok is the Tuk-tuk scams. They are professionals, and I recommend reading my blog post, “How to Avoid These 3 Common Scams in Bangkok.”
6. Lingaraja Temple, India – One of India’s Most Important Hindu Temples
Bhubaneswar, India, is one of the most important Hindu temple cities. It has temples dating back to the fourth century. In Old Town Bhubaneswar, there are temples everywhere you look, as the city has over 500 ancient Hindu temples. That number was estimated at as high as 7,000 at one point. In the old town, there are a few very important sacred sites and must-sees. The most important of these, and one of the most important Hindu temples in all of India, is the Lingaraja Temple.
Constructed in the classic Kalinga architectural style, the temple is renowned for its towering spire and intricate carvings. As a major Hindu pilgrimage site, it remains a vibrant centre of devotion and a defining symbol of Bhubaneswar’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
How to Visit Lingaraja Temple
It’s the largest temple I visited in Bhubaneswar, with a tall, curved central tower above the main shrine and a series of connected halls in a straight line in front of it. Around the main structure of the one-thousand-year-old Temple, many smaller, separate shrines are scattered throughout the temple complex. They are arranged across the courtyard, giving the temple complex a layered, almost city-like feel.
Unfortunately, if you aren’t a Hindu, you aren’t allowed to enter this temple. Trust me, I tried and was turned away. But if you walk around the perimeter, you’ll find a lookout point where you can admire the temple’s beauty. At the lookout point, you’ll see Indians taking many pictures with the Lingaraja temple as the backdrop, showing how important the temple is to them.
Lingaraja Temple Food Tip – There is an amazing breakfast spot across the street from the main entrance that’s authentic and cost me about 50 rupees (about 50 cents USD). There is also a street-food area outside the temple, which was great.
In Bhubaneswar, I stayed at Nest Guest House, a perfect location in the old town. A short walk to the Lingaraja Temple, as well as the other main temples. 👉 This is my affiliate link for Nest Guest House.
7. Prem Mandir, India – A Beautiful Modern Hindu Temple in Vrindavan
Like Bhubaneswar, Vrindavan is a very important temple city in India. It is arguably the most important, famous for hosting the best Holi celebration in India.
The Prem Mandir Temple is unlike any other temple on this list. It’s a modern temple that you need to visit at night. At night, Prem Mandir looks stunning as the white marble lights up in soft colours like gold, pink, and blue. Fountains and gardens around it reflect the glow, making everything look even more beautiful.
Prem Mandir reminds me more of a castle than of a temple that is extremely important and sacred to Hindus. I would compare it more to the Cinderella Castle light show at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World than to a temple.
What Does the Inside of Prem Mandir Look Like?
Inside Prem Mandir, it’s calm and spacious, with clean white marble and intricate carvings throughout. Soft lighting highlights the artwork, and the whole place feels quiet and peaceful. Although the night I went, it almost had the energy of a rock concert, with large crowds chanting and pushing to the front for a glimpse of Lord Krishna and Radha. This was part of pre-Holi celebrations, which are generally on the rowdy side. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha and embodies love, faith, and service to God. For most visitors, it’s a place for prayer, reflection, and connecting with stories from Krishna’s life.
Visiting Prem Mandir Temple Tips
- As with Sikh temples, you must remove your shoes and socks when entering Hindu temples. Prem Mandir Temple has a shoe stand.
- No shorts allowed. You must wear long pants inside Hindu temples.
- Outside the temple, street vendors offer a variety of street food, and there are shops and restaurants.
- Guard your phone from Vrindavan monkeys, the most aggressive in India, known for stealing iPhones to barter for food. Without food, they won’t return your items. A monkey took my sunglasses off my head and never returned them. Be extra vigilant in crowded temple areas.
In Vrindavan, I stayed at Hotel RN Residency, which is a 5-minute walk from Prem Mandir and in a great area. 👉 This is my affiliate link for Hotel RN Residency – Near Prem Mandir, Vrindavan.
8. Ta Prohm, Cambodia – The Jungle Temple Made Famous by Tomb Raider
Ta Prohm Temple is another one of the top temples in the world that left a lasting impression on me. What makes this temple truly unique is a massive 400-year-old tree that wraps around its walls and ruins.
Ta Prohm, built in the late 12th century in the Khmer architectural style, features a maze-like layout of courtyards, galleries, and towers constructed from sandstone and laterite. It was originally designed as a Buddhist monastery and university.
This was another temple I discovered on my tuk-tuk tour that included Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. In pop culture, this temple was also a major filming location for the Laura Croft film starring Angelina Jolie.
9. Dilwara Jain Temple, India – The Most Beautiful Marble Temple in India
Mount Abu and the Dilwara Jain temples have been on my bucket list ever since I saw Anthony Bourdain explore this neighbourhood. The temple itself isn’t flashy. You can’t even see the whole temple while walking through the streets. What made this temple special to me was the neighbourhood.
There is a community centred around the temples, which makes it clear how important this temple is to locals. The temple blends into the neighbourhood, reflecting Jain ideals of humility and inward focus. I did not see a single Western tourist at the Dilwara Jain Temples, making the experience truly authentic.
How to Visit the Dilwara Jain Temples and Get to Mount Abu
Mount Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station. Getting there can be a bit of a challenge, as it’s not a tourist destination. At my hostel in Udaipur, the manager asked me why I was going to Mount Abu, saying, “No one goes to Mount Abu.” You can book a bus, but in my case it was cancelled, so I took a cab that took about 3 hours and cost me $40 USD.
Initially, the Dilwara Jain Temples seem almost intentionally modest. Their white marble exteriors are plain, lacking the impressiveness seen in many other Indian temples. The interiors are a masterpiece of marble carving, with detailed rosettes on the ceilings, pillars etched with figures, and domes. The cool marble, soft light, and atmosphere create a deeply serene experience. After going inside this temple, it was clear to me that it was one of the top temples in the world I have visited. Unfortunately, you can’t bring your phone inside the temple, so I couldn’t capture it.
Dilwara Jain Temple Travel Tips
- If you are staying in Mount Abu town, the Jain Temples are about a 30 to 40 minute walk.
- No shorts inside the temple. I forgot and had to go to a local market to buy pants so I could enter.
- No phones are allowed inside the temple. You need to check your iPhone before entering. This rule, along with the shorts rule, is strictly enforced.
- There is a lively market in front of the temple, with food and shopping stalls. There are also restaurants and shops throughout the surrounding streets.
10. Wat Phra Singh, Thailand – A Must-Visit Temple in Chiang Mai
Like Vrindavan and Bhubaneswar, Chiang Mai is a very important Buddhist temple town in Thailand. Chiang Mai hosts some of the top Buddhist temples in the world. One of the most beautiful, important, visited, iconic and famous temples in Chiang Mai is Wat Phra Singh Temple.
Old Town Chiang Mai reminds me of Bhubaneswar, India, with its hundreds of iconic temples scattered throughout the city, all easily walkable. When you check into your hotel, they give you a map and highlight the most important temples to visit, including Wat Phra Singh Temple. This makes for a fun day, with many other important Buddhist temples you can visit along the way.
Wat Phra Singh Temple dates back to the 14th-century Lanna Kingdom. It is renowned for housing the revered Phra Singh Buddha image and for showcasing classic Lanna architecture, featuring ornate wooden carvings, golden structures, and richly decorated halls.
The temple remains an active spiritual and sacred site, playing a key role in local traditions, especially during festivals such as Songkran. Its historical, cultural, and religious significance makes it a must-visit landmark and a symbol of Chiang Mai’s heritage.
In Chiang Mai, I stayed at Smile Robotist Hostel. They provided a free map of the top temples and authentic restaurants, and I booked all my tours through their tour desk. 👉 This is my affiliate link for Smile Robotist Hostel.
Top Temples in the World by Country (Quick Guide)
India
- Golden Temple
- Dilwara Jain Temple
- Prem Mandir
- Lingaraja Temple
Thailand
- Wat Arun
- Wat Pho
- Wat Phra Singh
Cambodia
- Angkor Wat
- Angkor Thom
- Ta Prohm
Notable Temples That Didn’t Make the List
Pak Ou Caves – Luang Prabang, Laos
Perched on limestone cliffs where the Mekong and Nam Ou meet, the Pak Ou Caves near Luang Prabang in Laos offer a unique take on sacred space. Not a constructed temple, these natural caves have served for centuries as Buddhist worship sites, housing thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims and locals. Still used during festivals like the Lao New Year, the caves function like a temple, showing that spiritual significance often comes from tradition and use as much as architecture.
How to Visit The Pak Ou Caves
From Luang Prabang, it takes about 1.5 hours by tuk-tuk, followed by a short boat ride to the caves. You can book this adventure through your hotel in Luang Prabang. It’s a fun day as you pass through rural villages, where you can visit and explore. I stopped by a Lao whisky distillery on the side of the road that was very cool and interesting. They also sold bottles of Lao whiskey with cobras inside, which is something you don’t see every day. Add the Pak Ou Caves to your Luang Prabang, Laos, itinerary.
Banke Bihari Temple – Vrindavan, India
The Banke Bihari Temple is the most important Hindu Temple in one of India’s most important Hindu Temple cities.
How to Visit the Banke Bihari Temple
I visited Banke Bihari Temple during the pre-Holi celebration. I walked from my hotel into the old town of Vrindavan’s city centre, feeling the anticipation and excitement. There seemed to be thousands of us crammed in like sardines, making the pilgrimage to the temple. There were sacred cows, monkeys running along telephone wires, street vendors selling souvenirs, and chants erupting that felt more like a major sporting event than a temple experience. I quickly realized how important this temple was to Hindus, making it one of the top temples I have visited in the world.
What is it Like Inside Banke Bihari Temple?
The atmosphere is lively and deeply devotional, marked by singing, chanting, and an almost celebratory energy, especially during festivals like Holi. With its simple architecture and intense spiritual presence, the temple captures the essence of Vrindavan as a place of love, devotion, and intimate connection with the divine.
Final Thoughts on the Top Temples in the World
Visiting these top temples in the world isn’t just about checking off bucket-list landmarks—it’s about stepping into places where history, faith, and human connection come together in powerful ways. Each temple on this list offered something completely different, whether it was the awe-inspiring scale of ancient empires, the quiet beauty of intricate craftsmanship, or the deeply moving spiritual energy shared by those who worship there. What stayed with me most wasn’t just how these places looked, but how they made me feel—present, reflective, and connected to something much bigger than myself. If you’re building your travel bucket list, make space for experiences like these. The world’s most sacred sites don’t just show you new places—they change the way you see the world.
Visiting Temples FAQ’s
What is the most famous temple in the world? Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Which country has the most temples? India is estimated to have over 2 million temples, with broader estimates ranging from 3 to 5 million, including small village shrines.
What should you wear when visiting temples? You should dress modestly, which means wearing long pants and shirts that cover the shoulders.
👉To find out what goes in my backpack, check out my blog, My Carry-On Packing List for Solo Travel: How to Pack Light
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