# The most breathtaking temples

> The most breathtaking temples to visit: Kyoto, Bangkok, Nara, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Hiroshima. Travel guide and temple photography prints for each.

- Source: https://clevertourists.com/guides/collection-most-breathtaking-temples
- Authors: Evan & Clara, Clever Tourists (first-hand, from a 526-day trip across 20 countries)
- Published: 2025-06-09

From gilded halls to weathered stone, the sacred architecture that left the deepest mark.

## Places

### Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto was Japan's imperial capital for more than a millennium and preserves an exceptional density of temples, shrines, wooden townhouses and traditional gardens. Many of its sites are UNESCO World Heritage listed, and entire districts retain a historic streetscape.

### Bangkok, Thailand

A frenetic capital of glittering temples, canals, street food and soaring skyline.

### Nara, Japan

Nara was Japan's first permanent capital in the 8th century and preserves some of the country's oldest and largest temples. Its central park is famous for more than a thousand wild sika deer that roam freely among the monuments.

### Chiang Mai, Thailand

A laid-back northern city ringed by ancient walls, temples and forested hills.

### Sukhothai, Thailand

The serene brick ruins of Thailand's first kingdom, set in a tranquil historical park.

### Chiang Rai, Thailand

Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, its stark white and mirrored-glass surface carved into an ocean of writhing, mythical detail and reflected whole in the pool before it.