Bangkok’s Wat Pho climbs Asia’s top travel list

Bangkok’s Wat Phra Chetuphon, famously known as Wat Pho, clinched a coveted spot among TripAdvisor’s 25 most popular destinations in Asia for 2024. This year, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha proudly stands at 9th place, a testament to its enduring appeal since it first made the list in 2020.

TripAdvisor’s glowing recommendation highlights the tranquil allure of Wat Pho, urging visitors to wander through the serene grounds, and take in the stunning architecture adorned with intricate decorations and golden spires. The travel agency also encourages guests to marvel at the magnificent Buddha statues and appreciate the rich cultural significance of this popular destination.

For those seeking a deeper experience, TripAdvisor suggests enrolling in a traditional Thai massage course within the temple’s peaceful confines.

Other Thai landmarks also shone brightly in this year’s rankings. Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, secured the 11th spot, the Big Buddha in Phuket was placed at 13th, and Bangkok’s Grand Palace rounded out the list at 25th.

The 2024 ranking was drawn from an impressive pool of eight million destinations. These sites were celebrated for their exceptional reviews and opinions gathered over 12 months by the TripAdvisor community, reported The Nation.

Here’s the full list of Asia’s top tourist destinations for this year:

1. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
3. Mutianyu Great Wall, China
4. Taj Mahal, India
5. Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, Japan
6. Royal Selangor Visitor Centre, Malaysia
7. Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam
8. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Indonesia
9. Wat Phra Chetuphon, Thailand
10. War Remnants Museum, Vietnam
11. Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), Thailand
12. Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia
13. Big Buddha Phuket, Thailand
14. Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam
15. Museum PASIFIKA, Indonesia
16. Singapore Botanic Gardens
17. Cloud Forest, Singapore
18. Kinkakuji Temple, Japan
19. Ta Prohm, Cambodia
20. Bayon Temple, Cambodia
21. Qutub Minar, India
22. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Cambodia
23. MinNature Malaysia
24. National Orchid Garden, Singapore
25. The Grand Palace, Thailand