Beautiful is perhaps the most appropriate word to use to describe this incredible mosque – one look at it and you’ll feel like you’re looking into a palace straight out of a fairy tale. Surrounding the mosque are jogging lanes and a spacious green field where locals gather for recreation. The stunning exterior is just a glimpse of the beauty of its interior – intricate decors and impressive architecture can be seen in every corner. An important prayer site for the Kuala Belait community, Masjid Kampong Andan is a mosque not to be missed when you’re visiting Brunei.
Location
Masjid Kampong Pandan is located in Kuala Belait, Brunei.
Opening Days and Hours
Masjid Kampong Pandan is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to this attraction is completely free.
How to Get There
- From Bandar Seri Begawan, board a bus to Seria.
- From Seria, board a bus to Kuala Belait.
- Board a taxi to Masjid Kampong Pandan.
Suggested For
- Solo Travellers/Backpackers
- Couples
- Families
- Group
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is one to two hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Masjid Kampong Pandan is a popular spot in Kuala Belait. The best time to visit is in the morning – it’s more peaceful.
Food
Buccaneer Restaurant, Fratini’s, Marilyn Cafe, Zaika, Kaizen Sushi, Al Malabar Restaurant, Indah Damai, and Jolene Restaurant are some of the restaurants to try while in Kuala Belait.
Nearby Attractions
- Belait Beach
- Belait District Museum
- Silver Jubilee Park
Stay
For accommodations, you can head over to Swiss Hotel Apartment, Keoja Hotel, Garden Sentral Hotel, Hotel Sentosa, Tat Place, and Roomz Hotel. Rates range from USD 50 to USD 75.
Erected in 1958 and named after Brunei’s 28th Sultan, this iconic landmark is made more majestic by the surrounding artificial lagoon that also serves as a reflecting pool. The interior of this mosque is nothing short of lavish – Italian marble graces the floor and walls, chandeliers from England hang on every room, and expensive carpets don the floor of prayer rooms. A glass mosaic with 3.5 million pieces of glass and real gold leaves is the famous attraction of the main dome.
Location
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is located in Jalan McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Opening Days and Hours
The mosque is open to visitors 8:30 to 12:30, 13:30 to 15:00, 16:30 to 17:30 Monday to Wednesday, and Friday from 16:30 to 17:30 only.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to the mosque is completely free.
How to Get There
- Fly to Bandar Seri Begawan via Royal Brunei Airlines.
- Proceed to the city centre and board a bus to Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
- You can also opt for taxi services to get here.
Suggested For
- Solo Travellers/Backpackers
- Couples
- Families
- Group
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is one to two hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a very popular attraction in Bandar Seri Begawan. The best time to visit is in the morning when crowds are lesser.
Food
Gwad Basha Arabic Restaurant, Thien Thien Restaurant, Nurwanita Thai Restaurant, Big Mama’s, Depot VLO, and Belluno Cafe are just some of the dining places to try.
Nearby Attractions
- Istana Nurul Iman
- Jerudong Park
- Brunei Museum
Stay
For accommodations, you can head over to The Capital Residence Suites, Badi’ah Hotel, The Brunei Hotel, Times Hotel, Palm Garden Hotel, The Centrepoint Hotel, Jubilee Hotel, and Villa Dadap. Rates range from USD 55 to USD 100.
Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is a commanding attraction in Brunei’s capital city. It stands like a straight-out-of-a-fairytale palace during the day and is a majestic sight during the night with its 29 domes that look like golden flames. The interior of this mosque is as lavish as the beauty of its exterior – the space, the aesthetics, and the beautiful woven rugs in the prayer room are breathtaking. Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is a place which gives visitors a glimpse of the extravagance of Bornean lifestyle.
Location
Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Museum is located in Sultan Hassanai Bolkiah Highway, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Opening Days and Hours
The mosque is open to visitors 8:30 to 12:30, 13:30 to 15:00, 16:30 to 17:30 Monday to Wednesday, and Friday from 16:30 to 17:30 only.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Admission to the mosque is completely free.
How to Get There
- Fly to Bandar Seri Begawan
- From the city centre, proceed to the Central Bus Station
- From the bus station, board a bus to Sultan Hassanai Bolkiah Highway
Suggested For
- Solo travellers/backpackers
- Couples
- Families
- Group
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is one to two hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is a very popular attraction in BSB. The best time to visit is in the morning, when crowds are more manageable.
Food
Gwad Basha Arabic Restaurant, Thien Thien Restaurant, Nurwanita Thai Restaurant, Big Mama’s, Depot VLO, and Belluno Cafe are just some of the dining places to try near Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.
Nearby Attractions
- Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
- Istana Nurul Iman
- Jerudong Park
- Brunei Museum
Stay
For accommodations, you can head over to The Capital Residence Suites, Badi’ah Hotel, The Brunei Hotel, Times Hotel, Palm Garden Hotel, The Centerpoint Hotel, Jubilee Hotel, and Villa Dadap. Rates range from USD 55 to USD 100.
The glistening spectacle had a mysterious origin, and at some point, it was covered completely with plaster to prevent it from being stolen. On the eventful day of May 25, 1955, while they were moving the statue to a new location, it fell hard on the ground, some of the plaster chipped off and the original golden appearance of the statue was discovered. From then on, the plaster was removed completely from the statue and included in the display at the current location of the statue. Now, the Buddha and the building complex surrounding it is a marvel to behold. It is also an extremely reverent place despite it being touristy. Luckily though, you can take pictures – just be respectful. The Wat Traimit is truly a testament to man’s genius in creating something from their passion – and it would be a waste not to celebrate such passion by visiting it. Whenever you’re in Bangkok and you want to see shiny things, the first stop should definitely be Wat Traimit.
Location
Wat Traimit is located in Traimit Road, at the very start of Chinatown.
Opening Days and Hours
The Temple of Golden Buddha is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to the adjacent museum is THB 10 or USD 0.30.
How to Get There
- Fly to Bangkok via AirAsia.
- From the city centre, proceed to the nearest train station.
- Alight off Hua Lamphong Station.
- Walk all the way to Temple of Golden Buddha.
Suggested For
- Solo travellers/backpackers
- Couples
- Families
- Groups
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is one hour.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Wat Traimit is from 8:00 to 10:00 and 15:00 to 17:00.
Food
Dining places near Wat Traimit include Laappaak Dining Room, Supa, Station Cafe, 511 Cafe, TEP Bar, 12Go Cafe, Lieo Lieng Seng, and Nang Gin Kui.
Nearby Attractions
- Temple of the Reclining Buddha
- Temple of the Emerald Buddha
- The Golden Palace
Stay
The Greenery Hotel, Sleep Whale Express, JP Mansion Melody Bar, City Hotel, and the Malika Hotel offer accommodations at rates ranging from USD 18 to USD 70.
You need to embark on a short hike to reach the temple but it is well worth it. After climbing the long staircase, enjoy the spectacular view of the coast in all directions and even see other temples in the neighbouring mountains. The place offers different paths to explore and see several Buddha statues that grace the mountain. Settle in one of the hillsides – it offers a 360-degree view of the stunning vistas of the surrounding fields. Fishponds, lilies, and other beautiful flowers such as Frangipanis can be found here. Even if the temple looks old and a bit neglected, it is still a good and quiet place for meditation and reflection.
Location
Wat Khao Krailas is located in Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, a 20-minute drive from the city centre.
Opening Days and Hours
The place is open from 6:00 to 16:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to this attraction is completely free.
How to Get There
- Take the train from Bangkok to Hua Hin.
- From Hua Hin, board a taxi to Wat Khao Krailas.
Suggested For
- Solo travellers/backpackers
- Couples
- Groups
- Families
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is 1 hour.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Wat Khao Krailas is during the morning. The place is most serene during the early hours.
Food
Apart from the many food stalls all over the market, you can also try McFarland House, The Museum Coffee and Tea Corner, Hin Lek Fai Restaurant, and I Rice Restaurant.
Nearby Attractions
- Mrigadayavan Palace
- Sam Phan Nan Floating Market
Stay
The Herbs Hua Hin, New Horton Hotel, Norndee Hotel, Royal Pavillion Hotel, Ayrest Hotel, Holiday Inn, and Hyatt Regency are some of the accommodations to choose from while in Hua Hin. Rates range from USD 30 to USD 150.
Also known as the Temple of Buddha Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya kings and the royal family exclusively used the temple – it was a royal temple sans the monk residents. This spacious monastery is home to bell-shaped stupas, a large viharn with a 16-metre tall gilded Buddha, and smaller chedis and chapels by the dozen. Despite the ruin brought about by the Burmese army, Wat Phra Si Sanphet is still a glorious sight to behold – its three bell-shaped chedi command attention like no other. Exploring the place can give you a glimpse of how lavish royalty was in ancient Ayutthaya. Give utmost respect to this place – this is a heritage site.
Location
Wat Phri Si Sanphet is located in Pratuchai Subdistrict, Ayutthaya.
Opening Days and Hours
Wat Phri Si Sanphet is open daily from 8:00 to 17:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to Wat Phra Si Sanphet is THB 50 or USD 1.5.
How to Get There
- Board a train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya.
- You can also take a taxi from Bangkok to Ayuttahaya.
- If you’re interested in a tour, you can avail of the Thai River Cruise that offers boat cruises from Bangkok to Chao Phraya. This tour makes a stop at Ayutthaya.
- Take a taxi to Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
Suggested For
- Solo travellers/backpackers
- Couples
- Family
- Groups
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is 1 to 2 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to go is between 8:30 to 10:00, and 15:00 to 16:30.
Food
For food, you can head to 29 Steak, Baan Khun Phra, Chai Nam, Krua Baan U-Thong, Tofu Cafe, Burinda, The Forest Cafe, Malakor, and Tony’s Place.
Nearby Attractions
- Wat Mahathat
- Wat Phutthaisawan Temple
- Wat Ratchaburana
Stay
For accommodations, you can choose from The Park, Tony’s Place, Busaba, Ban U Thong, Ayutthaya Retreat, and Krungsri River Hotel. Rates range from USD 25 to USD 80.
Get a glimpse of the locals’ beliefs by making a stop at Wat Phothawas. This ancient landmark still bears details from the past – the two pagodas standing behind the Buddhist sanctuary are original parts of the first building. There aren’t a lot of foreign tourists here but you will surely meet friendly locals who visit the place to give offerings to the monks. Stay a little longer for the long boat race – which is an extra treat for visitors here. While here, you can interact with monks and locals, or just simply savour the place’s relaxing ambiance.
Location
Wat Phothawas is located in 45 หน้าเมือง Tambon Talat, Amphoe Mueang Surat Thani, Chang Wat Surat Thani.
Opening Days and Hours
Wat Phothawas is open daily from 8:00 to 18:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to this attraction is completely free.
How to Get There
- Fly to Surat Thani via AirAsia.
- Board a taxi or a shuttle service to the city centre.
- Board a taxi to Wat Phothawas.
Suggested For
- Solo travellers/backpackers
- Couples
- Family
- Groups
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is 1 hour.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the attraction is at 9:00. Large crowds and the tropical heat aren’t present during this time.
Food
Day and Night Restaurant, Khao Horm, Coral Restaurant and Bar, Vanilla Cafe and Bistro, Risto Luca, Kampan Restaurant are some of the restaurants to try near Wat Phothawas.
Nearby Attractions
- Kho Lamphu
- Khun Thale
- Khao Tha Phet
- Surat Thani Night Market
Stay
For accommodations, you can choose from Erawan Ville, Samui Buri Beach Resort, Villa Cha Cha Ko Phangan, Bo Phut Resort and Spa, Rin Beach Resort, and Bundhari Hotel are just some of the options around Surat Thani.
Located in the heart of the city, this iconic shrine is a place that embodies the place, culture, and arts. The place is filled with the art of Shrivijaya that has similarities to the Chaiya relics. It is believed that in order to bring prosperity to the land, they should build a pillar first. Now, the building is entirely painted with white and features well-maintained facilities – a reflection that the place an active place of worship. A number of ceremonies happen outside and inside of the shrine – you can join one as an opportunity to pay your respect. You can also purchase candles, incense or flowers outside and offer it in the shrine. During the night, its white walls transform into colourful attractions depending on the light being projected. It is indeed a great structure with a unique concept.
Location
The Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine is located in the centre of the city.
Opening Days and Hours
The City Pillar Shrine is open daily from 8:00 to 18:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to this attraction is THB 5 or USD 0.15.
How to Get There
- Fly to Surat Thani via AirAsia.
- Board a taxi or a shuttle service to the city centre.
- Board a taxi to Surat Thani Shrine.
Suggested For
- Solo travellers/backpackers
- Couples
- Family
- Groups
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is 1 hour.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the attraction is at 9:00. Large crowds and the perpetual Thailand heat are not present during the early opening hours.
Food
If you’re looking for dining spots, you can proceed to Day and Night Restaurant, Khao Horm, Coral Restaurant and Bar, Vanilla Cafe and Bistro, Risto Luca, Kampan Restaurant.
Nearby Attractions
- Kho Lamphu
- Khun Thale
- Khao Tha Phet
- Surat Thani Night Market
Stay
For accommodations, you can choose from Erawan Ville, Samui Buri Beach Resort, Villa Cha Cha Ko Phangan, Bo Phut Resort and Spa, Rin Beach Resort, and Bundhari Hotel are just some of the options around Surat Thani.
Wat Phra Thong is also known as Wat Phra Phud, a name that means “Temple of the Protruding Buddha.” This attraction is one of the largest temples in all of Phuket, but people don’t go here simply because of its size. The place is famous for its half-buried Buddha that has an interesting legend – it is believed that the Buddha was discovered by farmers who could only dig and uncover half of it. Another legend tells a story of Burmese soldiers who tried to steal the Buddha only to be bitten and killed by mysterious ants. The place is filled with interesting details on religion and culture. You can also visit the nearby museum dedicated to Buddhism to get better insight into the place.
Location
Wat Phra Thong is located in northern Phuket, 20 kilometres away from the town centre.
Opening Days and Hours
The wat is open daily from 8:00 to 17:30.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Admission to Wat Phra Thong is free for both foreign and local tourists.
How to Get There
- Fly from Bangkok to Phuket via AirAsia.
- From the airport, board a taxi to city centre.
- From the city centre, you can board a songthaew or a taxi to Wat Phra Thong.
Suggested For
- Solo travellers/backpackers
- Couples
- Family
- Groups
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is 1 to 2 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the foundation is during the weekdays. Weekends tend to be very busy in this place.
Food
Some of the dining places near Wat Chalong include Pure Vegan Heaven, Forest Bungalows and Mama’s Restaurant, Fatty’s German Restaurant, Nommy Frozen Yoghurt, Baan Noy Restaurant, and Pizzeria Agli Amici.
Nearby Attractions
- Patong
- Karon Beach
- Windmill Viewpoint
- Tiger Kingdom Phuket
Stay
For accommodations, you can check out Ritsurin Boutique Hotel, Xinlor House, Eat n Sleep, Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel, Karnvela Phuket, The Besavana Hotel, and Vapa Hotel. Rates range from USD 30 to USD 75.
Guests visit this temple daily – the locals to worship and give offerings, and Westerners who want to know more about Buddhism. The beautiful architecture seen in this temple represents the intricate design that was prominent during the 19th-century. Some of the features of Wat Chalong Phromthep include statues of ex-abbots Lua Pong Chuang, Lunag Poh Gleum, and Luang Poh Cham. All over the walls of the great hall are paintings depicting the beliefs and teachings of Buddhism. Observe silence and respect as much as possible.
Location
Wat Chalong is located in south Phuket, 10 kilometres away from the town centre.
Opening Days and Hours
Wat Chalong is open for visits from 7:00 to 17:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to this attraction is free. However, donations are encouraged to help maintain the temple complex.
How to Get There
- Fly from Bangkok to Phuket via AirAsia.
- From the airport, board a taxi to city centre.
- From the city centre, you can board a songthaew or a taxi to Wat Chalong.
Suggested For
- Solo travellers/backpackers
- Couples
- Family
- Groups
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is 1 to 2 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the foundation is during the morning. Visiting early means you have more time to interact with locals.
Food
Project Artisan, Dee Plee, Siam Supper Club, The Palm Cuisine, Chili Kitchen, Bampot Kitchen and Bar, and 360 bar are some of the dining spots near Wat Chalong.
Nearby Attractions
- Patong
- The Grand Palace
- Museum of Siam
- Tiger Kingdom Phuket
Stay
You can find great accommodations at Achan Boutique Hotel, Le Desir Resortel, Allamanda Laguna, Royal City Hotel, Ibis Phuket Patong, Kokotel, X2 Vibe, and Deevana Plaza. Rates range from USD 30 to USD 85.