A compound with two halves
A wat is a Thai Buddhist temple-monastery, usually enclosed by a wall. It is both a place for lay worship and a residence for monks. A common description divides the compound into two areas:
- the buddhavasa, the area dedicated to the Buddha, which includes the main religious buildings;
- the sanghavasa, the area where monks live.
Not every wat is arranged this way, and the details vary by region, size and period. Thailand also has Mahayana and other communities, but most wats belong to the Theravada tradition. Theravada Southeast Asia has related layouts in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, and local terms differ.
The ubosot (ordination hall)
The ubosot, also called the bot, is the most sacred building in the compound. It is where ordination ceremonies and certain monastic rituals take place. It is marked by boundary stones (sema or bai sema), set at the eight directions and sometimes at the centre, which define the consecrated ground. Inside there is normally a principal Buddha image on an altar, and the walls are often painted with scenes from the Buddha’s life or from the Jataka tales. In many wats the ubosot is the finest building and may be closed outside ceremonies.
Visitors can usually enter when the building is open, remove shoes at the door and sit with feet tucked to the side, never pointing toward the image. Women are not usually barred from entering as visitors, but local rules about monastic rituals vary, so follow posted signs.
The vihara (assembly hall)
The vihara (wihan) is the hall used by the wider community, including lay worshippers. It also houses Buddha images and is used for sermons, offerings and gatherings. In some wats the vihara is larger than the ubosot, and in others the two are similar in design. The key difference is that the ubosot is consecrated for monastic ordination, while the vihara is not. A famous reclining Buddha is housed in the vihara-type hall at Wat Pho, discussed in Wat Pho reclining Buddha.
Decoration in both halls commonly includes gabled roofs with tiered eaves, mythical serpent finials called chofa, and glass mosaic or gilded details. Postures and gestures of the images vary and are explained under Buddha mudras.
The chedi (stupa)
The chedi is the Thai form of the stupa. It is typically a bell-shaped or tapering tower standing on a base, often gilded or whitewashed, and it houses relics or sacred objects, sometimes the ashes of an important monk or a royal figure. A Khmer-influenced variant, the prang, is a tall corn-cob-shaped tower; Wat Arun in Bangkok is the best-known example. In the north, Lanna-style chedis may be taller and have square bases, as at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai. These regional differences are part of the wider range described at Chiang Mai old city temples.
Visitors typically walk clockwise around a chedi. Do not climb on it.
Other buildings
- Sala, an open pavilion for gatherings, meals and rest. Visitors may be welcomed to sit here.
- Kuti, a small residence for one or a few monks, located in the monastic area.
- Ho trai, a library for scriptures, sometimes raised on stilts above a pond to protect against insects.
- Bell tower and drum tower, used to signal times of the day.
- Crematorium, found at many village wats, since the temple often serves for funerals.
- Mondop, a square structure with a pyramidal roof, used for sacred objects or footprint shrines.
- Shrines and spirit houses, found in some compounds, reflecting local beliefs that exist alongside Buddhism.
Royal temples such as the one housing the Emerald Buddha have grander versions of these elements; see Emerald Buddha and Wat Phra Kaew murals for what a major royal compound looks like.
Daily life and visitors
Monks typically rise early, chant, collect alms in the morning and take their main meal before noon. The monastic community has rules which guide behaviour in the compound, and lay visitors are expected to respect them. See monastic community for background.
Basic expectations for visitors:
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees; see temple dress code.
- Remove shoes before entering halls.
- Women should avoid touching monks or handing objects directly to them; use a cloth or place the object nearby. Customs vary by temple.
- Do not point your feet at images, and do not sit higher than monks.
- Ask before photographing monks or ceremonies.
Opening hours, entry fees and rules at famous royal and tourist wats change and can be strict. Check current official sources before visiting. Many smaller village wats are not set up for tourists, so visit with courtesy and follow local guidance.