A new book focusing on Thailand’s most notable temples hit store shelves recently, titled “Buddhist Temples of Thailand: A Visual Journey Through Thailand's 40 Most Historic Wats”. The book explores the Buddhist temple's historical position in Thai culture and the dynamic role it continues to play in everyday life.

The kingdom's best-known and rare temples, such as Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok and Wat Phumin in Nan, are highlighted in the book's 200 commissioned photographs.

“One reason many of us are hooked on temple-hopping in Thailand no doubt springs from the fact that the monuments are simply so accessible," says author Joe Cummings in the book's forward. "Like your neighborhood 7-eleven, wats aren’t closed on Sundays, or Saturdays or full moon days. You don’t have to be Buddhist to enter, and in even the strictest religious settings they’re open to all, regardless of race, nationality, gender or social class." 

Travel writing legend Cummings selected 40 temples from the more than 31,000 across the country for their unique architecture, stunning murals, revered Buddha images and historical significance. Photography is by Dan White, an experienced Bangkok-based magazine and features photojournalist. 

This is the first book to cover the whole country’s temples and feature commissioned photography. It is available at Asia Books, Kinokuniya, B2S now and will be on Amazon from June. Check out some of the photos taken in Bangkok, below: