Explore a different destination Glossary of Northern Thai temple terms


  Tim the Traveler Homepage Compare Hotel Room Rates from different Booking Sites    
[an error occurred while processing this directive]


This glossary of Northern Thai temple terms list down words used in this website and its description in English. Refer also to the page on Northern Thailand Temple Architecture.

  1. Arannavasi: a sect of Buddhism that excludes itself from the daily life of the community, preferring a life of isolation and meditation in a forest temple.
  2. Chedi: stupa. This is the pagoda-like structure used to .
  3. Garuda: mystical bird, found in the design of the roof ridge finial.
  4. Ho trai: manuscript repository
  5. Kuti: monks' living quarters. These are usually one-roomed buildings.
  6. Makara: mystical water beast. The makara is often shown disgorging the naga, appearing in the design of the nak sadung.
  7. Mondop: square pavilion with multi-tiered pyramidal roof.
  8. Naga: serpent or dragon, in Thai temple design.
  9. Nak kieo: coiled naga, as appearing in the eave-brackets.
  10. Nak sadung: undulating naga balustrade.
  11. Pa: forest. Temples built in the forest usually have the word Pa in their name, i.e. Wat Pa Sak. A forest temple has to be about 500 bow-lengths from a settlement. That's about one kilometer.
  12. Pan lom: bargeboard which covers the end of the gable. This is made to shape like a naga.
  13. Phra Phutthabat: stylised footprint of the Buddha, usually carved in stone and enclosed with railing or sheltered.
  14. Phra rabieng: cloister. This is the sheltered corridor which are often lined with Buddha images.
  15. Putthawat: sacred enclosure. This is the compound upon going through the main entrance of the temple.
  16. Sanghawat: Non-sacred part of the wat that includes the living quarters of the monks.
  17. Singh: lion. This is the mystical lion that stands guard at the entrance of temples and temple halls. The singh in Northern Thai temples are similar to the Burmese style.
  18. Wat: Thai temple or monastery. The term wat denotes a Thai Buddhist religious complex. It could be places of worship or monastery.


[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]






  • Tips to become a smart traveler: Useful tips to remember, to get the best out of your travels.
  • Preparing for a Trip: Systematic approach to help you prepare for your trip.
  • How to plan your travel itinerary: Step-by-step build to creating the itinerary for your trip.
  • How to compare hotel room rates: Learn to use a booking search engine to compare rates across all major booking sites.
  • How to pack your luggage: Useful steps to take when packing your luggage.
  • Packing List (PDF): Print out this free packing list to make sure you don't forget anything for your trip.
  • Voltage, Frequency, Plugs & Sockets of the World: Learn about the mains electricity supply in the world.
  • Travelers' List of Plugs and Sockets (PDF): Easy-to-use list of electricity and plugs for all countries.
  • Making International Direct Dail Calls: Learn to make IDD calls from anywhere in the world.
  • IDD Call Prefixes & Country Codes (PDF): Listing of Call Prefixes and Country Codes on one page for you to bring on your trip.
  • Safety Tips When Traveling Alone: Useful advice for when you travel on your own.
  • Guide to Health Matters related to Travel: Comprehensive coverage of different issues related to your health when traveling.
  • Getting Travel Insurance for your trip: Benefits of travel insurance, and advise on when you should signing up for one.
  • Improve your travel photography: Tips to improve your photography skills, especially when traveling.
  • Guide to Traveling Around the World: Useful tips for encircling the globe.


  • Find a hotel







    Follow Me on Pinterest

    Point - Click - Discover!

    Thanks for visiting this webpage. To continue exploring, choose another destination!


    My World Travel Guides - celebrating a beautiful world beautifully.

    Earning a living as a Happy Jobless Guy

    I am a Happy Jobless Guy! I am one of the few people who is fortunate enough to earn an income from my websites that I don't to go out to work. My sites get thousands of visitors every day. It has been a long process, but it is something everybody can achieve, and that means YOU. The following are some articles which you might want to read if you want to do what I do:
    1. Money Making Manual
    2. How to earn from writing websites
    3. Guide for earning a living without holding a job
    4. Generate a Sitemap for your website
    5. Complete Step-by-Step e-Business Building System