Skip the Splash, Embrace the Spirit: 9 Temples Every HR Pro Should Visit This Songkran

During Songkran, aside from the usual water fights and parties, there’s a more meaningful alternative: making merit by visiting 9 temples. It’s an ideal activity for HR professionals who want to relax while also deepening their understanding of Thai cultural roots.

The Thai word for “nine” (เก้า, kao) sounds like “to step forward” (ก้าว, kao), symbolizing progress. Visiting 9 temples, therefore, represents setting a prosperous path for one’s life and career. As HR professionals, we understand the importance of career planning and development.

Besides the spiritual merits, there are many unexpected benefits to this practice:

• Rest Your Mind and Heart – Escape from emails and work chats to rejuvenate your spirit before returning to face new challenges.
  
• Gain a Deeper Understanding of Thai People – Understanding the roots of beliefs and traditions can make managing Thai employees easier and more empathetic.
  
• Discover New Perspectives – Temples are rich with philosophies and ideas that can inspire your approach to work.
  
• Inspire HR Activities – Next Songkran, you might organize a 9-temple merit-making trip for your employees! 

For HR professionals who must use both “heart” and “mind” to manage people, the following 9 temples not only offer beauty and history but also provide meaningful insights that can be applied to the world of work.

Located on Na Phra Lan Road inside the Grand Palace, it houses the Emerald Buddha, a national symbol of spiritual devotion. This can be compared to a strong organizational culture, which serves as a core that brings unity and pride among members.

On Sanam Chai Road, it’s known as Thailand’s first university due to its ancient inscriptions and its massive Reclining Buddha. This reflects the idea that learning never ends, aligning with the HR role of continuous development for individuals and organizations.

With its towering prang along the Chao Phraya River, it symbolizes new beginnings and hope—reminding us that no matter how tough things get, we can always start each day with a positive attitude.

Located on Boriphat Road, its highlight is the Golden Mount, which requires climbing 344 steps to reach the top and pay respect to relics. This symbolizes the journey toward success in HR, demanding effort, endurance, and faith.

Found on Maha Chai Road, it’s home to the world’s only metal castle, blending various cultural influences. This is like building an inclusive organizational culture that values diversity and transforms it into a powerful identity.

On Bamrung Muang Road, this temple is a peaceful haven in the middle of the city, centered around the large Phra Sri Sakyamuni Buddha. It reminds HR professionals to maintain balance and calm even amid organizational chaos, making decisions with mindfulness and neutrality.

On Fueang Nakhon Road, it features a main chapel that seamlessly combines Thai and Western art, representing loyalty, dedication, and openness to new ideas without abandoning one’s roots. Perfect for building a stable yet adaptable organization.

On Phra Sumen Road, it showcases beautiful Thai-Chinese architecture with its golden ordination hall and stupa. It symbolizes a multicultural workplace, where good HR must cultivate a space where everyone feels valued and included.

On Chakrabongse Road, this historic temple houses the revered Luang Pho To statue. Its name means “Victory in Battle,” symbolizing overcoming both external and internal conflicts—a daily challenge for HR when dealing with conflict resolution, organizational change, or policy shifts.

This year, Songkran falls on April 13–15, a time when Thais traditionally make merit and take part in cultural rituals like bathing Buddha statues and showing respect to elders.

Suggested Schedule:

• April 13 (Maha Songkran Day): Start your morning with merit-making at Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.
  
• April 14 (Wan Nao): Visit Wat Saket, Loha Prasat, and Wat Suthat in the morning.
  
• April 15 (Wan Thaloeng Sok): Conclude your trip with Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Bowonniwet, and Wat Chana Songkhram. 

Pro Tips:

• Set out early (around 7:00–8:00 a.m.) to avoid heat and crowds, especially at tourist-heavy temples.
  
• Dress appropriately – wear tops with sleeves and skirts or pants that cover the knees.
  
• Bring offerings – flowers, incense, and candles (or pre-packed merit sets).
  
• Plan your route – Start from temples around Rattanakosin Island and work your way out.
  
• Come with a calm, open heart – Make merit without rushing, and embrace the positive energy.

• Mindfulness activities at work – Create a small meditation space or short 5–10 minute mindfulness sessions before meetings.
  
• Incorporate Thai cultural values in training – Especially useful for foreign employees.
  
• Develop community-based activities – Such as helping renovate temples or teaching English to novice monks.
  
• Apply Buddhist principles to work – Like the Four Bases of Accomplishment (Iddhipada) to foster career growth. 

This Songkran, trade your water guns for white clothes, and seek out peace and inspiration to move forward in your career. A deeper understanding of Thai culture will help you become an HR professional who truly connects with people.

Happy Songkran!