Strictly speaking a wat is a Buddhist sacred precinct with a vihara (quarters for bhikkhus), a temple, an edifice housing a large image of Buddha and a structure for lessons.ccording to Thai law, Thai Buddhist temples are of two types: 1  Wat (วัด; wat) are temples which have been endorsed by the state and have been granted wisungkhamasima (วิ 2 ุงคาม 3 ีมา), or the land for establishing central hall, by the king.