Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen: Bangkok's Landmark with a 20-Stories high Golden Buddha

The golden Buddha, connected to the water, has become a new landmark in Thailand.

Originally built in 1610 during the Ayutthaya Kingdom, Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is situated along a tributary of the Chao Phraya River. As a third-class royal temple in Thailand, it has a rich history and has undergone extensive renovations, culminating in 2012 with a budget of 50 billion baht. As a royal temple dating back to the Ayutthaya era, Wat Paknam promotes Buddhist teachings while showcasing traditional Thai art.

The outdoor golden Buddha at Wat Paknam stands 69 meters tall, equivalent to a 20-story building, seated in lotus position in front of the plaza.

Convenient Access with the New MRT Station

Construction of the giant golden Buddha began in 2017, with the statue originally scheduled to be completed in 2021. However, delays due to the pandemic pushed the opening to late 2022, establishing it as a new landmark in post-pandemic Bangkok. The Buddha is crafted from copper and gold plating, featuring an interior hall for visitors. The spacious plaza in front of the statue serves as an ideal photography spot.

Walk forward from Exit 1 of the MRT station, and you will see many signs guiding you to Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen. The giant Buddha can also be seen from narrow alleyways nearby.

Previously, the area lacked direct access via BTS or MRT lines, which limited its popularity as a tourist destination. However, the extension of the MRT Blue Line to Bang Phai Station in 2019 has made visiting Wat Paknam much more convenient. From the station platform, visitors can catch glimpses of the golden Buddha nestled among the community's trees. After exiting at Exit 1, clear signs guide visitors towards the temple. A brief 10-minute walk across a charming red bridge leads to the temple’s entrance, where friendly cats often greet visitors.

The temple features detailed signage and friendly cats welcoming visitors. Entering Wat Paknam, the giant golden Buddha can be seen from various angles.

As you stroll through the temple's long corridors, the immense golden Buddha comes into view, offering a profound sight from every angle, embodying the essence of tranquility.

The White Stupa and Its Unique Features

The white stupa at Wat Paknam is modeled after the 15th-century Wat Loka Moli in Chiang Mai.

Behind the golden Buddha lies Wat Paknam's iconic white stupa, inspired by the 15th-century Wat Loka Moli in Chiang Mai. Standing 80 meters tall, the stupa includes a museum on its lower floors, showcasing diverse exhibits related to the life of Thai monks. The ground level features displays of traditional Thai boats, farming tools, and even a car. The third floor highlights offerings from devotees, including various Thai amulet-making tools, while the fourth floor houses the seated statues of revered monks, where many visitors come to meditate.

The exhibition hall can accommodate displays of monk-related vehicles. The museum features agricultural tools and carts that reflect Thailand's agricultural roots. The fourth floor of the stupa houses numerous statues of revered monks, attracting many devotees.

The top floor features a breathtaking fluorescent green starry sky ceiling, complemented by the green glass stupa and the protective crystal Naga (snake deity) below it. The ceiling is adorned with various depictions of Buddha in meditation, each surrounded by distinct Bodhi trees symbolizing the Buddha's enlightenment. Every column is intricately carved, adding to the grandeur of the space. From the rooftop terrace, visitors can also appreciate the magnificent back view of the golden Buddha.

The fifth floor of the white stupa features Thailand's only fluorescent green starry sky ceiling. The crystal Naga, a legendary protective serpent, is located beneath the stupa.

In addition to capturing photos at the temple, many visitors choose to take boat tours along the Chao Phraya River for a unique perspective of the giant golden Buddha. There are also several free vantage points nearby that allow for stunning compositions of the Buddha amid the community's residential backdrop.

As Wat Paknam is located by the riverside, local operators offer boat tours for visitors to view the Buddha.

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen

Address: 300 Ratchamongkhon Prasat Alley, Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok 10160, Thailand

Phone: +66 2 467 0811

Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00

Transportation: MRT Bang Phai Station (BL33), Exit 1

Website: https://templestairway.com/temples/wat-paknam-phasi-charoen