Walter Ponce
The new Golden Buddha is located at Wat Paknam temple in Phasi Charoen, Bangkok district. On the outskirts of the Chao Phraya River, the temple complex was founded in 1610. Under construction for 4 years, the huge statue of Buddha is slowly being revealed as the scaffolding is removed, floor by floor.
The imposing Golden Buddha at Wat Paknam appears to watch the channels of the Chao Phraya River. It is as if a new temple was born after the beginning of its construction. Stunning for its beauty at sunset , it is a unique spectacle and an incredible attraction of Bangkok.
At the time the Wat Paknam temple complex was founded in the 17th century, the country’s capital was Ayutthaya and the temple received financial support from the Thai kings. This lasted until the end of the 19th century. In the 20th century, the complex was almost abandoned and in ruins.
That’s when the renowned meditation master Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro took care of the temple, making it reborn. He invested in education, creating a school for underprivileged children. The temple grew from 13 to 500 monks and became a reference in meditation practice in Thailand.
The Wat Paknam complex has 32 thousand m² with many buildings and temples that make it up. Upon entering the pagoda, next to the big Buddha, you will see the museum of items used by the abbot and also his body, which is kept in a coffin, as a tribute. On the top floor of the pagoda is the Maha Ratcha Mongkhon stupa, built and delivered in 2012, making the temple a little better known and visited by tourists, rather than just Thais.
The complex was built in the shape of an island, surrounded by canals. Currently, the place maintains teaching of meditation, culture, arts and Thai language.
The temple Wat Paknam is one of my favorites. Something totally different from what you’ve seen so far. Maybe a bit too cheesy for some, but I thought it was really great. In addition, the temple is very rarely visited by tourists.
One of the most interesting things we saw at Wat Paknam was the new chedi, for which finishing touches were still being applied. It was unusual in that it was hollow, with four stories inside that will be used for meditation and displays of valuable relics and Bhuddist items.
On the top floor there was a huge domed roof and in the center of the room a giant chedi made entirely out of glass shards. The detail was astonishing. Around the base of the glass chedi was even more glass, this time designed and built in the style of mythical Naga serpents.
Wat Paknam Address: 300 Ratchamongkhon Prasat Alley, Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok 10160, Thailand
Wat Paknam Website: https://www.facebook.com/WATPAKNAM.BKK
The Meaning of the Golden Buddha
Large Buddha statues are common across Thailand, but the giant seated Buddha at Wat Paknam is one of the most striking in Bangkok. It is visible from far away, and from the canals and nearby roads it seems to rise above the rooftops of the Thonburi side of the city.
The statue shows the Buddha in a seated meditation posture, which makes sense for a temple so closely linked to meditation. Wat Paknam is associated with the Dhammakaya meditation method taught by Luang Pu Sodh, and many Thai Buddhists come here to pray and meditate rather than just to sightsee.
What to See at Wat Paknam
Plan at least one to two hours to explore the complex calmly. The main highlights are:
- The Golden Buddha: the giant outdoor statue, best seen in the late afternoon light
- The chedi (stupa): a white multi-storey pagoda that you can enter and climb
- The glass stupa: on the top floor, the famous green glass stupa under a painted dome showing the universe and the life of the Buddha
- The museum floors: displays of Buddhist objects, amulets and items connected to the temple’s history
- The ordination hall (ubosot): the traditional temple building used for ceremonies
- The canals: the temple sits by the canals of Thonburi, which give a more local feel than central Bangkok
How to Get There
Wat Paknam is in the Phasi Charoen district, on the west (Thonburi) side of the Chao Phraya River.
- By MRT: the MRT Blue Line stop Bang Phai is the closest station. From there it is a short walk to the temple.
- By taxi or ride-hailing: Grab and Bolt work well in Bangkok. From the old town, the ride usually takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.
- By boat: some private longtail boat tours of the Thonburi canals stop near the temple. Agree on the route and price in advance.
Temple Etiquette in Thailand
Wat Paknam is an active temple, so a few simple rules apply:
- Cover your shoulders and knees: avoid tank tops, shorts and short skirts.
- Take off your shoes before entering temple buildings.
- Don’t point your feet towards the Buddha or monks when sitting.
- Women should not touch monks or hand objects directly to them.
- Keep your voice low and be respectful of people praying or meditating.
- Ask before photographing people, especially monks.
Best Time to Visit
- Time of day: mornings are cooler and quieter, while late afternoon gives the best light on the golden statue.
- Season: November to February is the coolest and driest time in Bangkok. March to May is very hot, and June to October brings the rainy season.
- Buddhist holidays: important days can be busy with worshippers, which is interesting to see but means more crowds.
Combine It With Other Sights
Since Wat Paknam is on the Thonburi side, you can easily combine it with:
- A Thonburi canal tour: see traditional wooden houses and local life along the khlongs
- Wat Arun: the Temple of Dawn, on the riverbank
- The Grand Palace and Wat Pho: just across the river from Wat Arun
- Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat): a lively market across the river
Practical Tips
- Entry: entering the temple has generally been free, but donations are welcome. Check current rules on site.
- Bring water: the complex is large and Bangkok is hot and humid.
- Carry a scarf or sarong to cover up if needed.
- Check opening hours before you go, especially for the chedi floors.
More photos
FAQ
Where is the Golden Buddha in Bangkok? It is at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, on the Thonburi side of Bangkok, west of the Chao Phraya River.
What is the nearest MRT station? Bang Phai station on the MRT Blue Line is the closest.
Is there a dress code? Yes. Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes inside temple buildings.
What is the glass stupa? It is a green glass stupa on the top floor of the temple’s white chedi, under a painted dome.
How long should I spend at Wat Paknam? One to two hours is enough to see the statue, the chedi and the grounds.
Is Wat Paknam crowded? It is less touristy than the temples in the old town, although it has become more popular since the Golden Buddha was completed.
