Big Buddha Bangkok: Wat Paknam’s Hidden Giant Statue

You’re jostling your way through the line again. The heat is pouring down from the sky, and you’re trying to squeeze your way up to the Reclining Buddha, and then take a photo at the Grand Palace without people standing behind you trying to do the same thing. You came to Bangkok to marvel at the architectural wonders, to feel the magic of this city, and so far all you’ve managed to do is sweat buckets, lose your patience a few times, and get blisters. I know exactly how that feels! I’ve been through it a few times myself, because during my first year in Bangkok, I did the typical tourist route over and over again, completely unaware that there were other beautiful architectural masterpieces nearby that are truly worth seeing. One of them, recently added to the city map, is the Big Buddha Bangkok, also known as Wat Paknam or Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen—home to the tallest Buddha in Bangkok, standing at 69 meters. It’s located just 20 minutes from Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, and it attracts far fewer visitors than those major tourist attractions.

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Before I tell you about Wat Paknam, I’d like to point out that I don’t want to discourage you from seeing the sights that all the guidebooks recommend. I think that being in Bangkok and not seeing the Grand Palace glistening in the sun and the giant Reclining Buddha is truly a mistake. However, I do think it’s a good idea to set aside one day to see something completely different. I recommend checking out my post on how to spend three days in Bangkok.

What is Big Buddha in Bangkok – Wat Paknam?

Wat Paknam is a temple in Bangkok. Many people call it just the Big Buddha, but the official name is Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen.

The name “Pak Nam” literally means “mouth of the canal”—and indeed, the entire temple stands on an island surrounded by water. Its history dates back to 1610, during the Ayutthaya period, but over the centuries the site fell into obscurity until it was revived in the early 20th century by the meditation monk Luang Pu Sodh, who transformed the modest temple into one of Thailand’s most important meditation centers. It was here that the Dhammakaya meditation method was born, which is now practiced all over the world.

But it’s not the history that draws crowds today—it’s the gold and bronze Buddha statue, which took four years to build (2017–2021) and is reportedly the first statue of its size made of pure bronze in the world. It stands right in front of the white, multi-level Maharatchamongkhon stupa, completed in 2012, with an emerald-green interior waiting at the very top. It’s one of those places that looks like it’s straight out of a different fairy tale than the rest of Bangkok.

Getting there is easier than you might think: Take the MRT to Bang Phai Station, then walk 10–15 minutes through the narrow streets, where Buddha peeks out from behind the rooftops every now and then. Admission is free, and if you have a little extra time, it’s worth crossing to the other side of the canal to visit the small Wat Khun Chan, where the demon Rahu, swallowing the sun, awaits. It’s these details that make Wat Pak Nam more memorable than many a postcard-perfect temple in the city center.

The Big Buddha statue in Bangkok

The Great Buddha at Wat Pak Nam stands 69 meters tall. He sits in a meditative posture, with his eyes slightly closed. It took several years to build him. Construction began in 2017 and was completed in 2021. It is made entirely of bronze and seems to gaze with love and serenity upon the city spread out below it.

This statue has recently gained popularity because it because of its striking scale and its popularity on Instagram. The Buddha’s head sort of sticks out above the roofs of the huts and houses. There are a few spots in the area where you can take interesting photos. In addition, cafes and restaurants have opened on the opposite side of the river, offering a view of this statue, which attracts many people here.

Wat Pak Nam looks its most beautiful very early in the morning, right after sunrise, or just before sunset. These are the best times to visit and see the tallest Buddha statue in Bangkok.

The emerald stupa in Wat Paknam

Seeing the Buddha statue from a distance or from across the river is one thing, but entering the temple grounds is another matter entirely.

Behind the statue is the entrance to the Maharatchamongkhon Stupa, which serves as both a museum and a temple. The lower levels aren’t all that interesting. At the very bottom is a conference room. Further up, you’ll find many Buddha statues. They’re priceless, but it’s hard to learn about their history. There’s no guide on site.

Climb even higher until you reach the top room. It’s like something out of a fairy tale! In the center of the room stands an 8-meter-tall green glass stupa. The ceiling is beautifully painted with floral motifs and mandalas. The stupa seems to be reflected in them.

From here, you can also step outside and see Wat Pak Nam in all its glory. The observation deck offers views of the city and the surrounding area.

Best photo spots and cafés to see the Big Buddha statue

On the other side of the canal from the statue, you will find some places to see it. These are very picturesque spots that are very popular among travellers.

The first one is Hidden Café, which offers a terrace and two floors with big windows to enjoy your coffee and snacks. Another place is Uruea Café. This one is a bit further from Wat Paknam, but also has amazing views of the statue. Less popular is Leia Café, which is just right next door to Hidden Café, but for some reason not many visitors stop here, so it might be your go-to spot.

In between there are hidden alleys and small streets, from which you can reach the canal and see the Big Buddha.

Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen – Practical information

How to get there?

There are a few ways to get there, depending on where you’re coming from.

• Public transportation—the nearest MRT station is Bang Phai. From there, you can walk. The walk takes about 15–20 minutes.
• Order a GRAB taxi. The cost will depend on where you’re coming from.
• Near Bang Phai Station, at the nearest boat pier, you can rent a boat and reach the temple in about 30 minutes.

I chose the first option. From my hotel in Bangkok, I took public transportation to Bang Phai Station, and from there I walked. The walk takes you through a very interesting neighborhood. You walk through a local neighborhood, past shops and restaurants. At one point, the path turns toward the canals, leading you across metal footbridges past the huts built there, until you reach the winding streets near Wat Paknam. I highly recommend this walk if you’re interested in local life in Bangkok.

Opening hours and entrance fees

The entrance is free.

Address: Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok 10160, Thailand

Map

Dress code

If you want to see the Big Buddha from the opposite bank of the river, you can wear whatever you like. That could be shorts and a tank top. The locals are used to tourists, and revealing clothing doesn’t make much of an impression here.

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However, if you’re planning to visit the temple itself, you need to remember to dress appropriately. Cover your shoulders and knees. In situations like this, I either pack linen pants, a T-shirt, and a shirt in my backpack so I can put it on quickly, or I bring a sarong to cover my legs. These rules apply to both women and men.

It’s also a good idea to have comfortable shoes—ones you can quickly take off and put back on. You’ll be entering the temple barefoot.

I recommend checking out my post on how to pack for Thailand, as well as my review of the Level8 carry-on bag.

How to combine Wat Paknam with other attractions in Bangkok?

If you want to see the Big Buddha in Bangkok, it’s a good idea to plan your visit accordingly. Your itinerary will depend on how much time you have and how much energy you have left.

For me, the most logical choice would probably be to visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, then possibly see Wat Arun, and from there head to Wat Paknam. From Wat Arun, you can take a private boat to Wat Paknam, but unfortunately, I don’t know how much it might cost. For comparison, a cruise through the surrounding canals costs 700 THB, so getting to the temple might be more expensive.

If you don’t want to haggle over prices on the spot, an organized canal cruise with a stop at Wat Paknam costs about 500–600 PLN, and you can book it in advance on GetYourGuide.

Another idea I have is to go there at dawn, watch the sunrise, and only then head out to explore Bangkok’s main attractions.

You can also save Wat Paknam for a completely separate day if you have time and go there in the evening.

Check out other itineraries and attractions in Bangkok, too.

There are thousands of temples in Bangkok. It’s a city where, at every turn, you’ll see evidence of just how religious and devout Thais are. Whether it’s a small spirit house or a beautiful, grand temple with a golden stupa—there’s no shortage of wonders and attractions here. Wat Paknam is another one of them, and while it may be popular because Instagram has turned it into a bit of a spectacle, here too, as you step onto its grounds, you’ll find a sense of contemplation, meditating monks, and proof that even popular places can be simply amazing if you know where to look for that magic.

Is it worth visiting the Big Buddha in Bangkok?

Someone recently asked me if it’s worth going to see Wat Paknam and the Big Buddha and how does it compare to Wat Arun, or Wat Pho.

Personally, I really liked Wat Paknam and I think it’s a beautiful place. It is slowly becoming very popular, but it’s not overcrowded and the entrance is free, which made me think that it managed to keep its character as a sacred place and not only as a tourist attraction.

I still recommend going to see Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, but if you have time, please go and see Wat Paknam as it’s a truly amazing spot on the map of Bangkok.

Wat Paknam – FAQs

Is there an admission fee for Wat Paknam?

No, entry to the temple grounds, the Big Buddha, and the Maharatchamongkhon stupa is completely free. The only costs you might incur are renting a boat on the canal or transportation (taxi, Grab).

How much does it cost to get to Wat Paknam?

The cheapest option is the MRT to Bang Phai Station (a dozen or so baht) plus a 15–20-minute walk. A Grab ride from downtown Bangkok usually costs 100–200 THB, depending on the neighborhood. Renting a boat at Bang Phai Station costs around 200–400 THB for a short trip to the temple.

How tall is the Great Buddha at Wat Paknam?

69 meters—it is currently the tallest Buddha statue in Bangkok, made entirely of bronze.

When was the Big Buddha at Wat Paknam built?

Construction began in 2017 and was completed in 2021 (the timeline was delayed in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

Is Wat Paknam better than Wat Arun?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Wat Arun impresses with its architecture and is better known, but it can get very crowded. Wat Paknam offers a similar visual experience (a massive, photogenic structure), but with far fewer crowds and a more authentic, local atmosphere along the way.

What should you wear to Wat Paknam?

If you just want to see the Buddha from the other side of the river, there’s no dress code. If you’re entering the temple grounds, you must cover your shoulders and knees—this applies to both women and men.

How long does it take to visit Wat Paknam?

A leisurely tour of the temple itself and a visit to the observation deck takes 1–1.5 hours. If you include the walk from the MRT station and a visit to the neighboring Wat Khun Chan, plan on 2–2.5 hours.