Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen is a historic Buddhist temple in the Phasi Charoen district of Bangkok city, best known today for the enormous seated Buddha statue that rises above the surrounding canal landscape. The temple itself dates to the Ayutthaya period and later became an important centre for meditation and Buddhist study. In recent years it has gained international attention because of the giant Buddha image completed in 2021, which has quickly become one of Bangkok’s most recognisable modern religious landmarks.
The statue, officially known as the Phra Phuttha Dhammakaya Thepmongkhon, stands approximately 69 metres high and 40 metres wide. Cast in bronze and finished in a golden colour, it depicts a seated Buddha in the meditation posture facing the Chao Phraya River basin. The scale of the figure is striking when viewed from nearby canals or surrounding neighbourhoods, where it towers above temples, houses and palm trees. It is considered one of the tallest Buddha statues in Thailand.
The temple complex itself is also worth exploring. Wat Paknam consists of several traditional buildings arranged around quiet courtyards and waterways. One of the most notable structures is the modern meditation hall topped with a glass stupa that contains a vivid green crystal pagoda surrounded by detailed celestial murals. This interior chamber has become particularly popular with visitors due to its unusual contemporary design, which contrasts with the more traditional architecture of the surrounding temple buildings.
Wat Paknam is located in Thonburi, on the western side of the Chao Phraya River, an area known for its historic canal network. One of the most interesting ways to reach the temple is by long-tail boat through the local canals, which also offers good views of the giant Buddha statue rising above the district. Visitors can also reach the temple by taxi or by using the MRT Blue Line to Bang Phai station followed by a short taxi ride.
The temple is open daily and entrance is free, although donations are welcomed. As with all Buddhist temples in Thailand, visitors should dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Early morning or late afternoon visits are generally quieter and offer better light for viewing the statue and surrounding canal scenery.
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