The temple complex is pretty huge. It spans about 32,000 square meters, housing a number of buildings, stupas, and even a massive Buddha statue. The statue is still under construction as you can see several scaffoldings and even a crane.
The Buddha statue was definitely my sole motivation to visit Wat Paknam. However, while quite impressive, even before completion, there are plenty of other things to see or experience here.
I actually ended up spending about 2-3 hours in the area.
Here’s a little guide to exploring Wat Paknam.
Getting to Wat Paknam
Drive: my friend told me that there is a big parking lot in front of the temple. So I decided to drive to the temple. It’s an easy 30-minute or so journey from downtown Bangkok. Just follow Google Maps. Pretty straight-forward.
MRT: if you take the subway, drop off at Bang Phai station. From there it is a 900 m or 10-15 minute walk. You could also find a motorbike taxi around here and tell him to take you to the temple.
Things to see
Once you enter the temple (after a temperature check), it seems a little daunting with several alleyways leading in different directions.
But don’t worry, there are signages and maps dotted around the complex to help you find your way.
At first, I felt anxious to be here, being the only foreigner around but after a while, it was calm. It helps to smile and wai at the locals.
Facing the complex, to the left are several buildings, including a school.
You will also find the Phasi Charoen pier in this direction.
Straight ahead, you will find the ordination hall, a library, and the prominent Buddha statue. The statue can be seen from many different angles and vantage points as you will see later.
To the right is a beautiful white pagoda. There is also a museum situated beneath the pagoda.
The pagoda has several levels that can be accessed by stairs or elevator (out of order on this day). Inside, there are all sorts of religious, cultural, and historic artifacts and displays.
The main highlight, however, is on the top floor. I don’t know how to describe it other than a worshipping hall with psychedelic colors. It’s quite mesmerizing.
There is also a balcony on this floor where tourists take photos of the neighborhood view and the Buddha statue.
Funny story
Naturally, enter the museum or Pagoda hall, you have to take your shoes off. There are signs all around saying “beware of shoe thieves”. Now I was wearing my Nike Air Jordan. Albeit fake, they still mean a lot to me.
I didn’t want to leave them lying around for easy pickings. I was a bit perplexed and worried. Luckily, they have a container with shoestring plastic bags. I was able to put my shoes in them and then in my backpack. Problem solved. Just a little helpful info for you guys in case you decide to wear nice shoes.
Across the canal
So I had seen from Instagram posts that you can get really awesome shots of the Buddha statue from a distance. Some of these had to be taken using some powerful, long-range lens from some buildings. Well, I wanted to get some shots like this so I started walking around the temple complex, trying to find a vantage point.
I saw an alleyway to the right of the white pagoda, which led me to a small bridge that goes over the canal.
To the side, I could see the pagoda and Buddha statue towering towards the sky. It was such a magnificent view.
Too bad the statue was facing the other way. I might have to go back another day to get the front view from afar. The best way would probably be to find a longtail boat that would take me along the canal to locate this angle.
Across the canal, there is another temple complex worth checking out. It’s called Wat Khun Chan.
The vibe here is definitely different than at Wat Paknam. I would say it’s even more local and tranquil. Also, there seems to be an influence of Hindu and Chinese culture at this temple.
Walking into and past the main hall is the pier where I was able to get another view of the giant Buddha statue. The angle from here is very similar to that from the bridge. However for a keen eye and picky photographer, it makes all the difference.
I hope this inspires you to visit the temple or at least step foot into Thonburi. It’s a completely different vibe here than downtown Bangkok and it’s not even that far.
related post: exploring Thonburi
Let me know how your visit goes and do share your pictures by mentioning me @doseoflifecom.
Wow, really beautiful. Do you know when the statue will be completed?
It is very beautiful. I’m not sure, I heard by the end of the year. Maybe early 2021.
I only express myself in the Comment section whenever I love and appreciate an article so so much.
You have made it so easy to read and understand, am sure your not like those copy and paste guys that care only about traffic.
It’s nice visiting and am adding your blog to my home screen. Keep it up.
Cheers
Thank you for the nice words.
Lot of good information! I have seen the giant Buddha statue and the White Pagoda many times in Instagram or news magazines, but I am reading the details about it only now. Adding it to my bucket list. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. — Jayati
I mostly found out about it from IG as with most places. Hopefully, you will be able to come to Thailand soon and visit this place and many others.
Thailand is one of our all time favorite places to travel and there is always so much to see and do… this may have to make the list for our next trip.
Beautiful description, I went to Bangkok but never visited this place, due to lack of time. And now I feel I missed out on Pagodas, well let me keep something for the next time. This article is well crafted and give the reader an insight.
I live in Bangkok and I am constantly feeling I am missing out on places. New places and attractions pop up ever so often. Hopefully you can visit this and many other places when you come to Bangkok again.
I have always wanted to visit a temple. We have nothing like this in Canada. The Budha statue is simply amazing! This would be the perfect place to visit my first temple.
I was in Thailand there in the city 7 years ago. I wish I spent more time seeing temples such as this but I hope this is done being constructed next time I’m there because it looks amazing!
What a beautiful encounter of temples in Wak Paknam. I have always fascinated by the history and temples of south east Asian countries. Would love to visit them someday and cick pictures of these stunning white pagodas and gigantic buddha statues.
Oh wow this is cool. When was this built? I don’t remember it being there a few years ago.
Its a bit away from downtown Bangkok so you would not have known. I didn’t either till I saw it popping up on IG.
Wow how stunning does this look in the sunset! amazing! I would love to be able to visit one day
Thailand is on my short list and the giant Buddha is one of the reasons. What an incredible feat of engineering! I can’t wait to see it finished.
Me too! It’s going to be amazing. I’ll take a shot and update this post when it is done.
Wow the statue is so stunning and gorgeous! I would love to visit here someday…