This temple is probably the most famous in the Amphawa district. It is renowned for the roots and branches of the banyan tree that have grown around and enveloped the building for centuries. It houses a golden Buddha statue and dates back to the Ayutthaya period. Both its exterior and interior are simple. The roots and leaves of the tree, which surround and define the temple, make it appear like a giant tree trunk and give it its unique character. A fierce battle between Siamese and Burmese invaders took place here in the 18th century. Today, Khai Bang Kung is both a Buddhist temple and a memorial to a heroic warrior. Statues depicting battle scenes and Muay Thai are located near the temple. After the Burmese withdrew in 1768, Khai Bang Kung fell into obscurity, and banyan trees reclaimed the site. As part of the bicentenary celebrations in 1967, the Thai government began restoring the site and erected commemorative statues of King Taksin and the soldiers who fought for him. In front of the temple, near the riverbank, are a small zoo and some aircraft.

Wat Bang Kung temple is located on the Mae Klong River, 6 km from Amphawa, and is one of five temples included in the "5 Temples" boat tour departing from Amphawa's floating market. Several tour operators offer this tour during the day.

The easiest way to reach Wat Bang Kung is by boat tour, although the other temples included in the tour are less interesting. Alternatively, you can hire a boat and ask the captain to take you there.

Wat Bang Kung is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Bang Kung? The easiest way to reach Wat Bang Kung is by boat tour, although the other temples included in the tour are less interesting. Alternatively, you can hire a boat and have the captain take you there.