Originally known to the villagers as Wat Bang Tong, named after the small village where it is located, this temple was later renamed Wat Maha That Wachiramongkol. It is situated about 70 kilometers from Krabi Town. Its main attraction is the large golden chedi, the Phra Mahathat Chedi, which was inspired by the Maha Chedi Phutthakhaya in Gaya, India – the site where Buddha attained enlightenment. A plaza with covered walkways surrounds the chedi, lined with various Buddha statues. Outside are two large statues: one of a standing Buddha and one of the revered monk Luang Phu Thuat. Although Wat Bang Thong is relatively new, it is a beautiful temple in Krabi and well worth a visit, even though it is an hour's drive from the town or Ao Nang beach. Although the land was donated in 1940, construction of the present-day Wat Bang Thong temple did not begin until 1997. Abbot Phra Ratcha Vajirakon found the temple in such a dilapidated state that he had it completely demolished, except for the ubosot, and a new complex built. He also established Wat Bang Thong as a center for the study of Dharma and Pali. The temple finally gained wider recognition with the construction of the Phra Mahathat Chedi in 2002, in honor of the 50th birthday of Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn (the future King Rama X). Inspired by the Maha Chedi Phutthakhaya in India, it is golden and 95 meters high – it is considered the tallest pagoda in southern Thailand. On November 16, 2006, His Majesty the King renamed Wat Bang Thong Wat Mahathat Vachiiramongkhon and had the initials MWK engraved on the pediment of the ubosot. The main Buddha statue was named Phra Buddha Thaksin Chai Mongkhon.

Entrance fee for foreigners: 50 THB. Free for Thais. This temple is quite far from Krabi and somewhat remote, but there are some other interesting temples in the area, such as the golden Wat Khao Hua Sing (which I have visited) or the large complex Wat Rat Uppatham (which I have not yet visited).

Wat Bang Thong is located approximately 70 km from Krabi Town and 75 km from Ao Nang. You will need your own transportation to get there, whether it's a rental car, a private car, or a minibus with a driver. Alternatively, you can visit Wat Bang Thong as part of a guided tour that includes the temple in its itinerary (see this page).

Wat Bang Thong (Wat Maha That Wachiramongkol) is a temple. When visiting a temple in Thailand, there are some rules to observe: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), remove shoes upon entering the building, be quiet, no hugging or kissing, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, and do not smoke.

How to get there

How do I get to Wat Bang Thong (Wat Maha That Wachiramongkol)? Wat Bang Thong is located approximately 70 km from Krabi Town and 75 km from Ao Nang. You will need your own transportation, such as a rental car, a car, or a minibus with a driver. Alternatively, you can visit Wat Bang Thong as part of a guided tour (see this page).