Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, usually just called "Wat Paknam", is one of the most spectacular temples we saw in Thailand. It houses Bangkok's largest Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thepmongkhon, which is 69 meters tall and overlooks the picturesque Khlong Dan Canal, one of many small canals connected to the Chao Phraya River.

On our last visit to Bangkok, we visited Wat Paknam and enjoyed every minute. The whole experience was special, from the train journey there, where we caught glimpses of the Buddha statue in the distance, to the longtail boat ride along the temple grounds. The best thing about Wat Paknam is its location in the heart of a densely populated residential area, right next to a labyrinth of canals, which has helped to preserve the traditional charm of local life.

Before doing anything else, we ate a bowl of noodles from a street vendor, right next to monks in saffron robes. Kat pointed out to Cam that we should sit at another table so the monks could eat undisturbed—a common cultural practice throughout Thailand. After eating, we followed the monks at a respectful distance and watched as they slowly entered the temple for their daily religious ceremonies.

A stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways (sois) around Wat Paknam is like stepping back in time to old Bangkok. Weathered houses, narrow lanes, intricately decorated bridges, and family-run restaurants characterize the scene. And then, quite suddenly, the enormous Buddha statue appears – towering above the rooftops of the neighborhood! For us, the walk from the MRT station to Wat Paknam was one of the highlights of our temple visit.

What to see at Wat Paknam

The giant Buddha statue

Did you know that the enormous Buddha statue at Wat Paknam is made of pure bronze, not gold? In clear daylight, it shimmers golden yellow, while at dusk it transforms into a deep copper red. The Buddha wears a gentle, serene smile and rests in a meditative posture with his hands folded. We were overwhelmed by the size and presence of the statue, especially when we got very close to it on our little longtail boat tour.

Maharatchamongkhon Stupa (Emerald Stupa)

This 80-meter-high white stupa is impressive from the outside and even more magnificent inside. On the 5th floor is the Emerald Stupa, where a green glass pagoda sits enthroned beneath a vibrant, cosmic ceiling painting. It is a breathtaking work of art and offers fantastic photo opportunities. Another highlight is the museum on the 1st floor with its collection of Buddhist statues and antiquities. Both the elevator and the stairs provide access to the various levels of the Maharatchamongkhon Stupa.

How to take a longtail boat ride in Wat Paknam

If you, like us, take the MRT to Wat Paknam, you can easily rent a longtail boat at the dock behind the temple complex. Local operators offer short 30-minute trips that literally go around the block. These trips are especially good for taking photos of the giant Buddha and the unique views of the river, rather than doing a full canal tour. I think we paid about 400 THB for the two of us.

The best tours that include Wat Paknam

Bangkok: Canal trip by longboat

This two-hour small-group tour by longtail boat takes you along the city's klongs (canals) and shows you how Thais live along the river. You'll see weathered wooden houses on stilts, families preparing food on wooden decks, and children swimming in the canal. Along the way, you'll stop at the Artists' House and pass Wat Paknam to photograph the giant Buddha statue.

Book here: Bangkok: Longboat canal tour

2-hour private canal tour in Bangkok by longtail boat

A private longtail boat tour through Bangkok's canals, where you can customize the route to suit your group's preferences. Choose between a stop at Wat Paknam, the Bang Luang Canal Community, or the Wat Saphan floating market (weekends only). This tour can be booked self-guided (with a driver) or with a guide and driver. Either way, you'll be captivated by Bangkok's hidden canals and waterways.

Book here: 2-hour private canal tour in Bangkok by longtail boat

Bangkok: Bicycle and canal boat tour with lunch

One of Bangkok's most unique tours: an action-packed 3- to 4-hour ride combining cycling and longtail boat trips. Starting in Thonburi, you'll cycle through narrow streets and past street food stalls before stopping for a 45-minute guided tour of Wat Paknam. Afterwards, you'll enjoy lunch by the canal, visit a market and more temples, and finish the tour with a longtail boat ride on the Khlong Dan Canal, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the locals.

Book here: Bangkok: Bicycle and canal boat tour with lunch

Where to take the best photos of Wat Paknam

Legendary alleys (Sois)

It's quite difficult to find the exact photo spots around Wat Paknam marked on Google Maps. The best approach is to spend a few hours exploring the narrow alleyways (sois) surrounding the temple complex and simply follow your instincts. You're sure to discover some iconic shots where the giant Buddha towers above the houses, visible through narrow openings. Please be respectful when taking photos, as you'll be standing right in front of residents' homes.

Nearby rooftop terraces and cafes

Uruea Cafe is a beautiful spot on the canal to enjoy the sunset over Wat Paknam. Due to its industrial feel, it's also known as the Shipyard Cafe. For precise directions, search "Uruea Cafe" on Google. Another great place with panoramic views of Wat Paknam is Trok Ta Lat Phu: a cafe with terraces on the second and third floors, offering a side view of the giant Buddha statue.

How to get to Wat Paknam

If you're not taking a canal tour, the best and most scenic way to reach Wat Paknam is by taking the MRT Blue Line to Bang Phai station. Take Exit 1 and enter "Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen" into Google Maps. The short walk to the temple entrance takes only 10-15 minutes. Stroll leisurely through the charming alleyways – take your time! The enormous Buddha is initially hidden, but magically reveals itself as you walk.

Read more: How to get around Bangkok: 15 tips to avoid the traffic

Tips for visiting Wat Paknam

  • Arrive early: To avoid the biggest crowds, an early morning visit is recommended. The temple is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, so you should try to arrive before 9:00 AM. This way, you can secure the best photo spots, visit the Emerald Stupa, and take a longtail boat ride without being bothered by too many tourists. In the mornings, Bangkok is also pleasantly cool, making temple-hopping much more relaxed. For unforgettable sunset photos, visit the Uruea Café later in the day.
  • Please observe the dress code: Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees when entering the temple buildings. On hot days, it is advisable to bring extra clothing to put on. Please also wear comfortable shoes with socks. Removing your shoes is mandatory when entering the temple buildings, and we have found that socks are more comfortable on the temple floor than walking barefoot.
  • Respect the monks and the meditation areas: Wat Paknam is an important center of Dhammakaya meditation. Visitors are welcome, but out of respect, please maintain silence in the meditation halls. We also recommend giving the monks ample space in the "sois" (community rooms). They are generally very friendly but often focused on their religious practices (and less on interacting with tourists).
  • Enjoy a free visit: Entry to Wat Paknam is free for all visitors, whether Thai or foreign. This includes access to the giant Buddha statue, the Emerald Stupa, and the museum. The only possible charge is for the longtail boat ride, which usually costs around 200 THB per person for a shared trip. A longtail boat ride is an absolute must – it offers the best photo opportunities in the area!

    • Read more: 50 Thailand travel tips: What you should know before your trip

    Final thoughts: Is Wat Paknam worth visiting?

    Wat Paknam is definitely worth a visit. In our opinion, it's one of the three most beautiful temples in Bangkok. It feels significantly less touristy than the Grand Palace and offers an authentic, local atmosphere. The only downside: it's easy to get lost in the residential areas ("sois"). But for travelers who love the authentic Bangkok, this isn't a drawback, but rather a real highlight! You can find more impressive temples in Bangkok, as well as other attractions like rooftop bars and street food, in our article below.

    Read more: 30 top things to do in Bangkok: The ultimate travel guide