Wat Chantharam, better known as Wat Tha Sung, is a sprawling Buddhist complex with several buildings. It is undoubtedly the most famous and most visited temple in Uthai Thani province! Built from tree trunks during the Ayutthaya period, it acquired the nickname Wat Tha Sung (sung means "tree trunk" in Thai). The original temple gradually fell into disrepair until the revered monk Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam undertook its restoration, transforming it into a significant center of Buddhist learning. The incorrupt body of Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam attracts many Thai devotees who come to pay their respects. Two must-see attractions at Wat Tha Sung are the 100-meter-long Crystal Shrine, which, due to its mirrored walls and pillars, could also be called Thailand's Hall of Mirrors. Here, the body of Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam rests. The second building worth seeing is Prasat Thong Kham, also known as the Golden Palace. Its exterior and interior are adorned with gold and feature magnificent reliefs, particularly on the building's numerous doors. To the right of the Golden Palace, which surrounds the parking area, is an elevated walkway lined with dozens of seated Buddha statues—each one unique! Between the Crystal Shrine and Prasat Thong Kham stands another building with a large Buddha statue integrated into its facade. Wat Tha Sung is still under construction; during my last visit in December 2022, a completely new complex with sparkling facades was being built.

Admission is free. The Crystal Sanctuary is open daily from 9:00 to 11:45 and from 14:00 to 16:00. The Golden Castle is open from 9:00 to 16:00, but the ground floor can be visited until approximately 17:00. Access to the upper floor is not possible after 16:00.

The temple is located about ten kilometers south of Uthai Thani. You can probably take a public bus to Wat Tha Sung, but unfortunately, I can't tell you exactly which one. It's best to ask at the bus station or hire a tuk-tuk. Alternatively, it's probably easiest to contact your hotel or accommodation in Uthai Thani and have them arrange your transportation. There's also a bicycle route that leads to Wat Tha Sung via Koh Thephoo. If you choose this option, please ride with extra care!

Wat Tha Sung (Crystal Temple) 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 Tha Sung (Crystal Temple)? The temple is located about ten kilometers south of Uthai Thani. To get to Wat Tha Sung, you can probably take a public bus and get dropped off there. However, I can't tell you exactly which bus you need. It's best to ask at the bus station or hire a tuk-tuk. The easiest option is probably to contact your hotel or accommodation in Uthai Thani and have them arrange your transportation. There is also a bicycle route that leads to Wat Tha Sung via Koh Thephoo. If you choose this option, please ride with extra care!