Bangkok · Temple with a giant Buddha and an interior chedi ceiling painting
Wat Paknam is a royal temple in Phasi Charoen, Bangkok, where the large golden Buddha outside and the ceiling painting on the upper floor of the chedi are in different spaces. First take in the full 69-metre seated Buddha from outside, then go inside the chedi to see the painting of the Buddha’s life.
Founded in the Ayutthaya period, the temple also has a tradition of Pali education for monks and meditation associated with Luang Pho Sot. Sightseeing and meditation programmes are separate activities, so be mindful of practitioners and worshippers as you explore the grounds.
300 Ratchamongkhon Prasat Alley, Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok 10160
It is listed as about a 12-minute walk from Bang Phai station (BL33) on the MRT Blue Line. The destination is Wat Paknam Phasicharoen on Ratchamongkhon Prasat Alley, 300.
The large golden seated Buddha outside the temple was completed in 2021. This bronze image is 69 m tall and sits in a meditative posture. It is large enough to see from around the temple grounds. First take in its overall form from a distance, then move closer to look at its face and seated posture.
From farther away, view the Buddha together with the temple surroundings; up close, take in the seated figure and hall separately. The monumental image outside and the paintings indoors are different highlights in different spaces.
On the upper level of the chedi, you can see ceiling paintings depicting the life of the Buddha. After seeing the large golden image outside, go inside and look up at the paintings. You can explore Buddhist art in the temple interior as well as the scale of the Buddha image.
Please be considerate of worship and religious practice while viewing the paintings. Follow on-site information about which upper areas are open. If anyone in your group needs to use stairs or a lift, it may be helpful to ask about the route before your visit.
Wat Paknam is a royal temple whose history dates to the Ayutthaya period. It is also known for training monks in Pali and the meditation teachings of Phra Mongkhon Thepmuni, known as Luang Pho Sot. The newly built large Buddha stands within a longer history of education and religious practice.
Separate from tourist visits, Dhamma talks and meditation programmes are held at Charoen Vipassana Hall. Meditation and Dhamma talks are free and conducted in Thai. White clothing is recommended for participants; it is not a requirement for every visitor. If you would like to join, check the schedule and conditions separately.
General viewing of the ceiling painting is separate from meditation and Dhamma talks at Charoen Vipassana Hall. Give worshippers space in front of the painting. If you join a meditation session, note its separate conditions: it is free and conducted in Thai.
Visitors of all genders are advised to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. A sleeved top with long trousers or a skirt that covers the knees is a practical choice. Please visit in respectful clothing rather than a sleeveless top or short bottoms.
No. The 69-metre golden bronze seated Buddha, completed in 2021, is outside, while the painting of the Buddha’s life is inside the upper floor of the chedi. Visit the two spaces separately to see the temple’s scale and Buddhist art.
White clothing is recommended for people joining meditation or Dhamma talks; it is not an entry requirement for all temple visitors. Sessions at Charoen Vipassana Hall are free and conducted in Thai.
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Sharing image credit: กสิณธร ราชโอรส / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
