Kanchanaburi is not only known for its stunning nature and rich history, but also for its many beautiful and spiritually significant temples. Visiting Kanchanaburi temples is an activity worth considering for those seeking blessings, inner peace, and spiritual renewal. On this temple tour in Kanchanaburi, we’ve gathered 10 outstanding temples you should not miss—perfect for merit-making, uplifting your spirit, and bringing good fortune throughout your journey.
Before setting out on your Kanchanaburi temple tour, to make the trip even more fulfilling, it’s a good idea to find accommodations that let you fully relax while still experiencing Kanchanaburi’s serene charm. We recommend Hintok River Camp @ Hellfire Pass, a nature-close resort in Kanchanaburi that offers a glamping experience with full amenities—an ideal stop to recharge during your spiritual trip.
1. Wat Tham Sua
Wat Tham Sua is one of the most famous Kanchanaburi temples, located in Tha Muang District. Its highlight is a giant blessing Buddha image, “Luang Por Chin Prathan Porn,” visible from afar. There’s also a magnificent octagonal 9-level pagoda, “Phra Chedi Ket Kaew Maha Prasat,” which enshrines a relic of the Buddha. The top level offers a scenic view of rice fields. This temple is a must-visit.
2. Phutthakaya Pagoda, Sangkhlaburi
This replica of India’s Mahabodhi Temple stands at Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Sangkhlaburi District. It houses Buddha relics brought from Sri Lanka by Luang Por Uttama. It is a spiritual center for Thai-Mon people and hosts beautiful Mon-style Songkran festivals—making it a major temple destination in Kanchanaburi.
3. Wat Thipsukhontharam
Wat Thipsukhontharam is known for its majestic bronze Buddha image, “Phra Phuttha Metta Pracha Thai Trailokkanat Gandhararat Anusorn,” the tallest bronze standing Buddha in Thailand. Inspired by the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, the temple is located in a peaceful and spacious Buddhist park—ideal for spiritual reflection.
4. Wat Hin Thaen Lamphachi
Located in Dan Makham Tia District, Wat Hin Thaen Lamphachi is famous for its striking white ubosot built on a swan-shaped boat called “Sampao Kaew Roy Lan.” In front stands the largest statue of Somdej Phra Buddhacharn Toh in Kanchanaburi. The peaceful setting and elegant architecture make this temple ideal for blessings and merit-making.
5. Wat Sa Long Ruea
This historic temple in Huai Krachao District features the world’s largest replica of the Royal Barge Suphannahong floating on a giant pond, with Buddha relics enshrined inside. Other attractions include a large black Buddha image and a hell-heaven exhibit in the ordination hall—making this temple a unique and fascinating Kanchanaburi visit.
6. Wat Wang Wiwekaram
Also known as Luang Por Uttama Temple, it’s the spiritual heart of Thai-Mon and Karen communities in Sangkhlaburi. Although the original temple is submerged after dam construction (known as the “Underwater Temple”), the new temple on a hill features Mon-style architecture, a replica of the Mahabodhi Pagoda, and a glass coffin containing Luang Por Uttama’s body. It’s a temple rich in history and culture.
7. Wat Metta Dhamma Bodhiyan
Located in Mueang District, Wat Metta Dhamma Bodhiyan is a Mahayana temple with Chinese-style architecture. Its highlight is a Thousand-Armed Guan Yin carved from fragrant camphor wood facing four directions. Worshippers visit to pray, improve their fortune, or ward off bad luck, making it a highly respected Kanchanaburi temple.
8. Wat Chai Chumphon Chana Songkhram
Known locally as “Wat Tai,” this third-class royal temple is located in central Kanchanaburi by the Mae Klong River. It holds deep historical importance and houses sacred sites such as ancient Buddha images, a replica of Buddha’s footprint, a wax statue of Luang Pu Plian, and relics. A visit here brings spiritual blessings and cultural enrichment.
9. Wat Tham Phu Wa
Wat Tham Phu Wa, in Mueang District, showcases Khmer-style art. Nestled in tranquil natural surroundings, it houses a meditating Buddha and relics from Myanmar inside a natural cave. At the entrance stands a beautiful sandstone Khmer-style shrine. The calm environment makes it ideal for meditation and mindfulness practice.
10.Wat Phutthakhian
Located in Tha Sao Subdistrict, Wat Phutthakhian is a Mahānikāya Buddhist temple situated along Saeng Chuto Road. Founded before 1940, it has been relocated multiple times due to major events, such as WWII’s Death Railway construction. It moved to its current location around 1966–1967. This temple remains a spiritual center for the local Phutthakhian community.
Summary
Visiting these 10 Kanchanaburi temples offers a meaningful cultural and religious experience. Each temple has its own unique charm—from grand architecture to serene nature retreats. This journey not only allows for spiritual merit-making, fortune-boosting, and inner peace, but also offers a chance to learn about local history, culture, and the way of life in Kanchanaburi communities.
Temple Tour Summary: Visit 10 Sacred Kanchanaburi Temples
Book a peaceful nature stay near the temples at Hintok River Camp and experience spiritual serenity in a glamping-style retreat.
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