Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, normally shortened to just “Wat Paknam”, is one of the most spectacular temples we’ve seen in Thailand. It’s home to the largest Buddha statue in Bangkok called Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thepmongkhon, standing 69 meters tall overlooking the quaint Yai Canal, one of many little canals interconnected with the Chao Phraya River.

We visited Wat Paknam on our most recent trip to Bangkok and loved every minute of it. The entire experience was special, from the train ride there with glimpses of the Buddha statue in the distance to the longtail trip alongside the temple. The best part of Wat Paknam is its location in a densely populated residential area, right by a maze of different canals, retaining a traditional “local living” atmosphere.

Before we did anything, we sat down for a bowl of noodles at a local street food vendor, right beside monks dressed in saffron robes. Kat informed Cam that we should sit at a different table to the monks, giving them space to eat in peace - a cultural norm observed right across Thailand. After eating, we then walked behind the monks from a respectful distance watching them slowly enter the temple for their daily religious practices.

Wandering around the little streets and “sois” by Wat Paknam is like entering the Bangkok of old. Weathered houses, narrow alleys, decorated bridges, and family-run restaurants can be found around every corner. And then, all of a sudden, the giant Buddha statue comes into view - towering over the neighbourhood’s rooftops! For us, walking from the MRT station to Wat Paknam was one of the most enjoyable aspects of this temple visit.

What to See at Wat Paknam

The Giant Buddha Statue

Did you know that the giant Buddha statue of Wat Paknam is actually made from pure bronze, rather than gold? The golden yellow color can be seen with clear daylight, while at golden hour it transforms to a deep copper color. The Buddha has this serene, small smile on its face with its hands resting together over its lap in a meditation pose. We were blown away by the size and presence of the statue, especially once we got right up close to it on our little longtail trip.

Wat Paknam - 69 Meter Giant Buddha — *Giant Buddha*

Wat Paknam - View of Giant Buddha — *Giant Buddha*

Maharatchamongkhon Stupa (Emerald Stupa)

This 80-meter high white stupa is impressive from the outside and even more magnificent from the inside. On the 5th floor you’ll find the Emerald Stupa where a green glass pagoda sits below a colorful, cosmic ceiling mural. It’s a stunning piece of artwork and makes for superb photos. Another must-see is the museum on the 1st floor, housing a collection of Buddhist statues and old antiques. Both the elevator and stairs give you access to the different floors of the Maharatchamongkhon Stupa.

Wat Paknam - Emerald Stupa — *Maharatchamongkhon Stupa (Emerald Stupa)*

Emerald Pagoda - Wat Paknam — *Maharatchamongkhon Stupa (Emerald Stupa)*

How to Take a Longtail at Wat Paknam

If you’re heading to Wat Paknam by MRT, like we did, you can easily hire a longtail boat from the pier at the back of the temple complex. Local operators offer quick 30-minute trips, literally around the block. This is primarily for taking photos of the giant Buddha, with unique riverside views, as opposed to doing a full canal tour. From memory, we paid around 400 THB for the two of us.

Canal Tour - Wat Paknam — *Kat on the longtail ride*

Wat Paknam - Longtail Ride — *Cam on the longtail ride*

Wat Paknam - Longtail Tours — *Kat on the longtail ride*

Best Tours that Include Wat Paknam

Bangkok: Longtail Boat Canal Cruise

This 2-hour, small group longtail tour takes you along the city’s klongs (canals) to witness how local Thais live by 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 Artist's House and pass by Wat Paknam to snap photos of the huge Buddha statue.

Book here: Bangkok: Longtail Boat Canal Cruise

2 Hours Private Bangkok Canal Boat Tour by Long-Tail

A private longtail canal tour that allows you to customize your route, depending on your group's preferences. Choose between a stop at Wat Paknam, Bang Luang Canal Community or Wat Saphan Floating Market (weekends only). This experience can be self-guided (with a driver) or guided (with a tour guide and driver). Either way, you’ll have a blast exploring Bangkok’s hidden canals and waterways.

Book here: 2 Hours Private Bangkok Canal Boat Tour by Long-Tail

Bangkok: Bike and Canal Boat Tour with Lunch

One of the most unique tour offerings in Bangkok, which combines cycling and longtails into an action-packed 3-4 hour adventure. It kicks off in Thonburi where you bike through back alleys and food stalls, before stopping for a 45-minute guided tour of Wat Paknam. From here, you have lunch on the canal, head to a market, and more temples, and then finish up with a longtail trip on the Yai Canal to see local communities going about their daily lives.

Book here: Bangkok: Bike and Canal Boat Tour with Lunch

Wat Paknam - Canal Tour — *Wat Paknam by the canals*

Where to Take the Best Photos of Wat Paknam

Iconic Alleyways (Sois)

It’s very difficult to find the exact Google Map pins of the photography spots surrounding Wat Paknam. So your best bet is to give yourself a few hours to explore the little “sois” (alleys) around the temple complex, simply following your intuition. You should be able to find a few iconic urban frames where the giant Buddha towers over residential homes and appears through narrow openings. Just be respectful when capturing photos, as you’ll be right outside people’s homes.

Nearby Rooftops & Cafes

Uruea Cafe is a lovely, canalside spot to watch the sunset over Wat Paknam. It’s also known as Shipyard Cafe, due to its industrial atmosphere, but Google “Uruea Cafe” to get the proper directions. Another great spot to get scenic views of Wat Paknam is Trok Ta Lat Phu: a cafe with 2nd and 3rd floor terraces offering elevated side-views of the giant Buddha statue.

Wat Paknam - Photography Viewpoints — *Wat Paknam*

How to Get to Wat Paknam

If you’re not joining a canal tour, the best and most enjoyable way to reach Wat Paknam is to take the MRT Blue Line to Bang Phai Station. From here, take Exit 1 and set your Google Maps directions to “Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen”. It’s a short 10-15 minute walk to the temple entrance, something you’ll want to do slowly and intentionally as the little alleyways are really charming. The giant Buddha is hidden at first but later on the walk, it reveals itself in the most magical way!

Tips for Visiting Wat Paknam

Arrive Early: Come early in the morning to beat the crowds. The temple opens from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, so aim to arrive before 9:00 AM. That’ll ensure you can find the best photo spots, visit the Emerald Stupa and take a longtail trip without being encumbered by too many tourists. Bangkok is also cooler in the mornings which makes temple-hopping much more relaxing. For iconic sunset photos, head to Uruea Cafe later in the day.
Follow the Dress Code: Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees when entering the temple buildings. If it’s a hot day, packing extra clothes to slip into is a good idea. Also, wear decent walking shoes with socks. Removing your shoes is a requirement to enter the temple buildings and we find that socks are more comfortable on the floors than bare feet.
Respect the Monks and Meditation Areas: Wat Paknam is a major centre for Dhammakaya meditation and while visitors are welcome, they should remain silent inside the meditation halls to show respect. We also recommend giving the monks space if you encounter them in the “sois”. They are normally very friendly people, but oftentimes are focused on their religious practices (rather than engaging with tourists).
Enjoy a Free Visit: Admission to Wat Paknam is free for all visitors, including Thai citizens and foreigners. This includes access to the giant Buddha statue, Emerald Stupa and museum. The only fee you might encounter is for the longtail ride, which normally costs around 200 THB per person for a shared ride. You absolutely have to take the longtail trip - it gives you the best photo-ops in the area!

Wat Paknam - Hiring a Longtail — *Kat on the longtail ride*

Wat Paknam - Biggest Buddha in Bangkok — *Cam on the longtail ride*

Final Thoughts: Is Wat Paknam Worth Visiting?

Wat Paknam is definitely worth visiting. It’s among the top 3 temples in Bangkok, in our opinion. It feels much less touristy than The Grand Palace and Wat Arun, with an authentic local atmosphere on full display. The only downside is that you might get lost exploring the residential “sois”. But for those travelers who love local experiences, this isn’t a drawback at all, it’s a highlight!

Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen: How to See Bangkok’s Giant Buddha