For many years, Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen (in Bangkok’s Thonburi district) was notable among just two groups of people: Japanese tourists, who had made the interior of its stupa go viral for its spacey design; and both adherent to and critics of the Dhammakaya organization that owns it.
It wasn’t until just before covid-19, when a large golden Buddha began rising next door to the original structure, that foreign tourists more broadly began paying attention. Needless to say, they never stopped.
I definitely think the Wat Pak Nam Buddha is one of the coolest places to see in Bangkok—and isn’t as crowded as you might think it would be. On the other hand, I have some tips to keep in mind to make your visit go as smoothly as possible.
Why Wat Pak Nam is Controversial
Unassuming visitors might not realize this, but Wat Pak Nam has caused quite a stir in Thailand, albeit an indirect one. Contrary to popular belief, the Dhammakaya organization (or cult, depending upon who you ask) does not own Wat Pak Nam. Rather, the founder of the group was formerly the abbot of Wak Pak Nam, thus linking the temple inextricably (if not in a linear) way to the controversial group.
This was much more of an issue in the recent past than it is now, specifically in the years before the Buddha was built. At that time, only a handful of Japanese tourists ever made it over to this temple; most visitors were Thai, and many of them were adherents to Dhammakaya. Now that Wat Pak Nam is a bonafide tourist attraction, rather than simply a sacred spot, its association with the sect is much less important.
How to Spend Half a Day (or Longer) at Wat Pak Nam
Start inside the original building
Although the simple white stupa is less impressive than the Golden Buddha, the real treasure is inside. This comes both in the form of a smaller, emerald stupa, as well as ornate painting on the ceiling around it. The strangeness of the interior caused Japanese tourists in the 2000s and 2010s to refer to its as the “temple of space.”
Then, admire the Buddha
Now, I’m not suggesting that you ignore the Buddha entirely before you get done in the stupa—how could you, with its size? Still, I think if you hold off on admiring the Buddha (whether from ground level on the temple site, just across one of the khlong or even further away), it will be even more impressive.
Take a boat ride along a khlong
Speaking of the narrow canals that seem to surround Wat Pak Nam on all sides, long-tail boat is the ideal way to explore them—you’ll see dozens (or, on weekends, maybe even hundreds) of tourists enjoying this option. Beyond the temple itself, seeing the Thonburi district from a canal gives you an authentic look into local life here.
Have a local lunch (or dinner)
There are plenty of places to eat around Wat Pak Nam. If you come during the morning or daytime, you can find lots of street foot in the sois immediately around the entrance. Around lunch and especially dinner time, meanwhile, you can walk eastward to Talat Phlu Market and eat there.
Find a place to watch sunset
Another advantage of heading to the market? Just north of is where you find the bridge that I consider to be the best sunset spot for admiring the Buddha. Alternatively, you can walk from Icon Siam Mall to this flyover bridge to get a slightly further away (but just as beautiful) perspective.
Other Things to Do in Bangkok’s Thonburi District
Thonburi, as I’ve written about elsewhere on this site, is one of my favorite parts of Bangkok. Here are a few other reasons why:
- There are other attractions besides Wat Pak Nam, including a string of them—the Wat Prayoon white temple; Santa Cruz Church; Kian Un Keng Chinese shrine—closer to the river.
- Beyond this, walking or riding a boat along the khlong over here, whether or not you do so near the Buddha, is a relaxing and authentic experience.
- Iconic Wat Arun is also technically on the Thonburi side, and is a great place to begin (i.e. just after dawn) your exploration of this area.
Other FAQ About the Wat Pak Nam Buddha
What is Wat Pak Nam famous for?
In recent years (basically, since the pandemic), Wat Pak Nam has mostly been famous for the massive Buddha built next to its original stupa. Prior to that, however, it was famous for the space-like interior of its core structure, and infamous for its association with the Dhammakaya organization.
Is Wat Pak Nam worth visiting?
Wat Pak Nam is definitely worth visiting, especially if you pair it with a boat ride along the khlong that surround it, or a street food meal at Talat Phlu Market. Coming at the end of the day, amid the flattering lighting just before and after sunset, also sweetens the deal.
Is Wat Pak Nam free to visit?
Wat Pak Nam is actually free to visit! However, many other aspects of your visit will cost you, from boat rides, to food and drink, to the transportation required to get there. Additionally, many visitors will donate to the temple in order to make merit or show appreciation.
The Bottom Line
The Wat Pak Nam Buddha is impressive, no matter what you think of the the Dhammakaya organization associated with it it, and even if you don’t go inside the stupa next to it to see the even more impressive interior of that structure. As is the case with Wat Phra Dhammakaya itself, the architecture really is unimpeachable, particular see within the context of the cityscape around it. And here’s the thing: In spite of how touristic the Buddha has become, the neighborhoods around it are some of the most authentically local in all of Bangkok. Need personalized help fitting Wat Pak Nam into your Bangkok itinerary? Consider hiring me to help!
