Five of The Best Temples to Visit in Kanchanaburi
-- Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Jonesy
The Buddhist temples in Thailand’s western wilderness region of Kanchanaburi are numerous. They are also quite varied in location and architecture, and although some are a little off the beaten path they still contain some elaborate and impressive features.
Because of the terrain in Kanchanaburi many of these temples contain caves that are now used as shrines. Some of the caves would have been used for meditation before having temples established around them, and they certainly hold a tranquil, contemplative vibe.
Taking time to check out the stunning and imaginative architecture featured in many of the temples in Kanchanaburi is a great way to completely disconnect from the modern world. You don’t need to be a Buddhist to appreciate some of the Thai, Chinese, Khmer, and other subtle (and not-so-subtle) features and influences on display.
So let’s take a closer look at a few of the more interesting options, with five of the best temples to visit in Kanchanaburi.
1. The Tiger Cave Temple–Wat Tham Suea
Wat Tham Suea is considered one of the most worthy temples in Kanchanaburi to stop at. The temple site is around 7 miles southeast of the centre of town and it has plenty of interesting aspects that make it one of the region’s most-visited shrines.
The temple’s name is related to the tiger cave which we’ll come to shortly–but the site is probably most famous for its massive bronze Buddha image.
The 60-feet-tall figure is in a spot to allow sweeping views of the panoramic, rice fields and surrounding countryside. Like many temples in the region this one features a colourful, Naga-flanked staircase, although if you don’t fancy it there is an ageing cable car option.
Wat Tham Suea is an ancient site that apparently came by its name due to the fact that the caves were once inhabited by tigers. Wat Tham Khao Noi is adjacent to this temple and the contrast in architectural styles between the two is obvious.
Location: Muang Chum, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71110
Hours of Operation: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
2. The Vietnamese Pagoda–Wat Tham Khao Noi
Wat Tham Khao Noi is most-recognisable from its impressive Chinese-looking architecture in a tall pagoda style. The temple is actually one of two Vietnamese-influenced structures in the area though, and the top platform terrace provides some amazing panoramic views of the surrounding regions.
Tham Khao Noi has stood in this spot for close to 150 years, next to the previously-featured Tiger Cave Temple. Wat Tham Khao Noi is an old temple with more than 130 years of history, and the temple complex features a chedi, an ordination hall and a few surrounding buildings.
The ground floor is where you’ll find familiar Chinese Buddhist sculptures like the Smiling Buddha. You’ll find more sculptures and images on each floor, notably Guanyin, and at the end of the stairs you’ll catch sight of the tall Chinese-looking pagoda.
The pagoda has many floors connected by a spiral staircase. The wind can flow through the pagoda as you wind your way upwards, and you might notice the Chinese-style murals the cover the walls along the staircase regions.
The top floor is home to various esteemed Buddhist relics, and only one or two people or small groups can go in at any one time. You can imagine the views from the top–certainly they are worth the slightly surreal climb.
Location: Muang Chum, Moo 5, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71110
Hours of Operation: 8.00 am-5.00 pm
3. The Dragon’s Head Cave Temple–Wat Ban Tham
Wat Ban Tham is another somewhat unique temple located on a hilltop just outside of town, along the river. It is otherwise known as the “Dragon’s Head Cave Temple” and comes complete with an entrance resembling the open mouth of said mythical beast.
So this is an impressive-looking construction that has obviously undergone plenty of work and maintenance over the years. You’ll need to be a hardcore templist for this one though as the only access is via a heart-pounding 900 steps.
Once within this unique structure visitors can be enthralled by the network of mountain caves. These caves are lined with various religious artefacts such as images and statues amidst murals and technicoloured ribbons.
At the immense and ancient, cave-enshrined Luang Por Yai Chinnaraj shrine (in the first cave) blessings are proffered by a local monk on visitors and passersby from time to time.
Location: Khao Noi, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71110, Thailand
Hours of Operation: Daily from 7.30 am to 5.00 pm
4. The ‘Floating Nun’ Temple–Wat Tham Mangkon Thong
Wat Tham Mangkon Thong is an impressive-looking temple on a hilltop with a rather unique sideshow by way of a ‘floating nun’. Like many of the other temples in the region this one has stood for hundreds of years in and around a natural limestone cave.
Thick vegetation is abundant around the temple, and access may not be easy for everyone as it comes by way of 95 steep steps flanked by the mystical Thai Naga along the handrails.
The temple also contains natural cave shrines, and some contain enshrined Buddhist images more than a century old. There’s also a small museum, with hopes of various Buddhist and other local relics that have been found over the years.
But it’s the rather unique ‘floating nun’ show that has been the main attraction at the temple in recent years. The floating nuns are elderly yet seemingly buoyant buddhist devotees who meditate while floating in a clear plunge pool.
The nuns remain virtually motionless throughout the session, with their mouths hardly breaching the surface. Visitors are welcome to gather around, and watch, and taking photos is fine.
Location: Ko Samrong, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000
Hours of Operation: 8.00 am-5 pm
5. The Khmer-Style Temple–Wat Tham Pu Wa
This temple echoes the style of the Khmer to add to the many other flavours evident in the Kanchanaburi region. The main attraction of the temple besides its architecture is a stalactite-studded cave along with an impressive pink sandstone shrine, complete with intricate Buddhist-related carvings and images.
Expertly-maintained gardens are a feature of Wat Tham Pu Wa, and you’ll find a seated sandstone Buddha sitting in there emanating mindfulness. There is also a cave in this temple which is quite extensive and features two different levels with various gilded Buddhist statues and other images and Buddhist regalia.
You’ll still encounter a Chinese influence in this temple with the astrological signs featuring the animals related to the various years of birth. English is reasonably familiar here due to the many foreign visitors who visit due to the facility’s status as a meditation retreat.
Location: Nong Ya, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Hours of Operation: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Mark Philip is a writer and lifestyle enthusiast from the Midlands in the U.K. With a background in martial arts and fitness, Mark upped sticks and headed out to Bangkok to delve a bit deeper into the art of Thai Boxing way back in the 2000s, starting to write initially to fund his daily training and escape the rigours of ESL teaching. Since then Mark has authored e-books, articles, and blogs across a wide range of topics for commercial, educational, factual, health & fitness, lifestyle, wellness, and leisure-based purposes.
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