Why Visit Wat Bang Kung?
Few temples in Thailand capture the imagination quite like Wat Bang Kung. This 18th-century ordination hall is almost completely swallowed by the roots and branches of a banyan tree, creating an otherworldly sight where nature and spirituality blend into one. Revered as a sacred site, it’s also historically significant as the location of King Taksin’s military camp during battles with the Burmese. For those exploring the inner west of Bangkok, Wat Bang Kung is a compact yet unforgettable stop.
What to Expect During Your Visit
The highlight is, of course, the chapel encased in banyan roots. Inside sits a golden Buddha image, where locals and visitors alike come to make offerings. The temple grounds also feature memorials to King Taksin’s army, including life-size statues of warriors and a small museum that tells the story of the area’s role in Thai history. Expect a deeply atmospheric experience, the cool shade of the banyan, the quiet devotion of worshippers, and the striking contrast of living roots entwined with ancient walls. It’s a spiritual and photographic highlight that rarely fails to impress.
Discover the Temple Hidden Inside Ancient Trees
Admission Price: Free of charge
Many visitors come to photograph the small Buddhist temple that appears to emerge from within a banyan tree. However, the historic importance of Wat Bang Kung and its beautiful natural surroundings are often unknown to tourists and Thais alike. This unique temple sits alongside the western bank of the Mae Khlong river in Amphawa district.
While Thailand has many Buddhist temples to visit, Wat Bang Kung stands as one of the most iconic. Over several centuries, large banyan tree roots and branches have engulfed the temple. Therefore, it provides a perfect mix of natural beauty and peaceful spirituality.
Customer feedback – “This temple reminded me of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Really beautiful and unique with the trees growing through it.”
A Temple with Ancient Roots
The temple building dates from the Ayutthaya period. Aside from the golden Buddha image it houses, the design stays quite simple. However, the remarkably majestic banyan trees are the site’s crowning glory. They dominate the temple and shade much of the landscape.
Furthermore, this landscape once served as a battleground for Siamese and Burmese warriors in the 18th century. Today, the temple and nearby area is preserved as a memorial to those heroic warriors of the past.
Historic Battle Site and Military Stronghold
The Wat Bang Kung temple area served as an army stronghold for the Siamese after the ancient city of Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese in 1767. During this time, Burmese forces had blocked the Mae Khlong river. Consequently, Siamese General Taksin managed to gather his army at the Wat Bang Kung area.
Customer feedback – “I was amazed to learn more about this area from our private tour guide. I really wasn’t aware of Thailand’s history of war with Burma. It added a lot to my trip to Thailand.”
Eventually, Burmese forces attacked the Siamese camp. However, General Taksin and his warriors won a victory that would turn the tide of the war in favor of the Siamese. The next year, in 1768, Burmese forces retreated from Siam. Therefore, General Taksin and his army left the Bang Kung area.
What You’ll See During Your Visit
When you visit Wat Bang Kung, you’ll discover several unique items:
- Statues of soldiers dressed in 18th-century clothing
- A statue of General Taksin (who later became King Taksin)
- A pier to enter the temple if you arrive by boat from the Mae Khlong river
- A small zoo with birds and monkeys
After General Taksin’s army left, the temple was forgotten and the banyan trees reclaimed the land. Later, in 1967, the government restored the site as part of Thailand’s bicentennial celebrations. Additionally, they commissioned a memorial statue of King Taksin at the site.
Practical Visitor Information
Wat Bang Kung opens daily from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm. Best of all, admission costs nothing. This makes it an affordable way to experience both Thailand’s natural beauty and important history in one remarkable location.
Other attractions that can be easily arranged along with a visit to Wat Bang Kung include our Fireflies Evening Boat Ride and Phra Pathom Chedi tours. Visit this attraction on our Thailand Royal Coast Experience tour.
Things you should be aware of when visiting Wat Bang Kung:
- Respectful attire is required. Wat Bang Kung is a functioning Thai Buddhist temple, and as such the management insists that visitors dress in a respectful manner.
- Photography is highly encouraged along every part of this tour.
Essential Information
- Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Entrance Fee: Free (donations welcome)
- Visit Duration: 30–45 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon when the temple is less crowded
- Access: About 65 km west of Bangkok (1.5 hours by van); just 6 km from Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak markets
What’s Nearby?
- Amphawa Floating Market – 10 min by van
- Tha Kha Floating Market – 15 min by van
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – 15 min by van
- Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram – 15 min by van
- King Rama II Memorial Park – 15–20 min by van
Local Tips for Best Experience
Bring a wide-angle lens or phone camera to capture the chapel wrapped in banyan roots, it’s one of Thailand’s most photogenic religious sites. Dress modestly to show respect, and step quietly inside the ordination hall where locals are praying. Outside, don’t miss the historic displays of soldiers and animals, which provide context for the temple’s past as a military camp.
