Wat Bang Kung – Temple hidden within the roots of a banyan tree

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.