Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is a third-class royal Buddhist temple located in Phasi Charoen district, Bangkok, at the Chao Phraya River

Discover Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen Temple

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is a massive temple complex covering 32,000 square meters. This impressive site features many buildings spread across grounds shaped like an island. Furthermore, canals surround the entire temple area, creating a peaceful water boundary.

The temple has a clear division between living areas for monks and mae chi (Buddhist nuns). Because of this thoughtful design, both groups can practice their religious duties comfortably. Moreover, the temple is particularly popular among mae chi throughout Thailand.

One notable figure, Mae chi Chandra Khonnokyoong, lived here before establishing another temple. Therefore, her work led to the creation of what became widely known as Wat Phra Dhammakaya. This connection shows Wat Paknam’s influence on modern Thai Buddhism.

Temple Layout and Community Support

Wat Paknam is a large and popular temple that receives strong support from wealthy community members. Consequently, the temple maintains excellent facilities and beautiful grounds. Additionally, this financial backing allows for continuous improvements and maintenance.

The temple’s island-like design creates a unique atmosphere. Because canals surround the complex, visitors feel separated from the busy city outside. Therefore, the water boundaries help create a calm environment perfect for meditation and reflection.

Local supporters have invested heavily in making this temple special. As a result, Wat Paknam offers some of the most impressive religious architecture in Bangkok.

Must-See Attractions and Activities

Wat Paknam offers many interesting things to see and do during your visit. First, the beautiful gardens within the temple grounds provide a peaceful background to all the buildings. These well-maintained spaces feature lush plants and calming water features.

Gardens and Waterfalls The temple’s gardens create a serene atmosphere throughout the complex. Moreover, waterfalls add soothing sounds that enhance the peaceful environment.

Unique Museum Collection Wat Paknam asked people to donate second-hand items of educational value to their museum. Therefore, there’s an interesting and diverse range on display. For example, you’ll find classic cars alongside traditional Thai artifacts. This unusual mix makes the museum particularly fascinating to explore.

Painted Dome Masterpiece The amazingly detailed, neon-colored painted dome inside the stupa inspires wonder in both travelers and locals. Spend time appreciating this incredible artwork because the intricate details reward careful observation.

Temple Animals In Thailand, most temples offer refuge to cats and dogs. Therefore, monks feed and care for these animals regularly. Consequently, the cats and dogs do what comes naturally – they have kittens and puppies. So when you visit Thai temples, you’ll definitely see some furry residents! However, how much food they receive depends on each individual temple’s resources.

The Magnificent Maharatchamongkhon Stupa

Somdet Chuang finished building the huge stupa in 2012. The structure is named ‘Maharatchamongkhon’, which means ‘a blessed, great land’. This name refers to Thailand under the Royal Family’s reign, to whom the stupa has been dedicated. Additionally, it references Somdet Chuang’s honorary name.

The 80-meter-high stupa has a twelve-sided polygon shape with five floors. Furthermore, it includes a glass stupa at the top, along with rooms filled with relics and Buddha images. The structure also contains images of respected monks, including Luang Pu Sodh.

Moreover, the building houses a meditation hall, museum, parking lot, and elevator system. The design draws inspiration from two sources. First, it’s partly based on Luang Pu Sodh’s well-known amulets. Second, it incorporates elements from Wat Lok Moli’s stupa in Chiang Mai. Therefore, the design shows both Rattanakosin and Lanna style influences.

Sacred Features and Artwork Within the top of the stupa, craftsmen have carved Pali phrases into gold. These inscriptions praise mindfulness, moderation, and following the five Buddhist precepts. Additionally, the halls feature beautiful paintings depicting Buddhist cosmology based on the legend of Phra Malai and the ancient text Traibhumikatha.

The artwork also shows the lives of Luang Pu Sodh and Somdet Chuang. Consequently, visitors can learn about these important religious figures through visual storytelling.

The project cost 500 million baht when completed in 2012. The top floor features an incredible domed ceiling with bright neon-colored images. From there, you can step onto the balcony for amazing city views.

Future Buddha Image In March 2017, Wat Paknam began building a bronze Buddha image to honor the Royal Family. This statue will stand 69 meters tall and will be placed in front of the stupa. Therefore, when completed, it will create an even more impressive temple complex.

Getting There and Why Visit

Wat Paknam isn’t easy to find because it’s located southeast of central Bangkok, across the Chao Phraya River. However, the temple is accessible by road or river boat from Tha Chang or Tha Saphan Phut pier. Therefore, ask your guide for the best way to include Wat Paknam in your tour.

With 33,000 temples across Thailand, no adventure is complete without temple hopping. Moreover, Wat Paknam sits in an area that most travelers never visit. Consequently, it’s one of the best places to experience authentic Thai local living.

Because this temple remains off the typical tourist path, you’ll encounter fewer crowds. Therefore, you can enjoy a more peaceful and authentic temple experience while exploring this remarkable religious complex.

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen can be visited every day of the week from 8am until 6pm.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Things you should be aware of when visiting Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen:

• Respectful attire is required. Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is a functioning Thai Buddhist temple, and as such the management insists that visitors dress in a respectful manner. This means that men must wear long pants and short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts (no tank tops or sleeveless shirts). Women must wear skirts or pants extending at least to the knee, and also should not wear a top that reveals bare shoulders.
• Visitors are allowed to take photographs in any area of the complex.