Wat Ban Tham
Cave temple with steep stairs to an ornate entrance shaped like a dragon's mouth, plus river views.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Ban Tham, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
This temple is pretty amazing. You need reasonable fitness to climb to the top. I didn't go in the cave because there were so many people. I wanted to have lunch but I couldn't get a seat! I think it was a special day so it was quite populated. It could use some maintenance in a few places but definitely worth a visit.
Another temple on a mountain. It’s free entry. Enter via a flight of stairs leading to the dragon’s mouth. There are murals on the wall that tell the history. There is a cave temple not far up. Another 20 minutes hike will get you to the peak where you can enjoy a view of the river.
Walk up to the top of the temple through the dragons mouth. Half way in a cave collect your blessing. Some trickier steps give you the reward of some lovely far-reaching views. Well worth a visit. lots of parking and refreshments low level.
Location Info
ต.เขาน้อย อ.ท่าม่วง จ.กาญจนบุรี 711110 Tambon Khao Noi, Amphoe Tha Muang, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71110, Thailandwww.facebook.com/RaluePhoto5888/Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Also Popular in Kanchanaburi
The Village Farm To Café
A scenic farm-to-table café on Highway 323 in Kanchanaburi, serving fresh, locally-sourced food in a spacious, village-style setting.
Keeree Mantra Restaurant
Expansive open-air eatery with lake & mountain views serving traditional cuisine.
Keereetara Riverside
Riverside Thai restaurant on the Kwai with fresh local cuisine, views of the famous bridge, and occasional live music.
Keeree Tara
Classic Thai preparations in a casual restaurant offering vistas of the famed River Kwai Bridge.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, home to the Emerald Buddha
Doi Suthep Temple
Hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai with stunning golden chedi
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.
Pattaya Walking Street
Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (extreme heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
20°C – 38°C(68°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Thonburi station (~3 hrs, scenic). Minibuses from Mo Chit take ~2.5 hrs. Car hire recommended for exploring beyond town.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (town is flat)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Songthaews along the river
- •Long-tail boat tours on the river