Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa
The hill is the point. This Buddhist temple sits on high ground in Tha Maka District, well east of Kanchanaburi town, and the climb pays off in long views over the flat farmland around it. Classical Thai temple architecture, well-kept grounds, and enough quiet that you can hear yourself think. It draws a steady stream of Thai worshippers rather than tour buses, which is exactly why I'd put it on a driving day rather than treat it as a headline stop.
Come early. Doors open at 6am, the light is soft, the heat hasn't arrived, and you may catch monks going about the morning routine. By midday the exposed hilltop is hard work. If you're the kind of traveller who wants a temple to be an event, this isn't it. If you like walking a quiet compound, looking out over the countryside for twenty minutes and moving on, it's a good use of an hour.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Kanchanaburi

The Village Farm To Café
Looks like nothing from the highway, then opens up into green fields, high ceilings and properly fresh food.

Keeree Mantra Restaurant
Come for the limestone mountain views, stay for the deep-fried gourd salad and a table that doesn't feel rushed.

Keereetara Riverside
Riverside tables with the Bridge over the River Kwai in view, and a menu long enough to please any group.

Keeree Tara
You're paying for a ringside view of the River Kwai bridge, and honestly, it's worth it.
Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa worth visiting?
Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa holds a 4.6★ rating from 2,403 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Kanchanaburi.
What are the opening hours of Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa?
Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa is typically open 06:00-18:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa?
The best months to visit Kanchanaburi are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in November – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (extreme heat).
Where is Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa located?
Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa is at VP36+5HH, Khao Sam Sip Hap, Tha Maka District, Kanchanaburi 71120, Thailand, in Kanchanaburi. Getting around Kanchanaburi: Bicycle rental (town is flat); Motorbike rental.
Location Info
VP36+5HH, Khao Sam Sip Hap, Tha Maka District, Kanchanaburi 71120, Thailand+66 93 226 8345www.facebook.com/%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%88%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%9F%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B2-170916486912825/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 is recommended if you're exploring beyond town.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (town is flat)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Songthaews along the river
- •Long-tail boat tours on the river
Where to stay near Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa
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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.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.

Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.

The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa
Find hotels in Kanchanaburi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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 is recommended if you're exploring beyond town.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (town is flat)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Songthaews along the river
- •Long-tail boat tours on the river