Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa
Temples & Culture
Kanchanaburi

Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa

4.6(2,335 reviews)

Perched on elevated terrain in the Tha Maka District of Kanchanaburi, this Buddhist temple draws both devout pilgrims and curious travellers with its combination of traditional Thai religious architecture and panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. The hillside setting gives it a distinct character among the region's temples, lending a sense of elevation and calm that complements the spiritual purpose of the site. Visitors can expect well-maintained grounds reflecting classical Thai temple design and a noticeably tranquil atmosphere suited to quiet reflection and cultural exploration. The temple attracts a steady following without the heavy crowds found at more prominent tourist destinations, making it a rewarding stop for those seeking a more authentic encounter with Thai Buddhist culture away from the main tourist trail. The temple is open every day from 6am to 6pm, and arriving early in the morning offers the quietest conditions and the possibility of witnessing monks going about their daily routines. Given the hillside terrain, comfortable footwear is advisable. As with all Buddhist temples in Thailand, visitors should dress modestly with clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Updates on special ceremonies or events can be found through the temple's Facebook page.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.

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

Moderate

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

Where to stay near Wat Khao Sung Chaem Fa

Find hotels in Kanchanaburi on the booking sites travellers trust most.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

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

The Village Farm To Café

4.9(30,594)$$$$
ทล 323 Thanon Sangchuto, Tambon Nong Bua, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand

A deceptively spacious farm-to-café on Highway 323 that opens into a lush, village-like retreat.

Keeree Mantra Restaurant

Keeree Mantra Restaurant

4.8(14,742)$$$$
88, 8 Thanon Sangchuto, Tambon Nong Bua, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand

Scenic open-air Thai restaurant with limestone mountain views, spacious indoor and outdoor seating, and traditional dishes.

Keereetara Riverside

Keereetara Riverside

4.9(10,896)$$$$
433 1 Tambon Tha Ma Kham, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand

Gourmet Thai dining on the banks of the River Kwai, with views of the iconic bridge.

Keeree Tara

Keeree Tara

4.6(7,390)$$$$
431 1 Maenamkwai Road, Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand

Riverside Thai restaurant with sweeping views of the iconic River Kwai Bridge, open daily.

Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Featured

Wat Phra Kaew

4.6(85,000)
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Doi Suthep Temple
Featured

Doi Suthep Temple

4.6(58,000)
Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace

4.6(76,723)
Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.

Pattaya Walking Street

Pattaya Walking Street

4.3(51,994)
Walking St, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Pattaya's iconic pedestrian nightlife strip, buzzing nightly with bars, clubs, seafood, and neon lights.