Temples & Culture

Kanchanaburi

Wat Khun Phaen

4.6(44 reviews)

Wat Khun Phaen, also known as Wat Kanchanaburi, is an ancient Buddhist temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period, situated within the historic old city of Kanchanaburi near Wat Pa Lelai. Though modest in size, the site carries a distinct sense of mystery and age, with weathered brick remnants and sacred grounds that give it an atmosphere visitors consistently describe as peaceful, tranquil, and quietly magical.

Beyond its everyday appeal as a place of worship and quiet reflection, the temple also serves as a cultural gathering point for the local community. Each year from 10 to 12 August, the grounds host the "Reliving the Old City" festival, a recurring event featuring dramatic light and sound shows, traditional Thai performances, outdoor cinema, and food stalls. The festival draws strong local participation and offers travellers a rare opportunity to experience Kanchanaburi's heritage in a lively, celebratory setting.

The temple appears to be accessible throughout the day and into the evening, making it suitable for both quiet morning visits and evening events. Those visiting outside festival periods can expect a calm, largely uncrowded atmosphere well suited to unhurried exploration. As with all active Buddhist temples in Thailand, modest dress covering the shoulders and knees is expected and respectful. The site sits within the broader historic district of Kanchanaburi, making it a natural pairing with nearby temples and cultural landmarks.

Book tours & tickets in Kanchanaburi

Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Wat Khun Phaen — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.

GetYourGuide

Skip-the-line tickets

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

Experience hints

Hidden gem

Pair your visit. After Wat Khun Phaen, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

Wat Khun Phaen, or Wat Kanchanaburi, is located in the old city of Kanchanaburi, near Wat Pa Lelai. It is a large, ancient temple built during the Ayutthaya period. Its exact history of construction is uncertain, but it has been an important temple of the city since ancient times. It features a prang (tower) within the temple, similar to those found in the Mahathat temples of other important cities. According to legend, Khun Phaen, after being promoted to the rank of Phra Surin Ritthichai, was the one who built this temple. The main chapel (Ubosot) is a rectangular brick and mortar structure, with only the base remaining. The main prang (tower) is an Ayutthaya-style prang, constructed of brick and mortar, standing on a rectangular base that tapers upwards. The uppermost level has twelve-sided corners supporting the main body of the prang, which has niches on all four sides. The top is shaped like a jackfruit petal. The surrounding wall is also made of brick and mortar, enclosing the main chapel and surrounding stupas.

💢Wat Khun Phaen 💯Wat Khun Phaen in Kanchanaburi Province is an abandoned ancient site full of magic and a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. The temple itself may not be large, but the remnants of old bricks and Buddhist art remain, and it's not crowded. 📍Wat Khun Phaen, Kanchanaburi Province #IndyTrip #SlothTrip #Nomyenyen #thailand #travel #onedaytrip #missingnature #centralthailandteam #waitingforthedeparture #familytrip #greatatmosphere #traveldestination #thaitourism #travelinthailand #travelthailand #travelalongtheway #cafereview #beautifulcafe #cafelife #mustvisitcafe #cafeswithbeautifulphotos #freeaccommodationtrip #discounttrip #getdiscountwithoutluck

The event was amazing. It was beautiful and the area was spacious. There were many shops to choose from to buy food. There was a stage for performances and an outdoor movie.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 44 reviews on Google.

Also Popular in Kanchanaburi

The Village Farm To Café

4.9(31,605)$$$$

ทล 323 Thanon Sangchuto, Tambon Nong Bua, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand

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

Keeree Mantra Restaurant

4.8(15,388)$$$$

88, 8 Thanon Sangchuto, Tambon Nong Bua, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand

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

Keereetara Riverside

4.9(11,379)$$$$

433 1 Tambon Tha Ma Kham, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand

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

Keeree Tara

4.6(7,623)$$$$

431 1 Maenamkwai Road, Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand

You're paying for a ringside view of the River Kwai bridge, and honestly, it's worth it.

Wat Khun Phaen: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wat Khun Phaen worth visiting?

Wat Khun Phaen holds a 4.6★ rating from 44 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Kanchanaburi.

What are the opening hours of Wat Khun Phaen?

Wat Khun Phaen is open 24 hours a day — 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 Khun Phaen?

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 Khun Phaen located?

Wat Khun Phaen is at 499X+7R9, Lat Ya, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand, in Kanchanaburi. Getting around Kanchanaburi: Bicycle rental (town is flat); Motorbike rental.

Location Info

499X+7R9, Lat Ya, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand

Get directions

Opening Hours

MondayOpen 24 hours

TuesdayOpen 24 hours

WednesdayOpen 24 hours

ThursdayOpen 24 hours

FridayOpen 24 hours

SaturdayOpen 24 hours

SundayOpen 24 hours

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 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 Khun Phaen

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.

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.