Wat Sa Long Ruea
Located along Highway 3443 in the Huai Krachao district of Kanchanaburi Province, Wat Sa Long Ruea is a Buddhist temple that draws visitors for two features rarely found together at a single site: a large, ornately detailed royal dragon boat statue and an ancient Buddha image known as Luang Pho Yai Ong Dam, believed to date to the Ayutthaya period. The scale of both structures is genuinely striking, and the temple grounds also display statues of revered monks and artwork illustrating traditional Thai proverbs, giving the site both historical and devotional character.
The atmosphere is spacious and contemplative, with a noticeably quieter and more authentic feel than the well-worn temple circuits of Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The dragon boat is the clear centrepiece and rewards close inspection for its detail and size. The temple compound is also home to free-roaming chickens, a quirky detail that several visitors have noted with some amusement. Expectations are worth calibrating: the site leans toward the genuinely devout and culturally curious rather than the highly polished tourist attraction, and some visitors find the boat more impressive than others.
Wat Sa Long Ruea is open every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, making it straightforward to include in a Kanchanaburi day trip. As with all Buddhist temples in Thailand, modest dress is expected, with shoulders and knees covered before entering. The location is best reached by private vehicle or arranged transport, as public connections to this part of Kanchanaburi Province are limited. Further information is available at watsalongrua.com.
Book tours & tickets in Kanchanaburi
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Wat Sa Long Ruea — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Sa Long Ruea, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Formerly known as Wat Long Ruae. Enshrined Buddha Ananda Bhumisukutto or Luang Pho Yai Ong Dam, built in Ayutthaya period. In the temple area, there are interesting things such as statues of monks, priests, teachers in every region of the country, Buddha statue in front of the temple,the wall paintings in the chapel are about Buddha's history and the image of hell to remind them to practice well and statue of God of China And the highlight is the world's largest replica Swan boat. It is located in the middle of the pond where the entrance must pass through Rahu. Inside, there are mural paintings and Thai proverbial utterances in various matters to make a motto. There is a small wooden model boat to watch. The pond can feed fish.
Very impressive temple with a boat statue . Looks very imposing . Many chickens also I assume the king was into cock fighting
Huge in every scale well worth a visit .The detail is wonderful. The art work are Thai proverbs.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,403 reviews on Google.
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 Sa Long Ruea: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Sa Long Ruea worth visiting?
Wat Sa Long Ruea holds a 4.5★ rating from 1,403 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Kanchanaburi.
What are the opening hours of Wat Sa Long Ruea?
Wat Sa Long Ruea is typically open 08:00-18:00 — 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 Sa Long Ruea?
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 Sa Long Ruea located?
Wat Sa Long Ruea is at 9P3W+3M9 ทางหลวงหมายเลข 3443 Tambon Sa Long Rua, Amphoe Huai Krachao, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71170, Thailand, in Kanchanaburi. Getting around Kanchanaburi: Bicycle rental (town is flat); Motorbike rental.
Location Info
9P3W+3M9 ทางหลวงหมายเลข 3443 Tambon Sa Long Rua, Amphoe Huai Krachao, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71170, Thailand+66 89 668 6963www.watsalongrua.com/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 Sa Long Ruea
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.
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 Sa Long Ruea
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