Wat Tham Mangkorn Thong
The climb is the thing here. A steep staircase runs up the side of a limestone mountain, and the reward at the top is a stupa, a cluster of statues and long views over the countryside. Reviewers who made it call it hard work and worth it. If stairs are a problem, this isn't your temple.
Below that sits the cave shrine, which runs deep into the rock and has bats roosting inside. The floor is muddy and uneven, lighting is patchy in places, and people have turned back simply because they weren't wearing the right shoes. Wear something you can climb and get filthy in. The other draw is the floating nun demonstration, where a meditating nun sits on the surface of a pool, and that costs 200 baht. There's a small museum on site too.
One honest warning: dogs roam the grounds and more than one visitor has found them short tempered. A separate review describes monks egging dogs on to fight, which soured the visit entirely. Worth knowing before you go.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Tham Mangkorn Thong, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
This is a very nice temple, but it's not for the faint hearted as it's on the side of a mountain. A very steep staircase to climb. But different to most other temples I've visited. We went to make merit for my wife's dad, and she was very pleased with the experience. The monk was very warm, friendly and welcoming. We ate at one of the restaurants before driving home and the food was very good and reasonably priced. Overall, a nice afternoon.
When we visited there were not many visitors, the temple was beautiful, not much english. the cave looked large but we had no shoes so we didn't venture very far. Bats mud etc. Not sure if we could have taken our shoes, if we would have had them we would of liked to explore. The other picks are of the Khwae Noi river 3btraveler
The temple looks nice, but the monks are not nice. There were a group of 3/4 monks encouraging dogs to fight and then laughing. They stopped when they heard us and then carried on after we left. Really bad vibe in this temple. I wouldn't recommend visiting.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 453 reviews on Google.
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Wat Tham Mangkorn Thong: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Tham Mangkorn Thong worth visiting?
Wat Tham Mangkorn Thong holds a 4.3★ rating from 453 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Kanchanaburi.
What are the opening hours of Wat Tham Mangkorn Thong?
Wat Tham Mangkorn Thong 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 Tham Mangkorn Thong?
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 Tham Mangkorn Thong located?
Wat Tham Mangkorn Thong is at XGP8+8JJ, Ko Samrong, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand, in Kanchanaburi. Getting around Kanchanaburi: Bicycle rental (town is flat); Motorbike rental.
Location Info
XGP8+8JJ, Ko Samrong, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand+66 89 257 4391www.facebook.com/watthummungkornthongVisitor 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 Tham Mangkorn Thong
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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.
Nearby Places
Wat Tham Khao Laem
A cave temple near Khao Laem Reservoir blending natural limestone formations with Buddhist shrines in Kanchanaburi.
Wat Tham Khao Pun
A nine-chambered cave temple near Kanchanaburi, blending natural rock formations with Buddhist shrines.
Chong Kai Allied War Cemetery
A solemn WWII Allied cemetery in Kanchanaburi, holding over 1,700 graves maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Wat Tham Muninat (Wat Ruesi)
A cave Buddhist temple in Ko Samrong village offering an intimate, authentic spiritual experience away from busy tourist circuits.
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 Tham Mangkorn Thong
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