Wat Tham Phu Wa
Temple & meditation retreat set within a cave with stalactites, stalagmites & Buddha shrines.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Tham Phu Wa, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Wat Tham Phu Wa is a unique and peaceful temple experience in Kanchanaburi. The highlight is the cave temple itself, filled with natural stalactites and stalagmites alongside Buddha statues and shrines. The cool air inside the cave and the soft lighting create a calm, almost mystical atmosphere. Outside, the temple grounds are quiet and well maintained, surrounded by nature. It’s not overly crowded, which makes it easy to take your time and simply enjoy the setting. A beautiful and slightly different temple visit compared to the usual open-air wats — definitely worth stopping by if you’re in the area.
got goosebumps when I walked into the temple and saw the 108 Guan Yin statues glowing in the soft morning light around 7–8 a.m. It was so quiet, with hardly any visitors, and I felt completely in awe of their beauty, especially the big Guan Yin facing four directions. With the cool breeze, the trees, and the mountains around me, everything felt calm and sacred. The morning vibes on the way there were just as lovely. It was such a holy and peaceful moment that I truly wish to return someday.
Beautiful and peaceful cave temple near Kanchanaburi. Down inside the cave, a monk gives blessings, which made the visit feel very special. During my visit, they also sold handmade, cooling herbal oil—highly recommended.
Location Info
XCP3+54M, Nong Ya, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailandwat-tham-pu-wa.websy.me/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
A scenic farm-to-table café on Highway 323 in Kanchanaburi, serving fresh, locally-sourced food in a spacious, village-style setting.
Keeree Mantra Restaurant
Expansive open-air eatery with lake & mountain views serving traditional cuisine.
Keereetara Riverside
Riverside Thai restaurant on the Kwai with fresh local cuisine, views of the famous bridge, and occasional live music.
Keeree Tara
Classic Thai preparations in a casual restaurant offering vistas of the famed River Kwai Bridge.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, home to the Emerald Buddha
Doi Suthep Temple
Hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai with stunning golden chedi
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.
Pattaya Walking Street
Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.
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 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