Wat Tham Suea
The golden Buddha does the heavy lifting here. Eighteen metres of it, seated, built in 1973, and visible from a good distance before you turn off the road. Up close it holds up, which isn't always the case with big roadside Buddhas. Next to it sits an octagonal chedi you can go inside and climb, with windows on the upper floors framing the Buddha, the rice fields and the Mae Klong valley. From the top you also get a view across to Wat Tham Khao Noi, the Chinese-style temple next door, though that has its own entrance if you want to walk it.
An hour covers the main structures at a decent pace. Two if you're photographing everything. It's a working temple, so expect Thai worshippers going about their business alongside the tour groups, and dress accordingly with shoulders and knees covered.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Tham Suea, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
This is a must visit temple, and you can stop here if you're going on the way to Kanchanaburi. The main attractions are obviously the big Buddha and octagonal chedi which can be entered. There are quite a few floors to climb with windows all around from which you can get great views of the Buddha, surrounding fields and the nearby pagoda of Wat Tham Khao Noi (which is a different Chinese style temple and you need to go to a different entrance to access it). Inside the chedi there are also various statues and paintings to see. The main attraction is obviously the big Buddha which is nestled in a structure which frames it nicely. There are a couple of other buildings to explore as well. You can write your name on a roof tile for a donation if you desire. There is a tall staircase leading up to this platform where the Buddha is, or you can take a little car up to the top if you're unable to take the stairs. I highly recommended visiting this place and the nearby Chinese temple too. The views are spectacular.
Regardless of the farang pricing, this is still a good place to appreciate this asthestic pleasing temple. Motorized rams are avaliable for those that have mobility issues and a beautifully designed stairways for those that wana climb. There is the main pagoda and also its subsidiary structures. 2 of the taller structures allows you to access to the 5th level for a fanstastic view of its surroundings. Highly recommended to drop by for an hour if in the area!
Beautiful view and location. Various Thai people and foreigner share experience together. Recommended landmark to visit.👍 Have 2 options to enter this place. 1. Go up stairs with your feet. 2. Buy a ticket to ride a tram.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 17,693 reviews on Google.
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Wat Tham Suea: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Tham Suea worth visiting?
Wat Tham Suea holds a 4.6★ rating from 17,693 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Kanchanaburi.
What are the opening hours of Wat Tham Suea?
Wat Tham Suea is typically open 08:00-17:00 — 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 Tham Suea?
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 Suea located?
Wat Tham Suea is at XJ34+H36, Muang Chum, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71110, Thailand, in Kanchanaburi. Getting around Kanchanaburi: Bicycle rental (town is flat); Motorbike rental.
Location Info
XJ34+H36, Muang Chum, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71110, Thailand098 959 9888Visitor 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 Suea
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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 Noi
A Chinese-style Buddhist temple on a hilltop in Kanchanaburi, offering gilded statues and panoramic views.
Tham Kaeo Kanchanaphisek
A cave temple in Kanchanaburi where dramatic stalactites meet Buddhist shrines in a cool, atmospheric underground setting.
Birds Caves Wall
A roadside curiosity near Kanchanaburi featuring natural cave openings in rocky walls where birds nest.
Wat Ban Tham
You climb up through a dragon's mouth, and the stairs keep going long after the cave temple.
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 Suea
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