Wat Tham Suea
An 18-meter golden Buddha on a hilltop, stairs or a tram to reach it, and rice fields in every direction.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:00–17:00
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.
Details
- Phone
- 098 959 9888
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Tham Suea
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Tham Suea.
Why go, and how to do it well
The golden Buddha does the heavy lifting here. Eighteen meters 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.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Tham Suea
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Tours that include Wat Tham Suea
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Tham Suea.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Tham Suea, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
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.
XJ34+H36, Muang Chum, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71110, Thailand
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
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.
Also popular in Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi Night Market
The Village Farm To Café
Wat Wang Khanai Thayikaram Hot Spring
Skywalk Kanchanaburi City
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