Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong)
Most people stop here for twenty minutes and end up staying two hours. The golden pagoda is the draw, ringed by monuments and carved detail that rewards slow walking, and the art inside is as worked-over as the exterior. Parts of the complex are still going up, which puts some travellers off. It shouldn't. What's finished is enormous, and the place functions as a working temple first, so the mood is closer to worship than sightseeing. Crowds are thin compared with the coastal temple circuit.
Beneath the throne area there's an exhibition on Buddhist culture, and the gardens are made for sitting in. It works as a half-day trip from Krabi town, about an hour's drive, or as a break on the run north to Khao Sok. Plenty of organised boat and multi-temple tours include it too.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong), round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
This was our first stop on a marine tour, long-tail boat and bamboo raft. So, we were dressed for the beach. Being that this is a temple, we did not have the right clothing to be respectful. But, the tourguide assured us that they had wraps at the entrance of the temple that we could put on. Thank goodness foe that. Otherwise, we qiukd have missed this magnificent place of worship. It was simply awe inspiring! From the grounds to the interior, this place was truly beautiful. This is a must see and I'm so glad we didn't miss out!
The beautiful area under the throne of the king is an exhibition of Buddhist culture. The temple is still under construction, but it and its surroundings are still impressive. The entrance fee is 50BTH, they have good coffee and dessert in the large parking lot.
A beautiful buddhist golden pagoda with several impressive monuments around it, that's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. We stopped here on our way from Krabi to Khao Sok, as a part of a private daytrip we created on our own. We arrived quite late so we decided to skip entering the pagoda, but even though we didn't enter it was a very impressive visit and we got some nice pictures on the outside. If you do plan on entering the pagoda, make sure to bring suitable clothing (no shorts or tank tops), to honor the buddhist modesty dress code.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 5,605 reviews on Google.
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Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong) worth visiting?
Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong) holds a 4.7★ rating from 5,605 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Krabi.
What are the opening hours of Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong)?
Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong) 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 Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong)?
The best months to visit Krabi are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough Andaman seas).
Where is Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong) located?
Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong) is at 46 หมู่ 3 Tambon Na Nuea, Amphoe Ao Luek, Chang Wat Krabi 81110, Thailand, in Krabi. Getting around Krabi: Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach); Songthaews in Ao Nang.
Location Info
46 หมู่ 3 Tambon Na Nuea, Amphoe Ao Luek, Chang Wat Krabi 81110, Thailand+66 83 524 0855www.facebook.com/share/1Dmh6yMQAr/?mibextid=wwXIfrVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus or minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental
Where to stay near Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang 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.
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 Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong)
Find hotels in Krabi 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 – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus or minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental