The temple complex is pretty huge. It spans about 32,000 square meters, housing a number of buildings, stupas, and even a massive Buddha statue. The statue is still under construction as you can see several scaffoldings and even a crane.

Wat Paknam

The Buddha statue was definitely my sole motivation to visit Wat Paknam. However, while quite impressive, even before completion, there are plenty of other things to see or experience here.

I actually ended up spending about 2-3 hours in the area.

Here’s a little guide to exploring Wat Paknam.

Getting to Wat Paknam

Drive: my friend told me that there is a big parking lot in front of the temple. So I decided to drive to the temple. It’s an easy 30-minute or so journey from downtown Bangkok. Just follow Google Maps. Pretty straight-forward.

MRT: if you take the subway, drop off at Bang Phai station. From there it is a 900 m or 10-15 minute walk. You could also find a motorbike taxi around here and tell him to take you to the temple.

Things to see

Once you enter the temple (after a temperature check), it seems a little daunting with several alleyways leading in different directions.

But don’t worry, there are signages and maps dotted around the complex to help you find your way.

At first, I felt anxious to be here, being the only foreigner around but after a while, it was calm. It helps to smile and wai at the locals.

Facing the complex, to the left are several buildings, including a school.

You will also find the Phasi Charoen pier in this direction.

Straight ahead, you will find the ordination hall, a library, and the prominent Buddha statue. The statue can be seen from many different angles and vantage points as you will see later.

Wat Paknam

To the right is a beautiful white pagoda. There is also a museum situated beneath the pagoda.

Wat Paknam

The pagoda has several levels that can be accessed by stairs or elevator (out of order on this day). Inside, there are all sorts of religious, cultural, and historic artifacts and displays.

The main highlight, however, is on the top floor. I don’t know how to describe it other than a worshipping hall with psychedelic colors. It’s quite mesmerizing.

Wat Paknam

There is also a balcony on this floor where tourists take photos of the neighborhood view and the Buddha statue.

Buddha Wat Paknam
view of the neighborhood

Funny story

Naturally, enter the museum or Pagoda hall, you have to take your shoes off. There are signs all around saying “beware of shoe thieves”. Now I was wearing my Nike Air Jordan. Albeit fake, they still mean a lot to me.

I didn’t want to leave them lying around for easy pickings. I was a bit perplexed and worried. Luckily, they have a container with shoestring plastic bags. I was able to put my shoes in them and then in my backpack. Problem solved. Just a little helpful info for you guys in case you decide to wear nice shoes.

Across the canal

So I had seen from Instagram posts that you can get really awesome shots of the Buddha statue from a distance. Some of these had to be taken using some powerful, long-range lens from some buildings. Well, I wanted to get some shots like this so I started walking around the temple complex, trying to find a vantage point.

I saw an alleyway to the right of the white pagoda, which led me to a small bridge that goes over the canal.

To the side, I could see the pagoda and Buddha statue towering towards the sky. It was such a magnificent view.

View of Wat Paknam from across the canal

Too bad the statue was facing the other way. I might have to go back another day to get the front view from afar. The best way would probably be to find a longtail boat that would take me along the canal to locate this angle.

Across the canal, there is another temple complex worth checking out. It’s called Wat Khun Chan.

The vibe here is definitely different than at Wat Paknam. I would say it’s even more local and tranquil. Also, there seems to be an influence of Hindu and Chinese culture at this temple.

Walking into and past the main hall is the pier where I was able to get another view of the giant Buddha statue. The angle from here is very similar to that from the bridge. However for a keen eye and picky photographer, it makes all the difference.

Panorama from the bridge

I hope this inspires you to visit the temple or at least step foot into Thonburi. It’s a completely different vibe here than downtown Bangkok and it’s not even that far.

related post: exploring Thonburi

Let me know how your visit goes and do share your pictures by mentioning me @doseoflifecom.