Wat Khao Chong Pattanaram in Kanchanaburi
Most Thai temples are draped in golden shades with gold Buddha statues. However, you might be surprised to find out that Wat Khao Chong Pattanaram in Kanchanaburi has Buddha statues in eight colours and a giant golden reclining Buddha lying in the middle of the sanctuary.
Check out what you can expect when you visit this temple.
Pay respect to Buddha statues in eight colours
Upon arriving, you’ll see an entrance pathway decked with Thai Buddhist serpent arches in varying colours. Before entering, you will have to take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance.
Also, the colourful arches offer a perfect frame for a portrait photo.
As you reach the middle of the pathway, you will be met by a black Buddha statue. You can apply gold leaf on it. Gold leaf is a thin sheet of gold which you can glide it on the statue, and applying gold leaf is another way to pay respect to Buddha. People believe it helps enhance your quality of life: wealth, career, and health.
You can find gold leaf surrounding stores selling bouquets of flowers. You can also make merits by giving money into the donation box beside the Buddha.
On the right side of the compound, you’ll spot eight Buddha statues sitting in line, and they all have varying colours based on the days of the week. You can choose to pay respect to the Buddha designated on your birthday. Let’s say you’re born on Sunday, you can get incense and pray to the red statue. Or, if you’re born on Friday, the orange Buddha should be the one you pray to. The same goes for the other colours.
A giant reclining Buddha statue & a huge golden pagoda
Catching visitors’ attention, this giant reclining Buddha statue is another significant feature of this temple. The statue is situated on the left side of the entrance pathway surrounded by smaller Buddha statues below it. The whole area boasts the delicate & elegant Thai Buddhist-style architecture.
Next to the reclining Buddha, you can’t miss the huge golden pagoda that’s surrounded by golden Thai Buddhist serpent statues, looking beautiful. Under the pagoda sits a black 9-faced god, which you can visit to show respect.
Going up the stairs, you’ll see a massive golden Buddha sitting at the top. The banisters on both sides are decked with vibrant green and light-blue Thai Buddhist serpents.
Make offerings at this Wat Khao Chong Pattanaram
With its colours and design, the temple stands out from other typical temples in Thailand. So if you’re the kind of person who wants to make merit at Thai temples, then you should drop by this place during your visit to Kanchanaburi. The temple is located about a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
Wat Khao Chong Pattanaram
Address: Khao Sam Sip Hap, Tha Maka District, Kanchanaburi 71120
Contact: +66 6 4959 5193 | Wat Khao Chong Pattanaram’s Facebook | Google Maps
More places to visit:
- Wat Pha Sorn Kaew boasts giant white Buddhas overlooking a mountain
- On Lok Yun is a historic Thai-style restaurant with western breakfast
- Won Dae Song is a Korean-concept garden in Kanchanaburi
Cover image adapted from: @sasiton_noo_ouen, ที่นี่ก็ดีนะ and ที่นี่ก็ดีนะ