Wat Thai Wattanaram in Tak
Burmese Buddhism is a significant branch of Buddhism. It is known for its prominent Buddha figures and distinctive architecture. If you wish to experience Burmese Buddhism without traveling to Myanmar, you can check out Wat Thai Wattanaram in Tak.
Due to its proximity to the Thailand-Myanmar border, Tak has a significant Burmese influence in its temples, and Wat Thai Wattanaram is a notable example that is worth visiting.
Golden Burmese-style temple complex with intricate patterns
Image credit: @patnui via Instagram
It’s hard to miss Wat Thai Wattanaram. The complex looks outstanding with its golden facade and intricate patterns.
The highlight of this place is the golden temple with Burmese Buddhist-style architecture. Its entranceway is flanked by golden posts on both sides. Feel free to stop by and take a picture along the walkway with the golden temple as a backdrop.
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If you turn to your right, you’ll see a big golden pagoda surrounded by smaller ones. Behind the pagoda, you’ll find the Mahamuni Buddha Sanctuary, a temple where you can explore various Burmese Buddha images and intricate interior patterns.
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Importantly, inside the sanctuary sits Mahamuni Buddha – a reproduction of the original great Mahamuni Buddha in Mandalay, Myanmar.
Visit a Buddhist museum & a giant reclining Buddha
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At the back of the complex lies a Buddhist museum. The museum walks you through the spread of Buddhism in Southeast Asia.
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Across the museum, you’ll see visit a big Burmese reclining Buddha.
Getting to Wat Thai Wattanaram
Tak is an interesting province that offers many nice places to visit, and it includes these interesting Burmese temples. If you find yourself in the city, you can drop by Wat Thai Wattanaram to explore Burmese Buddhism.
You can call an Uber or taxi or drive your own car to get to the temple complex. It takes 10 minutes by car from the city’s downtown in Mat Sot. If you fly from Bangkok to Mat Sot International Airport, you can find a taxi to get here.
If you love reading our articles, you might want to check out a Thai kid cosplaying as a monk, a car stuck on a U-turn overpass, and an elephant clearing debris on the road.
Address: 12 AH1, Tha Sai Luat, Mae Sot District, Tak 63110
Opening hours: 7am-5pm, Daily
GPS coordinates: Google Maps
Cover image adapted from: @sy_remembers via Instagram and @kittipongjeng via Instagram