Biggest Golden Buddha Statue in Bangkok

Bangkok has many glittering temples and Buddha statues. But the Biggest Golden Buddha at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen stands out for its scale and beauty. This huge statue towers 69 meters (226 feet) tall. It is the tallest Buddha in the city. It shows modern Thai devotion inside an old temple complex. The temple sits in the quiet Thon Buri district, west of the Chao Phraya River. It is far from the main tourist trail. You get an authentic local experience with almost no crowds. It feels very different from Wat Pho or Wat Arun. If you love temples or want great views from the statue’s base, add this to your Bangkok trip.

A Rich History: From Ancient Temple to Modern Masterpiece

Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen dates back to 1610, making it one of Bangkok’s oldest temples – even predating the city’s founding in 1782. During the Ayutthaya Kingdom, Thon Buri was a key settlement, and the temple served local communities long before King Rama I moved the capital across the river to what is now central Bangkok. From 1767 to 1782, Thon Buri was briefly the national capital under King Taksin, adding layers of historical significance to the area.

The temple itself has evolved over centuries, with expansions and renovations reflecting Thai Buddhist architecture. The Big Buddha (officially “Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thepmongkhon”) is a recent addition, with construction starting in 2017 and completing in 2021 at a cost of around 100 million THB (~US$2.2 million in 2021 values).

Designed to honor the temple’s founder, Luang Por Sodh Candasaro (a revered monk known for his meditation teachings), the statue is coated in gold leaf and sits in a meditative pose atop a multi-level stupa-like structure. It’s not only the tallest in Bangkok but one of Thailand’s tallest Buddhas overall (though Ayutthaya’s Phra Mongkhon Bophit and Roi Et’s Phra Buddha Rattana Mongkhon Mahamuni are taller nationally).

What to Expect at Wat Paknam & the Big Buddha

The temple grounds are peaceful and expansive, with traditional Thai architecture, ponds, and gardens. The Big Buddha dominates the skyline – climb stairs to its base for close-up views or enter the lower levels for meditation halls and exhibits on Buddhist teachings. From the upper platforms, you’ll get sweeping vistas over Thon Buri’s rooftops, the Chao Phraya River, and distant city skyline.

• Local vibe: This is a working temple for Thai worshippers – expect monks chanting, families praying, and incense offerings. Not many tourists, so it’s authentic and uncrowded (even on weekends).
• No English info: Signs are mostly in Thai – grab a translation app or join a guided tour for deeper insights.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly (cover knees and shoulders; sarongs available). Remove shoes in sacred areas, be quiet, and don’t point feet at statues.
• Cost: Free entry, but donations appreciated (small fee for some inner areas/exhibits).
• Time needed: 45–90 minutes to explore the temple and Buddha.

Resoration work to the Golden Buddha in 2024

In 2024, the statue underwent a major cleaning and restoration to remove years of accumulated bird droppings (especially from pigeons) that had dulled its golden surface. Scaffolding covered the figure from mid-2024, with workers scrubbing and polishing the exterior, followed by re-gilding in sections. The project was largely completed by the end of 2024 (late October to December), with final touches into early 2025. As a result, the Big Buddha is now back to its brilliant, shining glory – making it even more photogenic and impressive for visitors.

Other Attractions Close By

Thon Buri is rich in temples – make it a half-day circuit:

• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Iconic riverside temple with prang (tower) covered in porcelain mosaics. Stunning at sunrise/sunset, climb for harbour views (5–10 min taxi/boat from Wat Paknam).
• Wat Kalayanamitr Varamahavihara: A few hundred meters from Wat Arun, home to a large golden sitting Buddha (Phra Buddha Trai Rattana Nayok) in a grand hall. Serene riverside setting with ornate architecture (another 5 min walk/taxi).
• Santa Cruz Church: Historic Portuguese Catholic church nearby, with beautiful colonial architecture and river views.
• Baan Silapin Artist House: Quirky riverside art community with puppet shows, galleries, and cafes (short boat ride away).

Getting to Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen

• Taxi/Grab: From Sukhumvit or central Bangkok, 120–200 THB (25–45 min). Ask the driver to wait (extra 100–200 THB/hour) as taxis are scarce outside.
• Boat: From Sathorn Pier (near Saphan Taksin BTS), hire a longtail for 2000 THB (A$90 – US$65) round-trip (they wait while you explore). Read more about hiring a Longtail Boats in Bangkok
• Public transport: BTS to Wutthakat Station (Silom line), then 1.4 km walk (20 min) or motorbike taxi (10–20 THB). Affordable and local vibe.
• Private car: You can hire a car and driver for a day trip for between 2000 – 3000 Thb per day. Ask in your hotel to hire or find the ‘tour’ drivers usually loitering around major hotels.

I have visited twice – first time I stayed in lower Sukhumvit (at Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit) and hired a car/driver for the day (3000 Thb) and visited a few different places – the drive to the Big Buddha took 25 minutes in light traffic, but expect 45+ in peak hours. 2nd time I took the boat trip from Sathorn Pier which I highly recommend as you travel down the Chao Phraya River, then through a river lock, into the back canals and you get to see the backwaters of Bangkok. Very interesting trip.

Best time: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and golden light on the Buddha. Avoid midday heat.The Big Buddha at Wat Paknam is a stunning blend of ancient history and modern grandeur – a Bangkok hidden gem that’s worth crossing the river for. Pair it with Wat Arun for a perfect Thon Buri temple hop.

Have you seen the Big Buddha? What’s your favorite underrated temple in Bangkok? Share below!

Check out the location of the Big Buddha in Bangkok