Wat Kalayanamit: the giant seated Buddha of Thonburi

Updated on October 5, 2026

Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan is a royal temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, in Thonburi, just downstream from Memorial Bridge. It is known for its huge seated Buddha, which Thais call Luang Pho To ("the Great Venerable") and Sino-Thais call Sampokong. According to the travel guides consulted in October 2026, admission is free and the temple is open during the day, from about 8am to 5pm. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the visit, longer if you combine it with Santa Cruz Church and the Kudi Chin neighbourhood, a few minutes' walk away. The temple was founded in 1825 by Chao Phraya Nikon Bodin, a wealthy Sino-Thai merchant, who gave it to King Rama III; its name recalls the Kalayanamit family.

Highlights

The temple seen from the river

The pavilions with red and orange tiled roofs face the Chao Phraya directly, and approaching from the water, by ferry, remains the finest way to discover the place.

The golden Buddhas of the halls

The halls house golden Buddhas in front of large murals, in a setting that mixes Siamese and Chinese influences, typical of temples founded by Sino-Thai merchants.

Luang Pho To

The Phra Buddha Trai Rattananayok, a seated Buddha about 15 metres high according to guides, is the statue that made the temple famous: it was long considered the largest in Bangkok. The Chinese community also venerates it as a representation of Admiral Zheng He, and worshippers come to light incense sticks and stick on gold leaf.

The great bell

In the courtyard, a monumental bronze bell, described by guides as one of the largest in the city, is struck by worshippers making a wish.

The Kudi Chin neighbourhood

Behind the temple, narrow lanes lead to Santa Cruz Church and the houses of the old Portuguese community.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Clothing covering the shoulders and knees is expected, and you take off your shoes to enter the halls; see our guide to what to wear in temples. The temple is an active place of worship: speak quietly and do not stand in front of worshippers at prayer. For a full half-day on the west bank, continue to Wat Prayoon and Santa Cruz Church, then cross the river to Wat Arun; the whole route is covered in our Thonburi guide.

How to get there

Soi Wat Kanlaya, Wat Kanlaya, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600. Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Rajinee pier (N7) or Memorial Bridge (N6), then the cross-river ferry to the Wat Kalayanamit pier. From MRT Sanam Chai, allow about 20 minutes on foot via Memorial Bridge, or a short taxi or Grab ride.