Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, also called Wat Leng Noei Yi, is Bangkok's largest Chinese Buddhist temple and the religious heart of Yaowarat. Founded in 1871 for the Chinese-descended community, mostly Teochew and Hokkien, it follows Mahayana Buddhism and also shelters Taoist and Confucian deities. Entry is free: people come mostly for the atmosphere of a working place of worship, with incense smoke, red lanterns and worshippers making their offerings. The temple takes 30 to 45 minutes to visit. It stands in the heart of the district, a few minutes from Sampeng Lane and Yaowarat Road: see our guide to Chinatown.
Highlights
The three golden Buddhas
In the main hall, three large gilded statues dominate the altar, surrounded by lanterns and offerings of flowers and fruit. Enter quietly, take off your shoes if asked and do not photograph worshippers at prayer without their consent.
The façade and courtyards
The temple is a set of courtyards and halls with Sino-Thai roofs, gilded signs and red lanterns, where incense burns all day. King Rama V gave it its Thai name, "Temple of the Dragon Lotus".
The decorated courtyards
Depending on the period, the courtyards are decorated with small colourful sculptures and trimmed shrubs, very popular for photos. Stay discreet: this is first of all a place of prayer.
Offerings and incense
Worshippers light incense sticks, leave flowers, fruit and offerings, and consult divination sticks. Watch without getting in the way and keep your distance from ash and embers.
The Vegetarian Festival
Every year, around the ninth lunar month, the temple is one of the centres of the Yaowarat Vegetarian Festival: "jay" food stalls with yellow flags, processions and ceremonies. In 2026 it runs from 10 to 18 October; see our page on the Bangkok Vegetarian Festival.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Entry is free; boxes allow a voluntary donation. Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before entering prayer halls (see our guide to what to wear in temples). The temple is active: speak softly and do not point your feet at statues. Crowds are heavy during Chinese New Year (see Chinese New Year in Bangkok) and the Vegetarian Festival. No official website publishes the temple's opening hours: they are given as a guide from travel sources and may vary. Information checked in October 2026.
How to get there
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, 423 Charoen Krung Road, Samphanthawong district. Metro: Wat Mangkon MRT station (Blue Line), a short step from the temple. Boat: Ratchawong pier (N5) on the Chao Phraya River, then a 10 to 15-minute walk through Chinatown's streets. See also our tips on getting around Bangkok.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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