Wat Paknam: the 69-metre Big Buddha and the glass stupa

Updated on October 1, 2026

Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen is a royal temple in Thonburi, on the west bank of Bangkok, beside Khlong Bangkok Yai where Khlong Phasi Charoen flows into it. Founded in the Ayutthaya period, it owes its fame to Luang Pu Sodh, abbot from 1916 to 1959, who taught Dhammakaya meditation here. Two recent structures now draw visitors: the Maha Chedi Maharatchamongkhon, an 80-metre white stupa completed in 2012 whose 5th floor holds a green glass stupa under a painted ceiling, and the Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thepmongkhon, a 69-metre seated bronze Buddha completed in 2021. Entry is free; allow an hour and a half.

Highlights

The Maha Chedi Maharatchamongkhon

This twelve-sided white stupa rises 80 metres above the canal. Inside, five floors are served by a lift and stairs. The lower levels are laid out like a museum: Buddha images, antiques and pieces of gold and silverwork given to the temple, shown in display cases.

The glass stupa on the 5th floor

On the top floor of the chedi, a green glass stupa stands in the middle of a round hall. The ceiling, painted with glowing circles on a green and blue background, depicts the cosmos of Buddhist tradition; a frieze of seated Buddhas runs around the room. It is a place of prayer and meditation: go in barefoot and keep your voice down.

The Big Buddha, Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thepmongkhon

Begun in March 2017 and completed in 2021, this gilded bronze Buddha, seated in meditation, is 69 metres high and 40 metres from knee to knee. It can be seen from far away, including from the elevated metro, and you can walk up to its base.

Luang Pu Sodh and meditation

The temple is still an active meditation centre, home to many monks. The former abbot Luang Pu Sodh is honoured with golden statues, where worshippers leave flowers and offerings.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Entry to the temple and the chedi is free; donation boxes stand in the halls. Clothing must cover shoulders and knees, and shoes come off before entering the chedi's halls: wear shoes that are easy to slip off. To reach the 5th floor without rushing, arrive before 5 pm. The temple sits on Khlong Bangkok Yai: some boat trips on the [Thonburi klongs](/fr/attractions/klongs-de-thonburi) can stop here if you ask the boatman.

How to get there

MRT Blue Line to Bang Phai station (on Phet Kasem Road), exit 1, then about 800 metres on foot through the side streets (10 to 15 minutes). Alternatively, BTS Silom Line to Wutthakat, then a taxi or motorbike taxi. Address: 300 Ratchamongkhon Prasat Alley, Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok 10160.