The Underwater Temple

📍 Location of The Underwater Temple 🚘 Directions to The Underwater Temple

About The Underwater Temple

The temple behind the dam is a sight to behold, but it's not always accessible. As of December 2021, the water levels have reached a multi-year high, submerging the temple almost completely. This makes it impossible for visitors to explore the temple, which is a significant part of the area's history and culture.

The temple is part of the archaeological remains of the Mon community, a group that has left behind remnants of their past, including houses, schools, bell towers, wihans, and a church. The only part of the church that remains visible is a flap adorned with Mon art patterns. Visitors can take a boat ride to see the vast river, the surrounding trees, and get a glimpse into the way of life of the Mon people.

The Mon village, however, may not live up to everyone's expectations. While some might expect a deep dive into the culture and heritage of the Mon people, the reality is that it's more of a typical marketplace. Yet, the highlight of the area is the hilltop temple, the only remaining structure after the Vijiralongkorn dam was built and flooded the city at the top end of Sangklaburi. The temple's accessibility depends on the water level behind the dam. As of September 2018, the water level was at an all-time high, making the temple inaccessible.

Visitors can reach the temple by hiring a boat for a short trip downstream from the famous wooden bridge. The excursion is worthwhile, even if one can't stop at the temple complex, as there are many photo opportunities along the route. However, to visit the temple grounds, one must wait until after the rainy season.

The temples, known as the sunken temples, are a sight to behold as they emerge from the water. The village and its temples were located in the valley before the dam was built, swallowing up everything and creating the current lake. Depending on the season and the rainfall, it's possible to see the temples emerging from the water, a sight that is truly impressive. During the rainy season, access to the temple is by boat only, while during the dry season, one can walk to the temples as the depth of the lake is very low.

While the sight of the temples is beautiful, the story behind why they are flooded is quite sad. The valley where the Mon villagers lived was dammed and flooded for a hydroelectric project. The villagers were relocated to higher ground in Sangkhlaburi, but their temples were either flooded or became accessible only by boat. The temples are exposed for four months of the year during the dry season, and the villagers still visit their temple when they can.

Tourists can visit the temples by long tail boat, a 45-minute return trip that allows them to see three temples for 500 THB. The reservoir is gorgeous, and the temples are eerily beautiful. On some visits, one of the temples may be almost completely underwater, with only the top of the building visible. Another temple is on an island and is accessible via a short uphill walk. The last temple is partially submerged, and depending on the rainfall during the rainy season, the boat may be able to dock right at a door, allowing visitors to get out and walk around in the temple.

Visiting the temples is a must if you're in Sangkhlaburi. The best time to go is around 4pm, when the light is perfect for photos, and it's not too busy with other tourists. However, once you've seen it, you may feel that once is enough. The temples can be seen in a maximum of two hours by boat, and it's recommended to get a private boat for a better experience.