Wat Tham Sua

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About Wat Tham Sua

The famous temple of Kanchanaburi, known as Wat Tham Suea, is a sight to behold. Nestled in the Tha Muang District, this temple is a beacon of tranquility and spiritual reverence. The temple is perched on a hill, offering a stunning panoramic view of the lush green rice fields, the serene Mae Klong river, and the majestic mountains in the background.

Upon arrival, visitors are faced with the choice of ascending the steep 157-step staircase or opting for a cable car ride for a mere 10 baht. The cable car, despite its age, efficiently transports visitors to the top, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. The ground area at the base of the staircase is guarded by a series of fearsome looking plaster tigers, adding to the mystique of the temple.

At the top of the hill, visitors are greeted by several elegant architectural marvels, including the largest Buddha image in Kanchanaburi. This enormous Buddha, shaded by a half stupa, is a sight to behold. The temple complex also houses a remarkable 9-storey orange octagonal pagoda, a many-roofed Chinese style tower, and other well-maintained buildings.

The pagoda is particularly noteworthy. Visitors can climb a spiral staircase to the top of the pagoda to worship Buddha relics brought from India. Each tier of the pagoda enshrines different Buddha images, with the top floor housing the Buddha's relics. The pagoda, brick-colored and divided into several layers, is a testament to the temple's architectural grandeur.

After soaking in the fresh air and admiring the gorgeous architecture, visitors can descend the hill to visit the tiger cave. This small cave at the foot of the hill enshrines a birthday amulet and sells sacred objects. Near the cave, in a hall, visitors can pay their respects to a mummified body of Luang Por Chuen, preserved in a glass coffin.

The temple, however, is a bit out of the way with no reliable public transport nearby. It is recommended to rent a car or go on a tour to reach the temple. Despite this, the temple is worth the effort to get to, with its endless views and plentiful nooks and crannies to explore. A small donation of 20THB to help build the temple is appreciated.

Visitors are advised to dress appropriately as it is an active temple. The weather in February can be hot and dusty, so carrying sunscreen and water is advisable. Despite the heat, the cool wind at the top of the temple offers a refreshing respite.

The temple also offers a unique experience for those who visit on holidays. Families can pay homage to monks and seek a little luck. The parking space at the temple is quite small, so it is recommended to park at Wat Tham Khao Noi next to it and walk. The temple also offers a cable car service for going up and coming back and forth for only 10 baht per person.

The temple, which combines Chinese culture, decoration, and construction, offers many photo spots. The rice field surrounding the Ubosot offers beautiful views, especially in the evening when it's not too hot. The temple is about 40 minutes from Kanchanaburi and is well worth a visit. After a visit to the temple, a stop at Meen Café is highly recommended. This beautiful place is a testament to the spiritual and architectural richness of Kanchanaburi.