Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen: Bangkok's Hidden Gem Temple Guide

Out of more than ten trips to Bangkok,

the only temple I visited twice

was Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen.

It was relatively quieter than the Grand Palace or Wat Arun,

and I could leisurely admire the colossal golden Buddha statue and the emerald stupa.

(Plus, admission was free! 😉)

If you're only visiting Wat Paknam,

a solo trip using the MRT is perfectly doable.

However, if you want to visit Muang Boran and the Erawan Museum

all in one day, transportation can be a challenge.

Especially if it's your first time in Bangkok, that's why a suburban tour combining these three spots

is so much more convenient.

👀 Check out suburban tours including Wat Paknam, Bangkok

Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen: Essential Information

Address	300 Ratchamongkhon Prasat Alley, Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Bangkok
Admission Fee	Free
Operating Hours	24 Hours

While the official website states that the operating hours are 24 hours,

it's always best to reconfirm on the temple's official channels

just before your visit for the most accurate information.

When entering the temple, it's recommended to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees,

and you'll need to remove your shoes inside.

Please keep these points in mind!

How to Get to Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen

I got off at MRT Bang Phai Station

and walked to Wat Paknam.

It's about 800m from the station to the temple,

and it took me about 15 minutes to walk.

While it was fun to leisurely stroll and see the local village and river surroundings,

the midday sun was quite strong, making it pretty hot...

If your itinerary is just to see Wat Paknam,

using the MRT and walking is perfectly sufficient.

However, to explore Muang Boran and the Erawan Museum

together in one day, a suburban tour is more convenient.

You might get tired from switching public transport at each location

or having to call for a separate vehicle,

making you exhausted from travel before even enjoying the sightseeing.

If I were to go again, I'd definitely use the tour below

to fully enjoy a day, visiting ancient city Muang Boran,

the Erawan Shrine, and finally the Jodd Fairs Night Market!

My Review: Visiting Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen

As you get closer to Wat Paknam,

the colossal golden Buddha statue is the first thing that catches your eye.

Up close, its size is quite imposing,

making it difficult to capture it all in a single photo.

When I visited, unlike the Grand Palace or Wat Arun,

It wasn't a heavily crowded tourist spot,

so I didn't have to wait long

for people to clear out to take photos,

and I could explore the temple interior at a leisurely pace.

When you go inside the white grand pagoda and ascend to the upper floor,

you'll discover an emerald glass stupa and a dazzling ceiling.

The atmosphere is completely different from the golden Buddha statue outside,

making it the most memorable part of Wat Paknam for me.

From the upper outdoor area, you can see the golden Buddha statue

from a closer vantage point,

and Wat Khun Chan Temple across the river is also visible.

If you have ample time, you might consider crossing the bridge

to explore Wat Khun Chan as well.

It was about a 5-minute walk from Wat Paknam,

and when I visited, this area was even quieter.

If you plan to take your time exploring Wat Paknam and the surrounding temples,

allocating 1-2 hours will give you a relaxed experience.

Why a Bangkok Day Tour is More Convenient

I've visited Wat Paknam twice on my own,

but for those visiting Bangkok for the first time,

I feel like taking a day tour to the outskirts might be a better option.

Not only Wat Paknam, but you can also visit Ancient City Mueang Boran

and the Erawan Museum all in one day,

and finally, you'll be dropped off at Jodd Fairs Night Market.

A Bangkok day tour is in the ~$22 range,

and transportation alone would probably cost ~$22,

so it seems like a highly attractive tour in terms of price.

The Bangkok day tour schedule I checked is as follows:

09:00

Depart from Future Cafe & Restaurant

09:45

Ancient City Mueang Boran

Lunch

Thai buffet included if full package is selected

13:00

Erawan Museum

15:00

Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen

17:00

Drop-off at Jodd Fairs Night Market

It's not just an itinerary that ends after visiting one temple;

it's a course where you can explore Thai history and architecture,

and then continue to enjoy the evening at a night market.

For those who want to save time traveling to each of Bangkok's outskirts attractions

and efficiently see them all in one day,

this seems like the perfect tour!!

If you're only visiting Wat Paknam

as a place to visit in Bangkok,

then independent travel using the MRT is certainly an option.

However, if you want to see Mueang Boran and the Erawan Museum as well,

or if it's your first time in Bangkok and you're concerned about transportation,

a day tour to the outskirts is a more convenient choice.

▶️Check out the Bangkok Day Tour (starting from ~$22)

Prices and availability may vary depending on the date,

so be sure to check the itinerary and included options before booking :)

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