Introduction
Prefer to jump straight to the action? Then access the full map instantly.
Giant Golden Buddha
Forget the tour boat crowds. This is not the standard route to see Bangkok’s iconic Giant Golden Buddha (Phra Buddha Dhammakāya Thepmongkhon at Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen). That’s a bit of a mouthful so the statue is commonly referred to as the Giant Golden Buddha at Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen or by its nickname the Great Buddha of Paknam.
Rising to an immense height of 69 metres within the grounds of Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen, this colossal statue is one of the tallest in Thailand. Its breathtaking golden silhouette, depicting the Lord Buddha seated in meditation, commands reverence and dominates the skyline.
This self-guided, independent walking adventure has been personally planned and mapped by me. It’s your definitive guide to finding the exact viewpoints of this magnificent modern landmark, which also features in my Thon Buri walk. While many only see it from afar, this walk will show you precisely where to stand for the best perspectives. However, before you put on your walking shoes, don’t miss my essential safety tips for walking in Bangkok.
What to expect
The journey itself is the reward. You’ll dive immediately into the heart of a vibrant local community. Walking through narrow soi (alleys) bustling with life, you will find charming cafés and a fascinating musical instrument workshop. The path weaves past peaceful canals and then culminates with a delightful stop at the lovely local Baanmaesomporn Cafe with a gorgeous garden, before finally leading you through more local streets full of charm and alongside local railway tracks.
So join me and discover the sights and sounds of this off-the-beaten-track neighbourhood. Wander through alleys and streets, where you can witness a slower pace of life, connect with the local culture, and find a quieter, more authentic hidden Bangkok away from the main tourist trails.
Have your camera ready! You never know what unique moments you will come across. This route offers several photographic opportunities highlighted by the camera emoji 📷 throughout the post. Let’s dive straight in.
Highlights
Superscript links indicate waypoints on the map below.
Directions
Superscript links indicate waypoints on the map below.
This route starts at Tha Phra MRT station and ends at Wutthakat BTS station.
After negotiating the tricky exits from the MRT station (see my detailed guide), the walk enters the local streets. These are lined with many interesting shops, businesses, and local cafés. In this section, you’ll find a small but fascinating musical instrument workshop.12 📷
Soon after, you’ll get your first glimpse and viewpoint of the Great Buddha of Paknam.3 📷 You might come across one or two other people here also taking photographs.
Further on, the Uruea Café on the canal is another great viewpoint.5 📷 From there, it’s a journey across canals and bridges to the main temple complex Wat Pak Nam Phasi Charoen and close-up views of the Great Buddha of Paknam.8 📷
When you’ve had enough, the Baanmaesomporn Cafe is not far away together with the final viewpoint. Then, the route continues through more local streets and follows the railway tracks 📷 down to the Wutthakat BTS station. The total distance is about 6 km.
Map
The following map shows the entire route, with highlights and reference points to help you stay on track.
To view the map legend or follow the route in Google Maps, tap these icons in the map header.
View the map legend.
Follow the route in Google Maps.
Detailed Guide
For comprehensive directions and additional information, click ‘Detailed Guide’ below.
Golden Buddha to the Tracks
Send download link to:
Wrapping up
This detailed route truly offers a unique perspective, seamlessly blending the modern urban sprawl with the timeless, intimate charm of Bangkok’s canals and hidden alleyways. It therefore transforms a simple journey into a discovery, rewarding your efforts with quiet local moments and those stunning views of the colossal Great Buddha of Paknam. Whether you’re a photographer, a casual explorer, or just looking for a new side of the city, this walk proves that the most memorable sights are often found just a few steps off the beaten path.
As always, if you find any errors in this post, I would be very grateful if you would reach out to me. You can drop a comment below, use the contact form, or email me at lens_wanderings@icloud.com.
Best wishes
Derek
Leave a Reply