Wat Khao Sukim: A Temple of Peace and Meditation in Chanthaburi

Buddhism has been a significant part of daily Thai lives for almost 1,000 years before modern-day Thailand was born. It penetrates every part of their society, so you can never truly understand Thailand or the Thai people unless you experience Buddhist temples and festivals. 

Thailand is a truly remarkable nation in culture, religion, and temples. If you are a fan of culture and want to experience the natural Thai way, visiting one of its thousands of Buddhist temples is best. And although Chanthaburi has dozens, if you want to visit one of the best, we recommend you visit Wat Khao Sukim. 

Also, if you are traveling through the beautiful Chanthaburi region in eastern Thailand and want to explore the area’s Buddhist roots, then you should continue reading.

 Fun Fact!

Wat Khao Sukim Temple holds some precious Buddhist Relics, you will come across 20 wax statues of prominent Buddhist Monks and a mural painting in the main hall known as Ubosot.

Learning More About Wat Khao Sukim

Nestled on a hill spanning over 1,320 acres in Chanthaburi, Wat Khao Sukim is a serene and peaceful temple that was constructed in 1966 by a group of devoted Buddhists. The temple's impressive grounds are adorned with stunning orchards that provide much-needed shade. It houses several revered Buddhist relics and antiques donated by the public, as well as towering wax sculptures of 20 distinguished Buddhist monks that lend the temple a grandiose feel.

The main ceremonial hall, Ubosot, features a magnificent mural painting by the renowned Thai artist Chakrabhand Posayakrit. Visitors can feed the fish in the nearby ponds and enjoy the tranquil ambiance that permeates the temple's surroundings. It is a sought-after destination for those seeking a meditative experience.

Chanthaburi is one of the most off-the-beaten-track places for those looking to explore the outer reaches of Thailand. It is a region that seldom gets the same tourist numbers as Pattaya, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), or Phuket but is somehow more authentic and accurate than those destinations, making it unique. 

  Did You Know?

The covered area of this Temple is 1320 acres. Situated on top of a hill, Buddhists built this Temple for meditation in peace and tranquility.

How to Get to Wat Khao Sukim at Chanthaburi?

The temple is located approximately 20 km from Chanthaburi Town and is relatively easy to find. The temple is near the impressive Khao Khitchakut National Park, which you can reach in three different ways. You can get to the temple by traveling along the Sukhumvit Road Highway 3. You can also access the temple via Km. 305 (Ban Huai Sathon); at the Ban Noen Sung intersection; or Km. 324 (Khao Rai Ya intersection).

When visiting a Buddhist temple, it is crucial to dress conservatively regardless of your gender. Wearing revealing or flimsy clothing is considered disrespectful and should be avoided. It is worth noting that Wat Khao Sukim is not a flashy tourist-oriented temple and is not designed for high levels of tourism.

This is a positive aspect as the temple was built to encourage meditation and tranquility, making a more laid-back approach preferable. While the temple may not be as large as some of Thailand's more famous and iconic temples, this is precisely what makes the visit to Wat Khao Sukim unique and authentic, providing a genuine experience for visitors to Chanthaburi.

  Trivia!

There are over 40,000 Temples in Thailand, and more than 33,000 are in public use.

Map & More Information

Wat Khao Sukim is a temple of peace and meditation located on a hill in Chanthaburi. Orchards and a stunning pond of water surround this place.