Wat Phothikyan Dragon Temple Bachok
A stunning Sino-Thai temple in Bachok, Kelantan, featuring a towering Standing Buddha and the longest dragon walls in Southeast Asia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Wat Phothikyan Dragon Temple Bachok
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Sino-Thai temple in Bachok, Kelantan, featuring a towering Standing Buddha and the longest dragon walls in Southeast Asia.
"A breathtaking & unexpected surprise, this hidden gem offers magnificent sights and tranquil moments."
📸 Photography Paradise
Perfect spot for photographers! Capture intricate details of dragons & Buddha. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Respectful Attire
Dress modestly to show respect. Cover shoulders & knees. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Standing Buddha
Main temple grounds
A towering 33-meter (108 ft) white Buddha statue, a truly awe-inspiring sight visible from afar.
The Twin Dragon Walls
Temple entrance and perimeter
The longest dragon-shaped walls in Southeast Asia, stretching 598 meters, symbolizing good fortune.
Sino-Thai Architecture
Various structures within the temple
Intricate designs and cultural motifs showcasing a harmonious blend of Thai and Chinese influences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Embrace the Sino-Thai Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photography Paradise
Perfect spot for photographers! Capture intricate details of dragons & Buddha. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Respectful Attire
Dress modestly to show respect. Cover shoulders & knees. :pray:
💰 Donation Welcome
No entrance fee, but donations are appreciated to maintain the temple. :moneybag:
🗺️ Hidden Gem
Tucked away, but worth the detour for its unique beauty. :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Paradise
Perfect spot for photographers! Capture intricate details of dragons & Buddha. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Respectful Attire
Dress modestly to show respect. Cover shoulders & knees. :pray:
💰 Donation Welcome
No entrance fee, but donations are appreciated to maintain the temple. :moneybag:
🗺️ Hidden Gem
Tucked away, but worth the detour for its unique beauty. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the unexpected beauty and unique Sino-Thai architecture of Wat Phothikyan, particularly the towering Standing Buddha and the impressive Twin Dragon Walls. It's praised as a tranquil, well-maintained hidden gem perfect for photography and a peaceful stopover.
"A breathtaking & unexpected surprise while travelling from Besut to Kota Bharu. Tucked away along D5 Jalan Bachok, the standing Buddha statue is visible from a distance. It was such a magnificent sight!
Known colloquially by the local as 双龙寺(Double Dragon Temple), the Wat was quiet at the time of visit, offering a tranquil environment - perfect for self-contemplation & of course, photography without crowds 😉
The stunning Sino-Thai architecture with elaborate designs & cultural motifs reflect Kelantan’s rich border-state heritage, blending Thai & Chinese influences harmoniously. Plus, a large canopied wishing tree adds a touch of tradition & charm to the premise.
The Wat ground was well-maintained & clean - including the restrooms. Hence, this is a hidden gem worth pulling over as a perfect short-stop to break a long road trip.
Also, great for photography enthusiasts to have the opportunities to explore intricate Wat architectural details in Kelantan.
No entrance fee required & opening hours is from 7am to 730pm daily.
Enjoy the photos!"
E. T.
"Tucked in Kampung Balai near Tumpat, Wat Phothikyan Phutthaktham feels like Thailand took a small holiday in Malaysia and decided never to leave. The temple grounds are a riot of color, coiled dragons guarding gates, golden stupas glinting under the sun, and a massive white Buddha seated serenely as if observing the world’s chaos from a safe distance.
This isn’t a quiet shrine, it’s visual poetry in bold font. The air hums with incense, birds, and the occasional curious tourist trying to pronounce the name correctly on the first try. Monks move calmly through the temple, their orange robes glowing like lanterns against the emerald trees.
Beyond the towering Buddha statue, there are murals depicting Buddhist teachings, smaller shrines, and ponds filled with lazy fish who seem to have mastered the art of meditation. The surrounding serenity feels ancient, yet welcoming, a peaceful pause in the rhythm of rural Kelantan.
Built in the early 1970s, Wat Phothikyan Phutthaktham is one of the tallest sitting Buddha statues in Malaysia, standing about 30 meters high. Legend has it that the temple’s design was inspired by visions seen in a monk’s meditation, proving that enlightenment occasionally comes with excellent architectural taste."
The Compass Guy
"On the tourism Malaysia signboard, this temple is known as Wat Dua Naga. Famed for the twin dragons that surrounded the temple compound. One of the dragons made to appear from a hole underground. The inscription also mentioned that the length of the dragons are 598 meters. In the afternoon you can enjoy the herbal steam bath and fried banana fitters. Standing tall is a whitewash Buddha known to be one of the tallest in Malaysia. You can also find huge dinosaurs and other beautiful attractive structures."
Forest Ang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Phothikyan is located in Kampung Balai, Bachok, Kelantan. It's accessible by road, often as a stopover between Besut and Kota Bharu. Many visitors arrive by car or motorcycle. If using public transport, you might need to arrange local transport from Bachok town. +1
The standing Buddha statue is visible from a distance, acting as a landmark. It's situated along Jalan Bachok (D5). While it's a bit tucked away, signs and local knowledge can guide you.
Renting a car or motorcycle offers the most flexibility. Local taxis or ride-sharing services might be available in Bachok town, but can be less frequent.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee required to visit Wat Phothikyan. It's a place of worship and cultural interest that welcomes visitors freely.
The temple is generally open daily from 7 am to 7:30 pm, allowing ample time for visits during daylight hours.
Yes, donations are welcome and appreciated to help with the temple's upkeep and maintenance. Look for designated donation boxes.
📸 📸 Photography
The towering Standing Buddha, the intricate Twin Dragon Walls, and the vibrant Sino-Thai architectural details offer fantastic photo opportunities. The wishing tree also adds charm. +1
Photography is generally allowed in the temple grounds, but always be respectful of worshippers and any specific signage. Avoid intrusive photography during prayer times.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, making them ideal for capturing the temple's beauty. The golden hour before sunset can be particularly magical.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a massive Standing Buddha statue, the impressive 598-meter Twin Dragon Walls, vibrant Sino-Thai architecture, murals depicting Buddhist teachings, and smaller shrines. +2
Absolutely! It's a perfect short-stop to break a long road trip, offering a tranquil environment for contemplation and photography without requiring extensive time.
Yes, the temple grounds are well-maintained and include clean restrooms for visitors.
The twin dragons symbolize good fortune and are a prominent feature of the temple's unique Sino-Thai design, representing a blend of cultural beliefs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the temple is a place of worship, its unique visual elements make it less intimidating and more exciting for younger visitors. Encourage them to spot different dragon features or imagine stories behind the murals. It's a fantastic, free educational outing that offers a break from typical tourist attractions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the golden hour for dramatic lighting that enhances the temple's beauty. The relatively quiet atmosphere during off-peak hours allows for unhurried composition and capturing the essence of this hidden gem without photobombers. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the sheer scale of the dragon walls and the serene expression of the Buddha statue.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dragon's Embrace: Architectural Marvels
The temple's design is a visual narrative, blending the spiritual essence of Buddhism with the symbolic artistry of Chinese culture. Beyond the dragons, you'll discover vibrant murals depicting Buddhist teachings, golden stupas, and smaller shrines, all contributing to a rich and immersive cultural experience. The attention to detail in the carvings and motifs is truly remarkable, offering endless opportunities for appreciation and photography.
Visitors often remark on the unexpected beauty and elaborate designs found here, noting how the temple feels like a piece of Thailand transplanted into the Malaysian landscape. It’s a place where art, spirituality, and cultural heritage converge, creating a unique and memorable destination.
The Serene Giant: The Standing Buddha
Its sheer scale is breathtaking, and its presence offers a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the vibrant surroundings. The white-washed facade of the Buddha stands in stark contrast to the colorful dragon walls and other temple structures, creating a visually striking composition. Many visitors are drawn to its imposing yet calming aura, finding it a perfect spot for reflection.
The statue is not just an architectural marvel but also a symbol of devotion and spiritual guidance. Its serene gaze seems to watch over the temple and its visitors, embodying the peaceful principles of Buddhism.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit