Wat Hat Yai Nai
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Wat Hat Yai Nai Hat Yai Thailand

4.4
·2k reviews·ต.หาดใหญ่, Thailand

Home to a colossal 35-meter reclining Buddha, Wat Hat Yai Nai offers a serene cultural experience with free entry.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Wat Hat Yai Nai

Wat Hat Yai Nai Hat Yai Thailand

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Home to a colossal 35-meter reclining Buddha, Wat Hat Yai Nai offers a serene cultural experience with free entry.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"The sheer size of the statue is impressive and makes for great photo opportunities."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry! :ticket:

Admission to Wat Hat Yai Nai is completely free, making it a budget-friendly cultural experience.

Quick Visit Recommended :stopwatch:

Most visitors find 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to explore the main reclining Buddha.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Colossal Reclining Buddha

The Colossal Reclining Buddha

Main temple hall

Marvel at the 35-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, a breathtaking sight and one of the largest in Thailand.

Temple Architecture & Murals

Temple Architecture & Murals

Temple interior

Admire the intricate murals depicting Buddha's life and teachings, showcasing traditional Thai artistry.

Peaceful Reflection Area

Peaceful Reflection Area

Base of the Buddha statue

Find a quiet space for contemplation and prayer within the serene pavilion housing the magnificent Buddha.

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Planning Your Visit

Quick Cultural Stop

Wat Hat Yai Nai is a significant cultural site, home to a massive reclining Buddha. While it's a quick visit, it offers a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into Thai Buddhist traditions. Plan for about 30 minutes to an hour here.

Free Admission & Easy Access

Entry to Wat Hat Yai Nai is free, making it an accessible attraction for all travelers. It's conveniently located about 3 km from downtown Hat Yai, easily reachable by local transport.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Quieter, reflective atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@yinglekkanguy
44.1K likes • 2.3M views

Free Entry! :ticket:

Admission to Wat Hat Yai Nai is completely free, making it a budget-friendly cultural experience. Reddit

Quick Visit Recommended :stopwatch:

Most visitors find 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to explore the main reclining Buddha. Reddit

📣 ปัง พิรุฬห์วัฒน์ ในงาน Central HEAVY X DEVY พบกับสินค้าจากแบรนด์ชั้นนำ พร้อมโปรโมชั่นลดสูงสุด 70% 📆 1 -14 ตุลาคม 2568 📍 ลานโปรโมชั่น ชั้น1 เซ็นทรัล หาดใหญ่ #ปังพิรุฬห์วัฒน์ #ปังพิรุฬห์วัฒน์มานี่มา #เขมจิราต้องรอด #CentralHatyai
@central.hatyai
38.2K likes • 177.6K views
Wat Hat Yai Nai, Thailand Among the tourist attractions in Hat Yai, the most prominent one is the 35-meter-long reclining Buddha, which is the third largest reclining Buddha in the world. It was built in 1917 and is about 3 kilometers away from downtown Hat Yai. Monastery in Songkhla Province. There is a reclining Buddha, 35 meters long, which is the third largest reclining Buddha in the world. ...
milla_khs
1.6K likes • 13.9K views

Respectful Attire :dress:

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for this sacred Buddhist site. Instagram

Photo Opportunities :camera:

The sheer size of the reclining Buddha offers impressive photo opportunities. Instagram

"Salah satu tempat wisata yang wajib dikunjungi jika berada di Hatyai adalah melihat sleeping Buddha Hat Yai di Wat Hat Yai Nai Temple. Komplek Wat Hat Yai Nai ini sendiri sangat luas dan terdapat banyak bangunan besar yang berada disekitar patung Budha besar ini. Terdapat beberapa Patung Buddha Tidur di Thailand, salah satunya berada di Wat Hat Yai Nai. Kuil terbuka yang terbuka untuk umum in...
tejawisata
25 likes • 3.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry! :ticket:

Admission to Wat Hat Yai Nai is completely free, making it a budget-friendly cultural experience. Reddit

Quick Visit Recommended :stopwatch:

Most visitors find 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to explore the main reclining Buddha. Reddit

Respectful Attire :dress:

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for this sacred Buddhist site. Instagram

Photo Opportunities :camera:

The sheer size of the reclining Buddha offers impressive photo opportunities. Instagram

Local Community Vibe :busts_in_silhouette:

Experience the temple's connection to local life, with a school and market nearby. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Wat Hat Yai Nai is praised for its impressive, massive reclining Buddha statue, offering a significant cultural and spiritual experience. Visitors appreciate the free entry and peaceful atmosphere, making it a worthwhile, albeit brief, stop. Some reviews note that the temple's exterior could benefit from maintenance.

"I visited Mahattamangkalaram Temple, also known as Wat Hat Yai Nai, during my trip to Hatyai, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable stops of my journey. This temple is home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Thailand, measuring about 35 meters long and 15 meters high. Seeing it in person was truly breathtaking — photos don’t do justice to its size and presence.

The environment here is very quiet and peaceful, which made the visit even more special. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down, take a deep breath, and just enjoy the calm surroundings. The reclining Buddha is housed under a huge pavilion, and there is even a prayer area inside the base of the statue where visitors can pay their respects or take a moment for reflection. It felt meaningful to step inside and experience this side of Thai Buddhist culture.

I also found it interesting that the temple is located right next to a local school and a wet market. While walking around, I could hear the sounds of daily life — children playing at school, vendors chatting at the market — which gave the whole place a unique charm. It feels very connected to the local community rather than just being a tourist attraction.

I learned that this reclining Buddha was built in the early 1970s and was later officially named by King Rama IX. Once a year during Songkran, locals gather here to apply gold leaf to the heart of the Buddha, which is considered very auspicious.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Mahattamangkalaram Temple if you are in Hatyai. It’s free to enter, easy to reach, and offers a peaceful atmosphere plus a chance to see one of Thailand’s largest reclining Buddhas up close. A beautiful and meaningful stop on any Hatyai itinerary."

Zen Yong

"Wat Hatyai Nai (​Hat Yai Yue Temple), also known as the Hatyai Reclining Buddha Temple, is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, Thailand. It is renowned for its colossal reclining Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Mahathamongkhon, which measures 35 meters and is considered the third largest reclining Buddha in the world.
The temple's architecture blends traditional and modern Thai elements, and its interior is exquisitely decorated with murals depicting stories from the Buddha's life and teachings, offering visitors a tranquil atmosphere for meditation and contemplation."

Jony

"Visited Mahattamangkalaram Temple (Wat Hat Yai Nai) during our trip. The temple holds cultural significance and is known for housing one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Thailand. However, there's not much else to do around the area.

The temple’s exterior and paintings appear faded and could benefit from some maintenance and restoration to preserve its beauty. The visit can be completed in about 30 minutes.

It’s an okay spot for a quick cultural stop, especially if you haven’t been before. Suitable for a one-time visit to appreciate its historical and spiritual value."

Milaa Thedimplequeen

What People Like

Massive reclining Buddha
Free admission
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Exterior needs maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wat Hat Yai Nai is located approximately 3 kilometers from downtown Hat Yai. You can easily reach it by taking a local songthaew (shared taxi) or a tuk-tuk. Many travelers mention it's a short and convenient ride. TikTokInstagram

Yes, songthaews are a common and affordable way to get to Wat Hat Yai Nai from various points in Hat Yai. They are a popular choice for getting around the city. TikTok

While it's only about 3 km, walking might be challenging due to the heat. Taking a short ride via songthaew or tuk-tuk is generally recommended for comfort. Instagram

Solo travelers often find songthaews or tuk-tuks to be convenient and budget-friendly options for reaching Wat Hat Yai Nai. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed in most social media posts, temples in Thailand typically have some parking facilities for visitors arriving by private vehicles or motorbikes. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Wat Hat Yai Nai offers free admission to all visitors, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone. InstagramReddit

The temple is generally open daily from morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the best experience. TikTok

Since there is no entrance fee, advance booking is not required for Wat Hat Yai Nai. You can visit anytime during its operating hours. TikTok

While entry is free, donations are always welcome to help with the temple's upkeep and preservation. Donation boxes are usually available. Reddit

Yes, many visitors find that a quick visit of 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to see the main reclining Buddha and appreciate the site. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed within the temple grounds, especially of the exterior of the reclining Buddha. Be mindful and respectful when taking photos inside prayer areas. Instagram

The most iconic photo opportunity is with the massive reclining Buddha statue itself. The scale is impressive from various angles. Instagram+1

Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites to maintain peace and respect. It's best to avoid flying drones here unless you have explicit permission. TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is perfectly adequate. The main attraction is the sheer size, so capturing that scale is key. TikTok

While general photography is allowed, avoid intrusive photography, especially of people praying or during ceremonies. Always be respectful of the religious nature of the site. Instagram

🎫 🧘 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the impressive reclining Buddha statue. You can also admire the temple's architecture, murals, and find a peaceful spot for reflection. InstagramReddit

Yes, many visitors describe the atmosphere as quiet and peaceful, offering a serene escape from the city bustle. Reddit

Absolutely. There is a prayer area within the base of the reclining Buddha where visitors can pay their respects and reflect. Reddit

Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour at Wat Hat Yai Nai, focusing on the reclining Buddha and the immediate surroundings. Reddit

It is one of the largest reclining Buddhas in Thailand, built in the early 1970s and officially named by King Rama IX. It holds significant spiritual and cultural value. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the temple itself is focused on religious activities, there are often small vendors selling snacks or drinks outside. For more substantial meals, the nearby wet market and local eateries are recommended. Reddit

The temple is situated near a local school and a wet market, suggesting that local Thai street food and market fare are readily available in the vicinity. Reddit

Typically, Buddhist temples in Thailand do not have full-service restaurants within their grounds. Dining options are usually found in the surrounding areas. Reddit

Given its location, you might find local specialties like noodle dishes, grilled meats, and fresh market produce. Reddit

It is generally not customary to eat meals within the main prayer areas of a Buddhist temple. It's best to consume food outside the sacred spaces. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wat Hat Yai Nai can be a quick and interesting stop for families. The sheer size of the reclining Buddha is often fascinating for children, offering a visual spectacle. Instagram It's a free attraction, which is always a plus for family budgets. Reddit The visit is short, so it won't tire out younger children. Reddit Remember to dress modestly to ensure everyone is comfortable and respectful of the temple's religious nature. Instagram

While there aren't specific play areas, the open space around the Buddha can allow for some supervised movement. The proximity to a local market might also offer some interesting sights and snacks for kids. Reddit Keep the visit brief and focus on the awe-inspiring scale of the statue to keep children engaged.

💰 Budget Travelers

Wat Hat Yai Nai is a dream for budget travelers as admission is completely free. InstagramReddit This allows you to experience a significant cultural landmark without spending a baht. The temple is easily accessible via affordable local transport like songthaews, further keeping costs down. TikTok

Since the visit is typically short (30-60 minutes), it doesn't eat into your day or require significant time commitment. You can easily combine it with other free or low-cost activities in Hat Yai, like exploring markets. InstagramReddit Pack some water and snacks to save on expenses, as food options directly at the temple might be limited or pricier than local markets. Reddit

🧘 Solo Travelers

For solo travelers, Wat Hat Yai Nai offers a peaceful and reflective experience. The quiet atmosphere allows for personal contemplation and a moment of calm. Reddit It's easy to navigate independently using local transport like songthaews. TikTok The free entry makes it an accessible and worthwhile stop. Reddit

You can easily spend 30-60 minutes here, taking in the grandeur of the reclining Buddha and soaking in the spiritual ambiance. Reddit It's a great opportunity to practice mindfulness or simply enjoy a moment of solitude amidst your travels. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Majestic Reclining Buddha

Wat Hat Yai Nai is most famous for its colossal reclining Buddha statue, known as Phra Phuttha Mahathamongkhon. This magnificent sculpture measures an impressive 35 meters in length, making it one of the largest reclining Buddhas in Thailand and indeed, the world. Instagram+3 The sheer scale of the statue is awe-inspiring, and it's a sight that many visitors find breathtaking and difficult to capture fully in photographs. Reddit The Buddha is housed under a large pavilion, offering a sense of grandeur and protection. Reddit

This iconic statue was built in the early 1970s and was later officially named by King Rama IX. Reddit Once a year, during the Songkran festival, locals gather to apply gold leaf to the Buddha's heart, a practice considered highly auspicious. Reddit The peaceful expression and serene posture of the Buddha invite contemplation and a moment of calm for visitors. Reddit

Beyond its impressive size, the reclining Buddha is a symbol of peace and enlightenment. Its presence at Wat Hat Yai Nai draws many pilgrims and tourists alike, seeking spiritual connection or simply marveling at the artistry and devotion involved in its creation. Instagram+1

Cultural Significance and Local Life

Wat Hat Yai Nai is more than just a statue; it's a place of cultural and spiritual significance for the local community. The temple's architecture often blends traditional Thai elements with modern touches, and the interior may feature intricate murals depicting stories from the Buddha's life. Instagram These artistic details offer a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings and history. Instagram

What makes Wat Hat Yai Nai particularly special is its integration with daily life. It's often noted that the temple is situated near a local school and a bustling wet market. Reddit This proximity creates a unique atmosphere where the sacred and the secular coexist, allowing visitors to hear the sounds of children playing and vendors at the market, adding a vibrant, authentic charm to the experience. Reddit This connection to the local community makes the visit feel more grounded and less like a purely tourist-centric attraction. Reddit

The temple provides a tranquil environment for reflection and prayer. Visitors can find a quiet space within the pavilion or near the statue to pause, breathe, and absorb the peaceful ambiance. Reddit This sense of calm is a significant draw for those seeking a moment of respite. Reddit

Visitor Experience and Practicalities

The overall visitor experience at Wat Hat Yai Nai is generally positive, characterized by its accessibility and peaceful atmosphere. Entry is free, making it an easy addition to any Hat Yai itinerary. InstagramReddit Most visitors find that a short visit, around 30 minutes to an hour, is sufficient to appreciate the main attraction. Reddit This makes it an ideal stop for those with limited time or who prefer a more concise cultural experience. Reddit

Travelers often highlight the quiet and serene environment, which contributes to a meaningful visit. Reddit While the temple's exterior and paintings might show signs of age and could benefit from restoration, its spiritual essence remains strong. Reddit The presence of a prayer area within the statue's base offers a unique opportunity for personal reflection. Reddit

When visiting, it's important to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect for the religious site. Instagram While the temple itself doesn't offer extensive dining options, its proximity to local markets and eateries means you can easily find food nearby. Reddit The ease of access via local transport like songthaews further enhances the visitor experience. TikTok

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