Wat Khao Sukim
1 / 10

Wat Khao Sukim

4.6
·3k reviews·Tambon Khao Baisi, Thailand

A sprawling mountaintop monastery featuring a golden Buddha, unique cable car, and a museum of ancient artifacts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Wat Khao Sukim

Wat Khao Sukim

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sprawling mountaintop monastery featuring a golden Buddha, unique cable car, and a museum of ancient artifacts.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"A vast monastery with a huge Buddha statue and a fun cable car experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across vast grounds and multiple buildings. :athletic_shoe:

🚠 Ride the Cable Car

It's a unique and fun experience to reach the upper temple areas. 🚡

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 2,689 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Golden Buddha Statue

Golden Buddha Statue

Main temple complex

A colossal Buddha statue, reportedly covered in hundreds of kilos of gold, dominates the skyline.

Cable Car Ride

Cable Car Ride

From the main lake to the museum

Ascend to the older temple areas via a unique cable car for a fun and scenic journey.

Museum of Antiques

Museum of Antiques

Upper temple complex

Explore halls filled with thousands of Thai and Chinese artifacts, including antique furniture and figures.

Tranquil Lake and Gardens

Tranquil Lake and Gardens

Base of the temple complex

Wander around a beautiful pond with a pathway, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful meditation spaces.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit Wat Khao Sukim early in the morning, especially on weekdays, to avoid the midday sun and large tour groups. The temple grounds are vast, so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the many buildings and pathways.

Cable Car Adventure

Don't miss the unique cable car ride up to the older temple complex. It's a fun and scenic way to reach the museum and meditation halls, offering a different perspective than the usual temple stairs.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Before 11 AM
Why
Avoid midday heat & tour buses
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Wat Khao Sukim in Chanthaburi, Thailand. #watkhaosukim #temple #monk #buddha #chanthaburi
denismalizani
0 likes • 37 views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across vast grounds and multiple buildings. :athletic_shoe:

🚠 Ride the Cable Car

It's a unique and fun experience to reach the upper temple areas. 🚡

• “Apporter sa pierre à l’édifice …”• 🙏 #chantaburi #templethailand #buddism #buddisttemple #chantaburithailand #watkhaosukim #watkhaosukimtemple
familybourezinthai
0 likes • 345 views
Started at 4:30am to visit a temple in Chantaburi. It’s been a while since we came here, so much has changed. Love the peace and tranquillity! 😊 #chantaburi #watkhaosukim
jeremytanvlogs
20 likes • 1.2K views

💧 Stay Hydrated

Chanthaburi can be hot; carry water, especially when exploring the grounds. :droplet:

💰 Free Entry & Donations

Entry is free, but donations are welcome to support the monastery. :moneywithwings:

Khao Kitchakut, Wat Khao Sukim, Khao Wong Kot Caves, 134 km
daniel_banphe
0 likes • 21 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across vast grounds and multiple buildings. :athletic_shoe:

🚠 Ride the Cable Car

It's a unique and fun experience to reach the upper temple areas. 🚡

💧 Stay Hydrated

Chanthaburi can be hot; carry water, especially when exploring the grounds. :droplet:

💰 Free Entry & Donations

Entry is free, but donations are welcome to support the monastery. :moneywithwings:

☕ Hidden Gem Cafe Nearby

Discover a charming cafe opposite the temple amidst fruit gardens. ☕

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Wat Khao Sukim for its vastness, unique cable car experience, and impressive collection of artifacts. The serene lake and the colossal golden Buddha statue are significant highlights. However, some find the overall impression less impactful than expected, and weekends can be very crowded.

"My friend took me here today. There is so much to see throughout the vast amount of land and buildings.
I would recommend stopping and spending time here."

Thaitoni

"Temple and museum with 1000s over Thai and Chinese artifacts.
A briliant pond in the front with a parhway to walk all around the water.
Go up to the temple with the cable cartit is an experience and fun.
At the end you get free noodle soup and refreshment drink."

Thomas Georg

"A rather large monastery with a huge buddha statute being built. Reported to be covered in 100s of kilos of gold. There is a tram to the older area which has several mediation rooms. The history of extravagance is evidenced by the car collection, particularity a Mercedes limo. It costs nothing to visit the grounds which are impressive."

Greg R

What People Like

Unique cable car ride
Vast grounds and lake
Golden Buddha statue

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Less impressive than expected

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wat Khao Sukim is located on Highway 3322. You can reach it by car or local taxi from Chanthaburi city. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Some visitors mention it as part of a larger tour including Khao Kitchakut and Khao Wong Kot Caves. Instagram+1

Yes, there is ample parking available at the base of the temple complex, especially near the lake area. Reddit

While local buses might go in the general direction, it's often more convenient to hire a taxi or rent a motorbike for direct access, as public transport routes might not be direct. Reddit

The grounds are extensive. Consider using the cable car to reach the upper museum areas and then walking down. A walkway around the main lake is also very pleasant. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a popular destination for day trips from Chanthaburi and even further afield, offering a peaceful escape and cultural experience. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Wat Khao Sukim is free. However, donations are highly appreciated to support the monastery's upkeep and ongoing construction projects. Reddit

The cable car ride is typically free for visitors, offering a convenient way to access the museum and older temple sections. InstagramReddit

The temple grounds are generally open from early morning until late afternoon. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the site. Instagram

Yes, you can visit on weekends, but be aware that it can get very busy with tour buses. Visiting on a weekday or early on a weekend morning is recommended to avoid crowds. Reddit

As it is an active monastery, it's advisable to dress respectfully. Cover your shoulders and knees. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a massive golden Buddha statue, explore a museum with thousands of artifacts, ride a cable car, walk around a serene lake, and visit meditation rooms. InstagramReddit+1

The cable car is a popular feature and generally operational, providing a unique way to ascend to the museum. InstagramReddit

While there aren't typically formal guided tours, the vastness of the site and its many exhibits offer plenty to explore independently. Reddit

The museum houses a diverse collection, including antique furniture, Buddha figures, old mobile phones, and various Thai and Chinese art pieces. Reddit+1

Children might enjoy the novelty of the cable car ride and the expansive grounds to explore. The peaceful atmosphere can also be a good experience. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the temple itself may offer free noodle soup and refreshment drinks at the end of the cable car route, dedicated dining options within the temple are limited. Reddit

There's a 'Hidden Gem Cafe' located opposite Wat Khao Sukim, nestled amidst durian and tropical fruit gardens, offering a unique dining experience. Instagram

It's generally acceptable to bring your own water and snacks, especially for a day trip, but be mindful of keeping the grounds clean. Reddit

Chanthaburi is known for its fresh seafood, tropical fruits like durian, and local specialties. Exploring the city's markets and restaurants is recommended. Instagram

Yes, visitors often receive free noodle soup and a refreshment drink after their visit, particularly after taking the cable car. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The golden Buddha statue, the cable car, the serene lake, and the panoramic mountain views from the temple complex offer excellent photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Photography rules can vary, but generally, it's permitted in most outdoor areas and some parts of the museum. Be respectful of any 'no photography' signs. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the beauty of the temple and its surroundings, avoiding harsh midday sun. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites. It's best to check local regulations or inquire on-site before flying a drone. TikTok

Always ask for permission before taking photos of monks or other individuals. Respect their privacy and religious practices. TikTok

You may also like