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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Wat Hat Yai Nai Hat Yai Thailand
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to a colossal 35-meter reclining Buddha, Wat Hat Yai Nai offers a serene cultural experience with free entry.
"The sheer size of the statue is impressive and makes for great photo opportunities."

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Free Admission & Easy Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Respectful Attire :dress:
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for this sacred Buddhist site.
Photo Opportunities :camera:
The sheer size of the reclining Buddha offers impressive photo opportunities.
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.
Quick Visit Recommended :stopwatch:
Most visitors find 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to explore the main reclining Buddha.
Respectful Attire :dress:
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for this sacred Buddhist site.
Photo Opportunities :camera:
The sheer size of the reclining Buddha offers impressive photo opportunities.
Local Community Vibe :busts_in_silhouette:
Experience the temple's connection to local life, with a school and market nearby.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Solo travelers often find songthaews or tuk-tuks to be convenient and budget-friendly options for reaching Wat Hat Yai Nai.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Wat Hat Yai Nai offers free admission to all visitors, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone.
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.
Since there is no entrance fee, advance booking is not required for Wat Hat Yai Nai. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
While entry is free, donations are always welcome to help with the temple's upkeep and preservation. Donation boxes are usually available.
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.
📸 📸 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.
The most iconic photo opportunity is with the massive reclining Buddha statue itself. The scale is impressive from various angles.
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.
A standard camera or smartphone is perfectly adequate. The main attraction is the sheer size, so capturing that scale is key.
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.
🎫 🧘 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.
Yes, many visitors describe the atmosphere as quiet and peaceful, offering a serene escape from the city bustle.
Absolutely. There is a prayer area within the base of the reclining Buddha where visitors can pay their respects and reflect.
Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour at Wat Hat Yai Nai, focusing on the reclining Buddha and the immediate surroundings.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
Typically, Buddhist temples in Thailand do not have full-service restaurants within their grounds. Dining options are usually found in the surrounding areas.
Given its location, you might find local specialties like noodle dishes, grilled meats, and fresh market produce.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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. Keep the visit brief and focus on the awe-inspiring scale of the statue to keep children engaged.
💰 Budget Travelers
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. Pack some water and snacks to save on expenses, as food options directly at the temple might be limited or pricier than local markets.
🧘 Solo Travelers
You can easily spend 30-60 minutes here, taking in the grandeur of the reclining Buddha and soaking in the spiritual ambiance. It's a great opportunity to practice mindfulness or simply enjoy a moment of solitude amidst your travels.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Reclining Buddha
This iconic statue was built in the early 1970s and was later officially named by King Rama IX. Once a year, during the Songkran festival, locals gather to apply gold leaf to the Buddha's heart, a practice considered highly auspicious. The peaceful expression and serene posture of the Buddha invite contemplation and a moment of calm for visitors.
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.
Cultural Significance and Local Life
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. 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. This connection to the local community makes the visit feel more grounded and less like a purely tourist-centric attraction.
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. This sense of calm is a significant draw for those seeking a moment of respite.
Visitor Experience and Practicalities
Travelers often highlight the quiet and serene environment, which contributes to a meaningful visit. While the temple's exterior and paintings might show signs of age and could benefit from restoration, its spiritual essence remains strong. The presence of a prayer area within the statue's base offers a unique opportunity for personal reflection.
When visiting, it's important to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect for the religious site. While the temple itself doesn't offer extensive dining options, its proximity to local markets and eateries means you can easily find food nearby. The ease of access via local transport like songthaews further enhances the visitor experience.



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