About Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen
Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen (วัดปากน้ำภาษีเจริญ), commonly known as Wat Paknam or "Water Gate Temple" (水门寺), is located in Phasi Charoen District, Bangkok, Thailand, at coordinates 13.7229°N, 100.4765°E. Founded during the Ayutthaya period (approximately BE 2031 / 1488 CE), the temple has over 500 years of history and is one of Bangkok’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples.
Historical Heritage
The temple derives its name from its location near the entrance of the Phasi Charoen Canal (คลองภาษีเจริญ) — "Paknam" means "river mouth" or "water gate" in Thai. Built during the Ayutthaya Kingdom, Wat Paknam served as an important Buddhist practice center through the Thonburi and Rattanakosin eras. Its prominence soared after the legendary monk Luang Phor Sot (หลวงพ่อสด จนฺทสโร) became abbot in BE 2459 (1916), establishing it as the birthplace of Dhammakaya meditation and cementing its unshakeable position in Thai Buddhism.
Landmark — The Grand Pagoda
The temple’s most striking landmark is the 80-meter-tall Maharatchamongkhon Chedi (มหาเจดีย์มหารัชมงคล), completed in BE 2555 (2012). Its interior is magnificently decorated, with the upper level housing a translucent emerald-green glass stupa surrounded by elaborate cosmic ceiling murals that create an otherworldly atmosphere. This architectural masterpiece has become a new Bangkok landmark and a must-visit destination, attracting millions of visitors and devotees annually.
Birthplace of Dhammakaya Meditation
Wat Paknam is the origin and primary center of Vijja Dhammakaya meditation (วิชชาธรรมกาย). Luang Phor Sot taught meditation here for over 40 years, training numerous accomplished disciples. The temple continues to offer regular meditation courses open to both Thai and international practitioners, making it an ideal place to experience authentic Thai Buddhist meditation.
Sacred Amulets
Wat Paknam’s most celebrated amulets are the "Somdej Wat Paknam" (พระสมเด็จวัดปากน้ำ) series personally crafted by Luang Phor Sot, ranked among Thailand’s "Top Five Ancient Amulets." Successive abbots have faithfully continued the tradition, following Luang Phor Sot’s original formulas and consecration rituals, making each batch highly sought after in Thai amulet collecting circles.
Getting There
Wat Paknam is located in Phasi Charoen District, approximately 10 km from Bangkok’s city center (Siam), with a drive time of 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
- BTS Skytrain: Take the Silom Line to Wutthakat Station (วุฒากาศ / S11), then walk about 800m (10 minutes) from Exit 2
- Public Bus: Routes 4, 9, and 43 stop near the temple
- Taxi/Grab: From Siam, approximately 100–150 THB; from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), 300–400 THB (45–60 min); from Don Mueang Airport (DMK), 200–300 THB (40–50 min)
- Driving: Head west on Phetkasem Road (ถ.เพชรเกษม) from the city center, turn at the Phasi Charoen Canal bridge
Nearby Attractions
- ICONSIAM Shopping Mall — 4 km, 10 min drive
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn / วัดอรุณ) — 6 km, 15 min drive
- Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha / วัดโพธิ์) — 7 km, 20 min drive
- Grand Palace (พระบรมมหาราชวัง) — 8 km, 25 min drive
- Museum Siam — 7 km, 20 min drive
Visiting Hours
- Main Hall: Daily 08:00–18:00
- Grand Pagoda: Daily 08:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30)
- Meditation Courses: Contact the temple in advance for schedules
- Admission: Free
