Update : 18/6/2026

The Sunken Temple
(Muang Badan / The Underwater City)

The Sunken Wonder of Sangkhlaburi & An Unseen Thailand Masterpiece Commonly known as Muang Badan (The Underwater City), The Sunken Temple is actually the historic site of the original Wat Wang Wiwekaram. This fascinating destination is designated as one of the official “Unseen Thailand” attractions due to its unique seasonal transformations. It stands as a profound symbol of the local Mon community’s history and their deep spiritual devotion to the late, revered abbot, Luang Pho Uttama.

Depending on the time of year you visit, this ancient sanctuary offers two completely different, breathtaking experiences:

✨ Seasonal Highlights & Architectural Features

• ☀️ The Dry Season (March – May): Walk Inside the Ruins During these months, the reservoir’s water levels drop significantly, completely revealing the old concrete ordination hall (ubosot). Visitors can step off the boats and actually walk inside the roofless structure.
  • Mon Artistic Accents: Look closely at the surviving walls to see traditional Mon architectural reliefs, including triangular, palace-like spire designs crowning the windows and doors.
  • The Sacred Buddha Niches: The interior walls still display niches that once held 2,500 small Buddha images, though many have eroded or broken away over time due to underwater currents.
  • Spiritual Heart: Outside, broken stone Buddha heads rest peacefully, while inside, a portrait of Luang Pho Uttama is set up for visitors to pay their respects. Charming local Mon children often greet tourists here, selling fresh flowers and offering their services as enthusiastic local guides.
• 🌧️ The Wet & Cold Season (June – February): Cruise the Mystical Waters Following the rainy season and through the winter, the water rises and completely submerges most of the temple. During this time, the attraction can only be explored by boat. You will see the upper tips of the temple walls and the old bell tower piercing through the misty water’s surface—creating a hauntingly beautiful, mirror-like reflection. For the adventurous, some foreign tourists even arrange private diving trips to explore the completely submerged structures below.

📜 History: The Legend of Sam Prasop

The original Wat Wang Wiwekaram was constructed in 1955, built entirely through the faith of the Mon refugees and villagers under the leadership of Luang Pho Uttama. The temple was uniquely situated at “Sam Prasop” (The Three Confluences)—a historic meeting point where three rivers—the Songgaria, Bikhli, and Ranti—merge to form the famous Kwai Noi River.

In 1984, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) constructed the Khao Laem Dam (now known as Vajiralongkorn Dam) for hydroelectric power. The reservoir’s subsequent flooding completely submerged the old Sangkhlaburi district town center, including over 1,000 Mon village households and the original temple complex under an expansive body of water. The authorities successfully relocated the community and rebuilt the new Wat Wang Wiwekaram on a high hill to the west. The original site was left beneath the lake, transforming over the decades into the iconic “Sunken Temple” celebrated today.