The Century-Old Mahayana Sanctuary & Iconic 7-Story Chinese Pagoda Standing gracefully right next to the famous Wat Tham Suea, Wat Tham Khao Noi offers a beautiful cultural contrast. Founded in 1883 by a revered Chinese monk named Luang Pu Haeng (Kak Ngeng) and later beautifully restored by Phra Ajarn Tiep Tho, this peaceful sanctuary is one of Kanchanaburi’s oldest and most significant Annam Nikaya (Vietnamese-Chinese Mahayana Buddhist) temples.
While its neighbor dazzles with golden Thai architecture, Wat Tham Khao Noi charms visitors with authentic Mahayana art, vibrant tiled walls, roofs decorated with traditional clay tiles, and colorful stucco dragon-fish (Pla Mangkon) sculptures on the gables. The temple’s most prominent landmark is its towering 7-story Chinese pagoda (Kiri Borommathat Pagoda) that stands proudly on the hilltop.
......The joyful statue of the Mahayana Bodhisattva, affectionately known as the “Big-Bag Buddha.”Intricately crafted statues of the 18 Arahants (enlightened disciples) inside the main hall..The central shrine hall dedicated to Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), the Goddess of Mercy.The Goddess of Mercy.The walking steps leading up to the mountaintop shrine complex.The scenic hilltop viewpoint looking out over the beautiful Mae Klong River.Continuing the journey up to the majestic 7-story Chinese pagoda.Inside the pagoda, each floor features a sacred Buddha image enshrined at its center..Reaching the 7th floor, home to the sacred Kiri Borommathat Pagoda and holy relics.
✨ Highlight Attractions & Experiences
The Hall of the “Big-Bag Buddha” & 18 Arahants: Inside the main vihara, pay respects to the large, smiling statue of the Bodhisattva, affectionately known as “Luang Pho Yam Yai” (The Big-Bag Buddha). According to legend, he was always joyful and carried a large cloth bag filled with toys to distribute to children. Flanking him are the finely crafted statues of the 18 Arahants, each representing a unique spiritual puzzle and story in Mahayana tradition.
The Guanyin Shrine & Five Buddhas Vihara: Visit the central hall to pray to Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin), the Goddess of Mercy, and explore the Five Buddhas Vihara located at the back, built in classic Mahayana style.
The 7-Story Hilltop Pagoda: Climb up the majestic 7-story Chinese pagoda. Each floor offers a peaceful atmosphere and traditional artwork, leading up to the top where sacred relics are enshrined.
Spectacular Panoramic Viewpoint: Look out from the upper levels of the pagoda to enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of Tha Muang district, the Mae Klong Dam, sprawling green rice fields, and a magnificent side view of the neighboring Wat Tham Suea.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours: Open Daily from 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Admission: Free Entrance
Dress Code: Polite attire is required (shoulders and knees covered).
Wat Tham Khao Noi is a century-old Mahayana Buddhist temple belonging to the Annam Nikaya (Vietnamese-Chinese) sect. Founded in 1883, the sanctuary initially served as a monastic residence for its very first resident, a Chinese monk named Luang Pu Haeng (Kak Ngeng). Recognizing the spiritual and cultural significance of this hilltop site, Phra Ajarn Tiep Tho, a prominent Mahayana monk, later initiated extensive restorations, transforming the temple into the exquisitely beautiful complex seen today.
✨ Top Things to Do & See Inside the Temple
Pray to Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin): Start your visit on the ground floor by paying respects to the beautiful statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism.
Admire Rare Chinese-Vietnamese Architecture: The temple boasts stunning artistic details that are rarely seen in Kanchanaburi. Look closely at the building walls adorned with vibrant colored mosaic tiles and intricate patterns. The roofs are laid with traditional semi-cylindrical clay tiles (Grap Kluay style), and the roof gables are crowned with beautifully colored stucco sculptures of Dragon-Fish (Pla Mangkon), symbolizing transformation and prosperity.
Visit “The Big-Bag Buddha” & The 18 Arahants: Inside the main vihara, you can worship the plump, joyfully smiling statue of the Bodhisattva whom locals affectionately call “Luang Pho Yam Yai” (The Big-Bag Buddha). According to legend, he was a monk who embodied absolute happiness; wherever he traveled, he carried a large cloth bag slung over his shoulder filled with toys to distribute to local children.
Spiritual Wisdom: Flanking the Big-Bag Buddha on both sides are the statues of the 18 Arahants (enlightened disciples). Each statue represents a unique spiritual puzzle (Dharma riddle) deeply rooted in Annam Nikaya lore. Located directly behind this hall is the Vihara of the Five Buddhas, constructed in classic Mahayana tradition.
Take in the Views from the 7-Story Pagoda: Climb to the top of the majestic 7-story Chinese pagoda to enjoy one of the best vantage points in the area. From here, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Tha Muang district, the massive Mae Klong Dam, and sprawling, vivid green rice fields. It also offers an incredible, close-up side perspective of the architectural grandeur of the neighboring Wat Tham Suea.
