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Wat Tham Khao Pun

Mueang District, Kanchanaburi

A Scenic Riverside Temple Steeping in World War II History and Natural Wonders Located just 6 kilometers from Kanchanaburi town center, Wat Tham Khao Pun is a highly popular destination, especially among international travelers. This historic riverside temple sits on the banks of the Kwai Noi River and occupies a site that once housed a major prisoner-of-war (POW) camp during World War II. Under the Japanese military occupation, the temple grounds were utilized as a medical center known as the Khao Pun Hospital.

Thanks to its prime riverfront location, visitors can access the temple either by land or by boat. Arriving by river offers breathtaking views of the Kwai Noi riverbed, and the temple features its own pier for boat travelers, along with a beautiful on-site café to relax and unwind.

Key Highlights

1. The Khao Pun Limestone Cave: A wondrous natural cavern filled with sacred shrines.
2. Kwai Noi River Viewpoint: A stunning panoramic lookout over the curving river.
3. The Train Cutting (Chong Khao Khat): A historical railway pass where trains still run today.

This naturally formed limestone cave features a path winding through 9 distinct chambers, each offering unique sights:

1. Phra Phutthasaiyas Chamber (The Reclining Buddha): The very first chamber, housing a magnificent, large Reclining Buddha image.
2. Ja-Ae Chamber (The Peek-a-Boo Room): A connecting hall containing several statues of celestial deities and goddesses.
3. Mai Thao Chamber (The Walking Stick Room): Features a unique limestone formation resembling a hermit’s walking stick, standing tall to support the cave’s ceiling.
4. Sai Yoi Chamber (The Banyan Root Room): Named after the massive banyan tree roots that gracefully weave across the ceiling.
5. Chorake Chamber (The Crocodile Room): Historically featured a limestone formation resembling a crocodile in a central pool (Note: The original crocodile-shaped stone was unfortunately stolen).
6. Pho Pu Ruesi Chamber (The Hermit Room): Houses a statue of a revered hermit in prayer, with smaller stone pillars draped in leopard-print robes nearby.
7. Thep Nimitta Chamber (The Divine Vision Room): Home to several beautifully enshrined Buddha images.
8. Kaew Chamber (The Crystal Room): Located along the same path as the Thep Nimitta Chamber, this room features dazzling, shimmering limestone crystals.
9. Thep Prasit Sophon Chamber (The Elephant Trunk Room): Features natural crystal formations that closely resemble an elephant’s head and trunk.

Historical Significance & “The Energy Portal”

While the exact founding date of this ancient temple remains unknown, historical records from 1870 note that King Rama V visited this cavern. The King remarkably lowered himself through a natural opening at the top of the cave to pay respects to the Reclining Buddha inside.

Today, local villagers believe that anyone who stands directly beneath this cavern opening will be blessed with positive cosmic energy from the sunlight streaming through. Because of this, the opening is famously known as “Chong Rap Phalang” (The Energy Portal).