🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you're driving through Uthai Thani toward Nakhon Sawan and spot the sign for Wat Tha Sung, it's worth pulling in at least once. The temple was built and developed by Luang Por Phra Rajaphrommayan, better known as Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam, a revered meditation master with followers across the country. It sits on the Sakae Krang River about 12 kilometres from Uthai Thani town, on grounds so large you can spend hours just wandering — and the one thing everyone comes to see is the glass viharn.
The 100-metre glass viharn — the star of the temple
The glass viharn is a long hall mirrored top to bottom with small glass tiles and mosaic — floor, columns, walls, all the way to the ceiling. When outside light filters in and catches it, the whole room glints like the inside of a jewel box. At the far end sits a large white Buddha image to pay respects to, and on the other side a glass casket holds the body of Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam, where a steady stream of followers come to bow.
- Mirrored from end to end — handmade glasswork and mosaic worked into every square metre. Step inside and you'll understand why it's called the glass viharn.
- Large white Buddha image — the main point to pay respects inside the hall, and it looks striking against the mirrored walls.
- Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam's body in a glass casket — the spot followers come specifically to bow before. Keep it especially calm and quiet around here.
- A peaceful atmosphere — even with crowds, people inside stay fairly composed and quiet, so it feels more peaceful than you'd think.
Glass viharn session times
The glass viharn isn't open all day — it opens in sessions. Generally the morning session runs around 09:00–11:45 and the afternoon session around 14:00–16:00, with a midday closure in between. If you arrive right when it's closed between sessions, go look at the Golden Castle or other spots first, then circle back for the next session. Checking the times on-site is the surest bet, since festival periods can shift the schedule.
Want more out of Uthai Thani? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
The Golden Castle, gilded end to end
The other spot you shouldn't skip is the Golden Castle, or Prasat Thong Kanchanaphisek — a castle-style building covered in gold Thai patterns from top to bottom. It was built as a royal offering of merit to mark the 50th year of His Majesty King Rama IX's reign. The Thai architecture is finely detailed, and it photographs well both outside and in — it's the second most popular photo spot after the glass viharn.
Other spots worth a wander
The grounds are huge, so if you have time there are plenty more spots to stroll without rushing. The breeze off the Sakae Krang River keeps it cool, and you can keep walking at an easy pace.
The ordination hall and mondops
Several white Thai-patterned buildings spread across the grounds — you can move from one to the next paying respects, and the architecture is finely done throughout.
Along the Sakae Krang River
One side of the temple meets the river, with spots to sit in the cool breeze and watch riverside life and passing boats. A good place to rest your legs before walking on.
Pavilions and gardens
Shaded areas and open grounds for an easy stroll, with rest spots and shops selling souvenirs, amulets, and the temple's sacred objects.
Opening hours, entry, and what to prepare
- Temple hours — generally around 08:00–16:00 for walking the grounds, while the glass viharn opens in morning and afternoon sessions as noted above.
- Entry — entering the temple and viewing the glass viharn is free, no admission fee. Make merit as you wish at the donation boxes.
- Dress code — it's a temple, so dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. You'll need to remove your shoes for the glass viharn, and the mirrored floor can be slippery, so walk carefully.
- Time to allow — the grounds are large, so allow at least 1.5–2 hours if you want to see both the glass viharn and the Golden Castle.
- Getting there — about 12 kilometres from Uthai Thani town; driving is easiest, and there's a large car park.
Straight talk
Long weekends and festival periods get very busy — both the car park and the glass viharn fill up. If you want a calm atmosphere and easy photos, come on a weekday or arrive right when the morning session opens, and you'll have far more room to wander.
Pair it with more in one day
Wat Tha Sung is close to town, so once you're done you can easily loop in other spots the same day. Here's a half-day route that fits together nicely.
Morning market + Wat Tha Sung
On to the old town
Keep planning your Uthai Thani trip — pick a riverside stay near the old town
See the Uthai Thani travel guide →