🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Thai Watthanaram sits in Tha Sai Luat sub-district, Mae Sot, in Tak province, about 5 kilometres from central Mae Sot. It's a temple built by the local Shan (Tai Yai) community generations ago, originally named "Wat Mae Tao Ngio" — or as people nearby still call it, "Wat Thai Yai." Its charm is the fully Burmese architecture: the tiered, palace-style roofs, the stucco work and the gilding all carry an unmistakable Myanmar feel the moment you walk in.
This is both a working temple where Mae Sot locals come to make merit and a stop that almost every visitor includes, since it sits close to the Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge, is easy to reach, and is free to enter.
Highlights worth seeing inside
The giant reclining Buddha
A reclining Buddha roughly 40 metres long head to foot, housed in an open-sided hall at the back of the temple. It's the most photographed spot here — stand beside it and you realise just how big it really is. The best angle is shooting lengthwise so you fit the whole figure in.
The Mahamuni hall
Inside sits a replica of the Mahamuni Buddha, modelled on the original in Mandalay — one of Myanmar's most revered images. It's held in deep respect by the Shan and Burmese communities in Mae Sot.
The nine-spire pagoda (Konawin Pagoda)
A gleaming gold Burmese-style pagoda with nine spires, built around 1968, with eight smaller stupas ringing the central one. It's dressed with bells and golden hamsa pillars in the Burmese tradition. Catch this corner in soft morning or late-afternoon light for the richest gold tones.
Beyond those three, there's a gold prayer hall with patterns carved into its red walls, a pair of golden hamsa swan statues, and plenty of corners that are pleasant to wander and photograph. Plan on about 45 minutes to an hour to walk the whole temple — that's about right.
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Hours, entry fee and dress code
- Hours — daily, roughly 07:00–18:00 (it's a working temple, so mornings are quieter and easier for photos)
- Entry — free, no ticket, but there's a donation box if you'd like to contribute toward the temple's upkeep
- Dress code — dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, since people come here to pray; take off your shoes before entering the prayer halls
- Best time — morning (soft light, fewer people) or late afternoon; skip midday when the temple grounds get hot
Tip
The reclining Buddha is in the open hall at the back. Some people wander the front of the temple and miss it entirely. When you arrive, ask for directions or head straight in toward the back first so you don't skip the main highlight.
Getting to the temple
The temple is just off the Asia Highway (Route 12) in Tha Sai Luat, before you reach the Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge. From central Mae Sot it's about a 10–15 minute drive, and from Mae Sot Airport it's only a few kilometres. Follow Route 12 and the temple is on your right; there's parking on site.
Private car / rental
The easiest option, with parking on site. Ideal if you're continuing on to the Friendship Bridge or Rim Moei Market.
Rental motorbike
You can rent one in central Mae Sot and ride straight down Route 12 — quick and flexible, good for solo travellers or couples.
Tuk-tuk / hired ride
If you're not driving, you can hire a tuk-tuk or local ride in town to drop you off and wait. Agree on the price before you get in.
What to do nearby
One nice thing about Wat Thai Watthanaram is that it's in the Tha Sai Luat zone, close to several other spots, so it's easy to put together a half-day trip.
- Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge — the border crossing over the Moei River, where you can look across to Myawaddy on the Myanmar side and take a few photos
- Rim Moei Market — a border market selling Burmese goods, jewellery, snacks and souvenirs; an easy place to shop afterward
- Central Mae Sot — head back into town for khao soi, Hainanese chicken rice, or Burmese food around lunchtime
Plan a full day in Mae Sot and Tak
See the Tak travel guide →