Wat Kalayanamit
“The True Friend”
On the West bank of the Chao Phraya river
Bangkok
Wat Kalayanamit is an attractive temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya river. Not visited by many tourists, its main attraction is a 16 meter tall Buddha image.
“The True Friend”
Wat Kalayanamit was built in 1825 by a Thai Chinese trader. The name of the temple translates to “The True Friend”, because the trader donated the temple to King Nangklao, Rama III. The Chinese origin shows in the architecture of the temple.
Chinese and Thai styles
Wat Kalayanamit is a mixture of Chinese and Thai architectural styles. On the grounds are chedis, pavilions and statues in both Chinese and Thai styles.
The second class Royal temple is enclosed by an inner courtyard. The main buildings are a viharn housing an enormous Buddha image, an ubosot and the monks’ living quarters.
Chedis and pavilions
It is most fun to get to the temple by boat. Walking from the pier towards the temple you will see two Chinese style pavilions flanked by two chedis, one in Chinese style, another in Thai style.
Further down, a Thai pavilion leads to the viharn, the main building.
Large viharn
The largest building of Wat Kalayanamit is its viharn, the assembly hall. Completed in 1825, the viharn enshrines an enormous gold Buddha image.
16 Meter tall Buddha image
The 16 meter tall image named Luang Pho To is the largest sitting Buddha image in Bangkok. In Chinese known as Sampokong, the brick and mortar image covered in gold leaf is in the Subduing Mara mudra.
Largest bronze bell in Thailand
To the right of the viharn stands a bell tower housing a huge bell. Weighing 13 tons, it is the largest bronze bell in Thailand.
The ordination hall
The ubosot, the hall where new monks get ordained, houses a Buddha image seated on a high pedestal. Its walls are adorned with beautiful murals.
Chinese statues
Around the grounds are Chinese statues of animals, soldiers and mythical creatures. The stone statues and the Chinese style chedis were used as ballast on Chinese trader ships on their way to Bangkok in the 19th century.
Active temple
Wat Kalayanamit is an active temple. To this day, mainly Chinese Thai worship at this temple. The monks’ quarters, where the resident monks live, are at the back of the temple.
Historic Kudi Chin area
Wat Kalayanamit is located in an area known as Kudi Chin, a historic area on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya river. The area was settled by Portuguese, who fled Ayutthaya after its destruction in 1767.
To this day Portuguese influence is still visible. There are several Portuguese bakeries in the area, on the bank of the river stands the Santa Cruz Church, founded by Portuguese settlers.
Nearby attractions
Right next to Wat Kalayanamit is the Kian Un Keng shrine, an ancient Chinese shrine dedicated to Guanyin. 200 Meters down river stands the Santa Cruz Church.
On the other side, across from the Bangkok Yai canal, is the Wichai Prasit Fort, an old fort built to defend the city.
If you follow Arun Amarin Road further North for a little over one kilometer, you will get to Wat Arun, the temple of dawn.
Location
Wat Kalayanamit is located at 372 Arun Amarin Road on the West bank of the Chao Phraya river, a few hundred meters from Wat Arun.
How to get there
River boat
To get there by boat, take a Chao Phraya Express river boat to either Yodpiman pier or Rajinee pier (N7). From there, walk a few minutes to Atsadang pier and take the cross river ferry at 6 Baht one way.
MRT Subway
Nearest MRT subway station is Sanam Chai, about 350 meter from Atsadang pier.
Tuk tuk or taxi
If you are not near the river or an MRT subway station, take a taxi or a tuk tuk. Make sure the taxi driver uses the meter or agree on the price with the tuk tuk driver before getting in.
Opening hours
The temple opens daily from 8 am until 5 pm.
Usually the grounds are not crowded, except on Buddhist holidays.
Entrance fee
Admission is free.
Nearby attractions
Other temples in Bangkok
Bangkok’s best attractions
