Wat Thang Sai
Spectacular views
Published/Last edited or updated: 21st June, 2021
More on Ban Krut
Conspicuously located on a headland at the northern end of Ban Krut, this 15-metre tall golden Buddha and associated wat is the area’s best known landmark.
Travelfish says:
It’s beautiful, and the hilltop perch offers stunning views of the coastline both to the north and the south (though better to the south as trees now obscure much of the northward aspect), along with inland towards the Burmese border.
The seated Buddha isn’t at the summit but still offers great views to the south, west and east. A couple of drink stalls are here, should you need to refuel. From here, pass by some towering guardians and follow the stairs up to the modern temple—you can see its many spires easily from the surrounds. It’s from here that you can enjoy views to the north, both from the railing and a grassy area behind the wat.
Wat Thang Sai is easily reached by hired bicycle or motorbike from Ban Krut beach, or you can walk—it took us about an hour to walk there from Siripong Guesthouse. Note the upper wat doesn’t open until 09:00, so you’ll have to jump the fence if you want to wander around earlier. The seated Buddha isn’t gated so you can visit there at any time to enjoy the view.
Contact details for Wat Thang Sai
Address: Northern headland, Ban Krut
Coordinates (for GPS): 99º34'46.74" E, 11º21'32.33" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Admission: Free
Reviewed by
Stuart McDonald
Stuart McDonald co-founded Travelfish.org with Samantha Brown in 2004. He has lived in Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia, where he worked as an under-paid, under-skilled language teacher, an embassy staffer, a newspaper web-site developer, freelancing and various other stuff. His favourite read is The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton.
