“Pay respect to the Giant Silver Buddha and the 21-meter Reclining Guan Yin, explore a riverside Mahayana temple on the Tha Chin River, and enjoy herbal foot soaking and merit-making rituals for health and blessings”
Wat Thammapanyaram Bangmuang also known as “Heng Seng Yi Shrine” is the only Mahayana (Vietnamese Annam Nikaya) Buddhist temple in Nakhon Pathom Province. Located along the Tha Chin River, it is surrounded by orchards and a long-established Chinese-Thai community in Sam Phran District. The site originally began as “Heng Seng Tu Joss House,” founded over 100 years ago as a spiritual center for Chinese immigrants settling in the Tha Chin River basin. It was officially upgraded to a Buddhist temple in 2005. The temple’s architecture beautifully blends Chinese and Thai styles, featuring dragon motifs, red lanterns, and intricate wood carvings typical of Mahayana Chinese temples, while still maintaining a serene Thai temple atmosphere. This combination creates a calm, solemn, and sacred environment distinct from most temples in central Thailand.
How to Get There
- By car: From Bangkok, take Phetkasem Road heading toward Sam Phran District. Turn into Soi Thian Dat or Soi Wat Roman (Phetkasem Soi 126), then follow the signs to “Rong Je Alley” or “Wat Thammapanyaram Bang Muang.” The temple is located at the end of the alley along the Tha Chin River, with convenient on-site parking available.
Travel Tips
- Dress modestly as this is a Mahayana Buddhist religious site. Avoid sleeveless shirts and shorts, and speak quietly within the temple area.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and better lighting for photography along the riverside.
- Bring small cash or coins for donations, fish feeding, or participating in ritual activities.
- If you wish to join purification ceremonies, merit-making, or birth-month rituals, check the temple’s schedule in advance.
- After paying respects, you can relax by the river, enjoy herbal foot soaking, or walk through the surrounding orchard area for a peaceful experience.
Admission Fee:
- Free of charge
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM