“Marvel at the exquisite contemporary Thai-style chapel hidden within a lush, shady oasis along Sukhumvit Road a spiritual heart that offers true peace and blessings”
Phutthivararam Temple, locally known as Krating Rai Temple, is a religious site of significant historical and spiritual importance in the Bang Lamung district. Situated near Sukhumvit Road, the main artery leading to Pattaya, it remains a surprisingly bright and orderly sanctuary despite its proximity to the bustling economic zones. Upon entering this sacred ground, visitors are met with a sense of clarity and peacefulness, making it a key destination for Buddhists seeking to pay respect to sacred artifacts and admire invaluable Buddhist art in an atmosphere full of charm and coolness.
The key highlight is the exquisite Thai-applied architecture, particularly the grand chapel decorated with intricate motifs and golden stuccowork that perfectly blends traditional heritage with modern elegance. Inside, the principal Buddha image is characterized by grace and compassion, attracting tourists and photographers from all over to admire the intricate beauty of Thai craftsmanship. It is a place to capture stunning images that are not only visually appealing but also carry deep spiritual meaning, unique to this specific temple.
Beyond its material beauty, the temple is the spiritual heart preserving the local heritage of the Nong Pla Lai community for generations. Visitors can immerse themselves in the deep-rooted faith of the locals through simple yet sacred traditions like morning alms-giving. This offers a genuine cultural tourism experience that is hard to find in major tourist cities, allowing guests to understand the essence of local devotion while receiving blessings for an auspicious start to their day or a significant journey in life.
How to Get There
- Private Car: Drive along Sukhumvit Road towards Pattaya; the temple is located on the left side in Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict (before reaching North Pattaya). The entrance gate and the sign for Temple Phutthivararam are clearly visible.
- Public Transport: You can use a van or bus from Bangkok to Pattaya, or take a white songthaew (Naklua-Chak Ngaeo line) and ask the driver to stop in front of Temple Krating Rai.
Travel Tips
- Recommended to visit in the morning to avoid the heat and participate in morning merit-making with locals. This time also offers soft natural light perfect for architectural photography
- As it is a sacred site, please wear polite attire shoulders and knees covered. It is customary to remove shoes before entering the chapel
- The most popular photo spot is in front of the golden chapel, where the sunlight hits the structure beautifully during the morning and late afternoon
Admission Fee:
- Free of charge
Opening Hours:
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Open Daily: 06:00 – 18:00