Phra That Bo Ong Pagoda is an ancient religious site located in Bo Ong Village, Pilok Subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province. It is considered one of the most unique cultural and religious tourist attractions in the western border region. The pagoda sits atop a small limestone hill rising from a natural body of water. The golden pagoda, reflected in the water and surrounding mountains, creates a serene and beautiful atmosphere unlike most temples in Kanchanaburi. A long wooden bridge connects the pagoda from the shore to the foot of the hill, a prominent feature that attracts tourists and devotees alike.

Bo Ong community is a small community surrounded by mountains and the waters of the Vajiralongkorn Dam reservoir. Originally inhabited by Karen, Mon, and Thai people of Burmese descent, the area has strongly maintained its simple way of life and traditional beliefs. The pagoda is therefore not only a place for religious ceremonies but also a spiritual center for the villagers for generations. Villagers believe the pagoda is sacred and protects their community, especially during important Buddhist festivals. Villagers and devotees from nearby areas continuously visit to make merit, bathe the pagoda, and perform traditional Mon and Karen ceremonies.

The pagoda is a small, Mon-style stupa, approximately 6 meters high with a base of about 3 x 3 meters. It sits atop a limestone hill in the middle of a body of water, a rare landscape in Thailand. Environmental and cultural scholars, along with local sources, indicate that there is no definitive evidence of when the pagoda was built, but villagers believe it to be an ancient relic dating back many generations. Nearby, there is also a small bell tower with local tales about a bell gifted during the reign of King Rama V, reflecting the significance of this relic to the people in the Thai-Myanmar border region.

One of the key characteristics of the Bo Aung Pagoda is the beliefs and practices passed down through the community. According to traditional beliefs, women are not allowed to ascend to the top of the limestone hill to preserve the sanctity of the site. Women can instead worship a replica of the pagoda at the base. This tradition is still strictly observed by the community today. Tourists visiting should respect the rules and cultural practices of the local people to ensure a positive and respectful experience for the community.

Another charm of Phra That Bo Ong Pagoda is the journey itself. Located amidst a large reservoir, most tourists travel by longtail boat from the pier in Thong Pha Phum district, traversing the mountains and waters of the Vajiralongkorn Dam before reaching the secluded Bo Ong village nestled in the heart of nature. Along the way, visitors are treated to stunning views of rolling mountains, forests, and the simple way of life of the villagers living by the reservoir. This makes a visit to the pagoda more than just a religious tour; it's an experience of immersing oneself in nature, local culture, and the tranquility of a border community that has perfectly preserved its original character.

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How to Get There

• Access is primarily by water. Travelers must take a long-tail boat from Ban Prub Ma Kha Pier (located within the Khao Laem / Vajiralongkorn Dam reservoir). The boat journey through the scenic reservoir takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the village.

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Travel Tips

• Start your trip early to allow enough travel time by boat.

• Check weather and water conditions before departure.

• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for the boat ride.

• Carry drinking water and light snacks during the journey.

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Admission Fees:

• Free admission.

Opening Hours:

• Daily from 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM.