Wat Khao Sukim

Wat Khao Sukim is a hilltop meditation temple in Tha Mai district, Chanthaburi, founded in 1966 by the monk Luang Pu Somchai Thitaviriyo. A free electric tram — or the 349-step naga staircase — carries visitors to the summit shrine hall and an antiques museum. Entry is free, open daily 6:30am to 5pm.

Experience

The temple grounds cover roughly 3,280 rai (about 1,300 acres) of forested hillside after Luang Pu Somchai spent decades turning wild forest into a working monastery. A multi-storey hall known as the 60th Anniversary Building houses the temple’s museum: Buddha images in stone and metal, antique Chinese ceramics, gongs, knives and swords donated by the public, and wax figures of revered monks, including Luang Pu Waen and Luang Pu Wan. The newer ubosot (ordination hall) holds mural paintings by Chakrabhand Posayakrit, who took on the work in 1997 as a tribute to his teacher Luang Pu Somchai and was named a National Artist in painting in 2000.

Atmosphere & Timing

Thai pilgrims and Bangkok day-trippers both visit, but the grounds are large enough to absorb the crowds — the summit hall and museum stay calm outside major merit-making holidays. Arrive early if you want to see monks going about their morning routine.

Practical

Wat Khao Sukim sits near Khao Khitchakut National Park, about 20 kilometres from downtown Chanthaburi, reached via three signed turnoffs from Sukhumvit Road (Highway 3): Km. 305 at Ban Huai Sathon, the Ban Noen Sung intersection, or Km. 324 at Khao Rai Ya intersection.

Insider Tip: Skip the wait for the free tram on Thai public holidays by taking the 349-step naga staircase instead — it’s slower, but you’ll largely have it to yourself.

Watch out: Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. This is a functioning monastery, not a photo backdrop, and the summit hall is used for worship year-round.

Visitor Information

• Entry Fee: Free (Thai nationals: Free)

• Contact: 0 3949 5243

• Website: www.khaosukim.org

Wat Khao Sukim is roughly 20 kilometres from Chanthaburi town, with Namtok Phlio National Park also within reach for the same day.