Wat Tha Sai (Wat Tes Tammanawa)

Wat Tes Tammanawa — known locally as Wat Tha Sai — sits on Tha Sai beach in Thai Mueang district, Phang Nga, built around an ordination hall made entirely of teak: 23.10 metres long, 8.30 metres wide, and 13.54 metres high. It’s said to be the only all-teak seafront ubosot in southern Thailand. Entry is free, daily 08:00–17:00.

Experience

The temple began in 2003, when Phra Ajarn Winai Rattanavanno arrived to establish a monk’s residence on the site; it received formal recognition as a temple, named Wat Tes Tammanawa, on 27 October 2010. The teak ordination hall built up around that residence is the reason to visit — solid teak joinery standing close enough to the water that waves reach its base at high tide. Wood-carved panels around the building depict the Ten Perfections of Buddhist practice as visual riddles, meant to be studied rather than read at a glance.

Atmosphere & Timing

This is a working temple on an open beach, not a tourist complex — expect sea breeze, sand underfoot, and a handful of resident monks rather than crowds. Early morning or late afternoon suits photography best, when low sun catches the teak grain and the tide is usually further out. Thai Mueang district sits between Phang Nga town and Khao Lak, so a stop here works well as a half-hour break on that drive rather than a dedicated day trip.

Insider Tip: Slow down at the carved panels around the ordination hall — each depicts one of the Ten Perfections as a puzzle rather than a straightforward scene, and it’s easy to walk past without noticing the detail.

Watch out: The ordination hall sits close to the shoreline — at high tide, waves can reach its base, and there’s little shade on the approach. Bring water and check the tide before visiting.

Practical

Wat Tha Sai (Wat Tes Tammanawa) is located in Thai Mueang district, Phang Nga, a short drive from Hat Thai Mueang and Ban Bo Dan Hot Spring. View on Google Maps.