Wat Bang Riang is a spectacular Temple complex on top of Khao Lan Mountain in Thap Put which is in Phang Nga Province and it is well worth the trip.
Towards the top of the mountain you will come across a huge car park, stop here for some photos but then carry on driving to the top where there is another car park and a coffee shop. From here you can explore everything at Wat Bang Riang.
Wat Bang Riang’s proper name is Wat Rat Upatam. Once you walk up to the beautiful Pagoda called Chedi Phutthathambanlue walk over to the right for some magnificent views out over the countryside of Kwan Yin the Chinese Goddess of Compassion and further in the distance Phra Nak Prok a beautiful large Golden Buddha.
There is a 20baht entrance fee to enter the Pagoda which is beautiful. You can also walk down the stairs to see the above statues close up.
To visit Wat Bang Riang from Phuket is about a 2 hour drive and 1.5 hours from Khao Lak.
A slow steep drive to the car park gets you right at the entrance that has dragons the whole length of the driveway leading up to the Temple.
The 20 Baht entry fee is well worth it, the view overlooking the large statues on the hillside is spectacular.
Inside the Temple it is as you would expect with intricate carvings, gold and very brightly coloured and the sense of calm and tranquility.
Do remember the dress code but should you forget, they supply you with a pair of rather large pants!
Well worth a visit.
Just short of 5 stars for mine (but not much). Perched high on a small mountain and offers great views back down towards the Phang Nga delta. Very quiet on our visit and extremely peaceful. As far as Wats go this is standard fair but in very good condition and the extreme peacefulness makes it a must visit. Coffee vendor a bit average - 60 baht for an under-sized serve and indeed not that good.
This is one of the more beautiful temples of Southern Thailand. It is only accessible by driving there. Some parts are not maintained well and good fitness is needed if you are to see everything as there is some strenuous walking.
This place is beautiful! Make sure you make a stop at the Ship Temple before you go to the main temple. Its amazing! The temples are beautiful, every detail so intricate, the main temple itself is very beautiful and the monks strictly enforce a dress code, so make sure you dress appropriately, although you can purchase clothing to wear before you enter the temple. Please be respectful.
The views are spectacular as are the carvings and details. Make sure you spend time to just relax and take in the serenity.
I loved the Goddess of Compassion statue, she is so beautiful and the views out to look at her is breathtaking.
Will be going back in 16days :)
