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.