Underwater Old Temple

Underwater Temple is one of most interesting attractions in Kanchanaburi because this attraction is really different from many others. The temple ruin is under the water, where normally we can see only the topmost of the bell tower. Visitors can take a boat to see the ruin in the water, but if they visit this attraction in summer season, March – April in Thailand, the water is dried enough for visitors to walk inside the building to see how it is.

Underwater Temple is the old Wat Wang Wiwekaram, which was built in 1955. The location of this old temple was called Sam Prasob – the hill area having three rivers joining close by. However, in 1984, there was a government project to build Vachiralongkorn Dam (Khao Laem Dam) for creating electricity for people in Thailand. Unfortunately, after the dam built, the water level increased so much that the city area in the district, about almost 400 acres, more than a thousand buildings, including the temple, was drown underwater. The government then evacuated residences from the area. The temple then has been built on the hill of the west of Kwai Noi riverbank. The old temple has also become unseen attraction, known as Underwater Temple since then.

During rainy or winter season in Thailand, visitors can only look around the temple by hiring a boat to the ordination hall area, where some part of the wall would appear on the water if the water is not so much. During summer season, March to April, Those who would like to see around the old building, which the Mon art on the wall can still be seen. There are Mon kids selling flowers in this area also.

To go to this place, visitors can take a VIP Bus or mini bus from Kanchanaburi bus terminal in the city. Those who come from Bangkok can also take a first class bus (Bangkok – Three Pagodas Pass) from Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit), 5 AM or 6 AM.