Visit Wat Bang Kung (Amphawa)

This temple is probably the most iconic in Amphawa District, known for its roots and branches of banyan tree which over the centuries have surrounded and locked the building, it houses a golden Buddha. The building dates from Ayutthaya period. It is externally and internally quite simple. These are the roots and leaves of the trees that surround and dominate the temple making it the trunk of a huge tree that make it remarkable. Here a fierce battle between Siam and Burmese invaders took place in the 18th century. Today, Khai Bang Kung is both a Buddhist temple and a memorial to heroic warrior. Next to the temple, there are statues depicting scenes of fighting and Muay Thai. When the Burmese withdrew in 1768, Khai Bang Kung was forgotten and banyan trees have took over the temple. As part of the bicentennial celebrations in 1967, the Thai government launched a restoration of the site and erect commemorative statues of King Taksin and soldiers who fought for him. Before the temple, near the river front, there is a small zoo and a few planes.

Located along the Mae Klong River, 6 km from Amphawa, Wat Bang Kung temple is one of five proposed by the 5 temples boat tour starting from Amphawa floating market. Several agencies offer this tour during the day.

Wat Bang Kung is a temple and when you visit a temple in Thailand there are some rules to know and follow:

• Dress properly (knees and shoulders should be covered)
• Take off your shoes when entering the buildings
• Be quiet
• Don't hug or kiss
• Don't point your feet to Buddha's image
• Don't smoke