Wat Khao Sukim

Temple

A hilltop forest meditation temple north-west of Chanthaburi, with sweeping views over the orchards and a large museum of devotees' offerings, from porcelain to Buddha images.

Wat Khao Sukim Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsChanthaburiKing Taksin the Great ShrineWat Khao Sukim

Wat Khao Sukim essentials

Country: Thailand
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Baht (฿)
Language: Thai
Emergency: 191

Wat Khao Sukim is a hilltop meditation temple in Tha Mai District, north-west of Chanthaburi town, set in a large forested estate above the province’s fruit orchards. It belongs to the Thammayut order and was founded in the early 1970s around the monk Somchai Thitawiriyo, a wandering forest monk who settled on the hill, which local people regarded as sacred. He became one of the most widely revered meditation teachers in eastern Thailand.

The temple is still an active centre for vipassana (insight) meditation, and lay visitors can stay for retreats. For day visitors, the draws are the views over the green countryside from the terraces and a large museum of offerings from the monk’s followers.

Exploring Wat Khao Sukim#

  • The museum: housed on the upper floor of one of the main buildings, it is crammed with gifts from devotees: stone and bronze Buddha images, Chinese porcelain, old weapons, pots and household objects, and lifelike wax figures of famous forest monks such as Ajahn Mun.
  • The terraces and views: the temple buildings spread across the hillside, with wide views over orchards and forest.
  • The climb: a long staircase leads up the hill. There is also a lift for those who’d rather not climb.

This is a working monastery and meditation centre. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), keep your voice down, and remove your shoes before entering the halls.

When to Go

Weather & Climate near Wat Khao Sukim#

Climate

Wat Khao Sukim's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2274 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 62 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
DecemberJanuaryFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 20° - 31° 25° 18 mm partly cloudy 74% 1.7 m/s 1.7 very high 11.4h
February Excellent 21° - 31° 26° 33 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.0 m/s 1.8 very high 11.6h
March Good 23° - 32° 29° 77 mm partly cloudy 74% 1.9 m/s 2.0 very high 12.0h
April Good 24° - 32° 31° 118 mm overcast 76% 1.7 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.3h
May Acceptable 24° - 32° 31° 278 mm overcast 84% 1.6 m/s 2.0 very high 12.6h
June Acceptable 24° - 30° 27° 396 mm overcast 89% 2.1 m/s 1.9 very high 12.7h
July Good 23° - 30° 27° 316 mm overcast 90% 2.2 m/s 1.9 very high 12.7h
August Good 23° - 30° 27° 335 mm overcast 91% 2.1 m/s 1.9 very high 12.4h
September Good 23° - 30° 26° 405 mm overcast 91% 1.4 m/s 1.8 very high 12.1h
October Good 22° - 30° 26° 246 mm overcast 89% 1.5 m/s 1.8 very high 11.7h
November Excellent 21° - 30° 26° 47 mm partly cloudy 86% 1.8 m/s 1.7 very high 11.4h
December Ideal 20° - 30° 25° 5 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.0 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Wat Khao Sukim#

Wat Khao Sukim is about 20 kilometres north-west of Chanthaburi town and is easiest to reach by car, taxi or hired songthaew from town. It combines well with a visit to the gem-mining hill of Khao Phloi Waen.