Wat Tham Ta Pan - Phang Nga Town
Unique Buddist Temple Depicting Heaven and Hell
THAILAND: PHANG NGA
Wat Tham Ta Pan is one of the strangest original temples in southern Thailand. Located around 100 km northeast of Phuket, the site offers a journey through Buddhist Heaven and Hell with the latter depicted in graphic – and sometimes gory – fashion.
On arrival, Wat Tham Ta Pan looks a bit abandoned and decrepit, which simply adds to the eeriness of the place. This temple is not wideley visited by tourists and is therefore a peaceful setting, when we visited we were the only ones there. You’ll see a fountain at the entrance, where there are five sculptures of monks. Each holds a bowl that represents wealth, beauty, happiness, cleverness, and health. Try throwing a coin in the bowl of your choice. If you succeed in landing one in, your wish will come true.
Heaven Cave
Next to the small shop, there's a huge Chinese dragon with a wide-open mouth waiting for you to enter. This is the beginning of your ‘journey’ through representations of Buddhist Heaven and Hell. The inside of the dragon has a long and dark tunnel, with just a few tiny windows lighting your path.
At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the entrance to a deep cave. Pray at the small shrine on your left before heading towards the Nirvana section, right at the end of the cave. It takes about a 10-minute walk along a dark track with bridges crossing a river to reach the end, which has two Buddha statues symbolising Heaven.
Make sure you climb the stairs to the top of the pagoda for stunning views over Phang Nga town and beyond.
Buddhist Hell
Buddhist Hell ('Naraka' in Sanskrit and 'Na Rok' in Thai) awaits you if you do not follow the five precepts of Buddhism during your life:
Abstain from taking life (thou shall not kill).
Abstain from taking what is not given (thou shall not steal).
Abstain from sexual misconduct (thou shall not commit adultery).
Abstain from false speech (thou shall not lie).
Abstain from fermented drink that causes heedlessness (eschew drunkenness).
A visit to Wat Tham Ta Pan can be a really scary experience, so it isn't recommended for young children although our teenagers were amused! Scenes showing torture applied to sinners are vivid and straightforward, leaving no space to the imagination.
Visiting Wat Tham Ta Pan
Opening times 08.30 - 18.00 Entry is free although donations are appreciated. We spent an hour here exploring the sculptures and admiring the views from the top of the pagoda.
When visiting a Buddhist temple, it's essential to dress modestly and respectfully. This means covering your shoulders, knees, and midriff.
There are a few buildings in the centre of the temple grounds, including with a small shop selling snacks and drinks. An area behind these buildings offers a walk up a cliff through a garden dotted with statues of animals. The cliff displays sculptures and representations of Indian deities, such as Ganesh and Akhilandeshvari.
Wat Tham Ta Pan is a one-of-a-kind temple that's well worth a visit, simply due to its weird originality. It is an easy walk from Phang Nga town centre and you can self guide, you will only need about an hour. Hire a local guide if you want to learn about the various concepts represented at the temple, which has touches of Buddhism, Hinduism and even Taoism.
Where to stay in
Phang Nga
Phang Nga Town itself may not be as popular as some of the nearby tourist destinations, but it provides a convenient budget friendly base for exploring the surrounding attractions.
Phang Nga town is mainly built up along the main highway running North / South. There are plenty of accommodation options ranging from simple guest houses right inside the town to 5* resorts and villas on the outskirts.
We stayed at the budget friendly TP Place Hotel which had onsite parking and was easy walking distance from the attractions we visited in the town. We stayed in two rooms next to each other and they accommodated our request for one double bed and two single beds. The rooms were basic but had everything we needed for a quick sleepover in-between exploring the area. There were shops and restaurants within walking distance.
We also stayed at Rachawadee House which had onsite parking directly in front of your room and was easy walking distance to the attractions in town. The nightmarket is next to the guesthouse and breakfast can be located along the main road. There is a washing machine onsite. We stayed in two rooms, one with a double bed and one with twin beds. The rooms were basic but had everything you need for a sleepover after a long day exploring.
You may choose to stay at the mid-range priced 4* Le Erawan Phang Nga Hotel located just outside the main town with large, comfortable and clean rooms.
There is a great selection of inexpensive Thai restaurants dotted along the main highway. If you are looking for western style food there are great restaurants at the lakeside on Thetsaban Bamrung. We can highly recommend Raruen Bar and Bistro which serves Thai and European favourites with live music and great drinks.
The view from our balcony
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