Wat Tham Suea, Kanchanaburi

Wat Tham Suea sits on a hill above the Mae Klong river plain south-east of Kanchanaburi, and its landmark is Luang Pho Chinnaprathan Chinnarat, a seated Buddha about eighteen metres high finished in gold mosaic, with a belt of smaller figures around the base and an eight-tiered chedi behind it. The approach is by a stairway of 157 steps flanked by naga balustrades, or by a small inclined cable car for those who would rather not. From the terrace the view runs over the flat rice country, the river and the irrigation weir, and on a clear day a long way in every direction. A neighbouring hill holds Wat Tham Khao Noi, a Chinese-style temple with a multi-tiered pagoda, and the two are usually visited together - they are visibly different traditions a few hundred metres apart. The site is unshaded and the steps and terrace are hot from mid-morning.

What you actually see

• The seated Buddha - about eighteen metres in gold mosaic on the terrace.
• The 157 steps - the naga stairway, with a cable car alternative.
• The plain view - rice country, the Mae Klong and the weir below.
• Wat Tham Khao Noi - the Chinese-style pagoda on the neighbouring hill.

When to go

November to February, early or late - the terrace is unshaded and hot. One to two hours covers both temples on the two hills.

Honest expectations

157 steps or a small cable car that does not always run. No shade on the terrace. Temple dress code applies. The two hilltop temples are close but the walk between them is in full sun.

Nearby

Wat Tham Khao Noi is on the next hill; Kanchanaburi town is north-west.