Dhammakaya Foundation

One of the world's largest Buddhist temple complexes north of Bangkok — a massive stupa, mass ceremonies, and a major meditation centre.

Wat Phra Dhammakaya is located north of Bangkok in Pathum Thani province and ranks among the largest Buddhist temple complexes in the world. Founded in 1977 and expanded into the World Dhammakaya Centre from 1985, the grounds now cover several square kilometers and can accommodate hundreds of thousands of worshippers during mass ceremonies. At its heart is the vast disc-shaped Dhammakaya Cetiya stupa, covered in over 300,000 gilded Buddha statues. The temple is the headquarters of the Dhammakaya movement, a reform tradition within Theravada Buddhism, and draws pilgrims from across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Entry is free, but a dress code applies.