Mahattamangkalaram Temple (Wat Hat Yai Nai) — Attraction in Songkhla Province

I visited Mahattamangkalaram Temple, also known as Wat Hat Yai Nai, during my trip to Hatyai, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable stops of my journey. This temple is home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Thailand, measuring about 35 meters long and 15 meters high. Seeing it in person was truly breathtaking — photos don’t do justice to its size and presence.

The environment here is very quiet and peaceful, which made the visit even more special. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down, take a deep breath, and just enjoy the calm surroundings. The reclining Buddha is housed under a huge pavilion, and there is even a prayer area inside the base of the statue where visitors can pay their respects or take a moment for reflection. It felt meaningful to step inside and experience this side of Thai Buddhist culture.

I also found it interesting that the temple is located right next to a local school and a wet market. While walking around, I could hear the sounds of daily life — children playing at school, vendors chatting at the market — which gave the whole place a unique charm. It feels very connected to the local community rather than just being a tourist attraction.

I learned that this reclining Buddha was built in the early 1970s and was later officially named by King Rama IX. Once a year during Songkran, locals gather here to apply gold leaf to the heart of the Buddha, which is considered very auspicious.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Mahattamangkalaram Temple if you are in Hatyai. It’s free to enter, easy to reach, and offers a peaceful atmosphere plus a chance to see one of Thailand’s largest reclining Buddhas up close. A beautiful and meaningful stop on any...

Mahattamangkalaram Temple (Wat Hat Yai Nai): A Sanctuary for Travelers (5/5 Stars)

Rating:

• Atmosphere: 5/5 (Peaceful, serene, and welcoming) • Service: 5/5 (Friendly monks and a special donation program) • Overall Experience: 5/5 (A cherished tradition and a source of peace and blessings)

Overall: 5/5

Mahattamangkalaram Temple (Wat Hat Yai Nai) holds a special place in our hearts. Donkey and I, along with our riding buddies, always make a point of visiting this temple whenever we embark on a road trip to Thailand. It's become a tradition for us, a way of seeking blessings for a safe and successful journey.

We always feel a sense of peace and serenity within the temple's walls. The monks are incredibly friendly, and the temple has a special donation program where you can contribute old clothes and snacks for the monks. They even bless you with a golden marker, writing Sanskrit blessings on your helmet or other belongings.

We're grateful for the temple's protective presence over our many trips in and out of Thailand. We always feel blessed and safe when we visit, and it's become a cherished part of our road trip rituals.

If you're looking for a spiritual sanctuary with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, we highly recommend a visit to Mahattamangkalaram Temple (Wat...

Mahattamangkalaram Temple (Wat Hat Yai Nai) holds a special place in our hearts. Kitty and I, along with our riding buddies, always make a point of visiting this temple whenever we embark on a road trip to Thailand. It's become a tradition for us, a way of seeking blessings for a safe and successful journey.

We always feel a sense of peace and serenity within the temple's walls. The monks are incredibly friendly, and the temple has a special donation program where you can contribute old clothes and snacks for the monks. They even bless you with a golden marker, writing Sanskrit blessings on your helmet or other belongings.

We're grateful for the temple's protective presence over our many trips in and out of Thailand. We always feel blessed and safe when we visit, and it's become a cherished part of our road trip rituals.

If you're looking for a spiritual sanctuary with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, we highly recommend a visit to Mahattamangkalaram Temple (Wat...