The pagoda on the boat
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Wat Ban Na Muang Boat Temple

4.5
·297 reviews·Rai Noi, Thailand

A visually stunning temple featuring unique architecture, including a main structure built on a royal barge, and a serene lake with a second temple bo...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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The pagoda on the boat

Wat Ban Na Muang Boat Temple

Best Time

Anytime

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A visually stunning temple featuring unique architecture, including a main structure built on a royal barge, and a serene lake with a second temple boat.

4.5
(297 reviews)

"You will be wowed from the entrance gate on. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Bring small change for food

10-20 Baht for fish and turtle food. Try the far end of the boat for hungrier fish!

🚶‍♀️ Explore the lake path

Walk the path around the lake for different perspectives of the second temple boat.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Royal Barge Temple

The Royal Barge Temple

Main temple structure

A breathtaking temple uniquely built on a grand royal barge, complete with oarsmen.

Reddit
Lake Temple Boat

Lake Temple Boat

Lake at the back of the grounds

Discover a second, charming temple boat nestled in a serene lake, offering picturesque views.

Reddit
Fish & Turtle Feeding

Fish & Turtle Feeding

Surrounding waters

Engage with abundant catfish and turtles by purchasing food pallets to feed them.

Reddit+1
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Feeding the Fish & Turtles

Bring small change for fish food (10-20 Baht) to feed the massive catfish and turtles. Be mindful that fish near the entrance can be overfed; try the far end of the boat for more enthusiastic eaters. Avoid feeding birds. Reddit+1

Temple Boat Architecture

Marvel at the unique temple architecture, especially the main temple built on a royal barge. A second, smaller temple boat is located in a lake at the back, offering different viewpoints. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Bring small change for food

10-20 Baht for fish and turtle food. Try the far end of the boat for hungrier fish! Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the lake path

Walk the path around the lake for different perspectives of the second temple boat. Reddit

🗑️ Keep grounds clean

Please don't leave food bags on the ground; dispose of them properly. Reddit

🚫 Don't feed the birds

Focus on feeding the fish and turtles; birds are not meant to be fed here. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Bring small change for food

10-20 Baht for fish and turtle food. Try the far end of the boat for hungrier fish! Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the lake path

Walk the path around the lake for different perspectives of the second temple boat. Reddit

🗑️ Keep grounds clean

Please don't leave food bags on the ground; dispose of them properly. Reddit

🚫 Don't feed the birds

Focus on feeding the fish and turtles; birds are not meant to be fed here. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(297 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the unique and breathtaking architecture of the temple, particularly the main structure built on a royal barge. The opportunity to feed the abundant fish and turtles is a major draw, offering an interactive and enjoyable experience. While the temple is generally peaceful, some note that fish near the entrance can be overfed.

"You can easily spend an hour and a half at least, taking in this breath taking Temple and all its glory, not to mention the location. For 10 Baht you can also buy some food pallets and go down to feed the huge fish. Would I recommend?, Yes."

Paul Ó Conchúir

"A temple close to city & airport where you can come to feed the massive catfish in a lake or let animals like turtles / snails go free where locals are not allowed to catch them like in a local river. It is a guesture of giving another beings freedom that will reflect in your own life"

Rob the Nomad

"First time I see turtles with fishes. The main building is a temple on a boat and surroundings waters are full of fishes. Its also the first time I see turtles swimming amongst the fishes in these temple based basins. They sell fish food and bread crumbs for 10/20baht respectively near the boat entrance. Note that fish near the entrance are rather overfed and wont eat much but if you go to the farthest end of the boat they are a lot more enthusiastic to the sight of food. Don't throw your bags on the ground when you are done feeding the fish and take a minute to grab those lying on the ground, left there bad mannered visitors. Also, don't feed the birds. Enjoy"

DominiQC Asean

What People Like

Unique boat temple architecture
Feeding fish and turtles
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Fish near entrance overfed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wat Ban Na Muang Boat Temple is conveniently located close to the city and airport. You can easily reach it by taxi or a local songthaew (shared taxi). The journey is relatively short, making it an accessible attraction. Reddit

Yes, there is good parking available at the temple grounds, which is helpful for visitors arriving by private vehicle. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no explicit entrance fee mentioned for the temple itself. However, you can purchase food for the fish and turtles for a small fee of 10-20 Baht. Reddit

The temple is generally accessible throughout the day. Visitors have reported enjoying their time there at various hours, suggesting it's open from morning until early evening. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire the unique temple architecture, especially the main temple built on a royal barge. You can also feed the large catfish and turtles in the surrounding waters and explore the second temple boat in the lake. Reddit+1

Most visitors find that an hour and a half is a good amount of time to fully appreciate the temple and its surroundings, including feeding the fish. Reddit

Yes, you can buy food pallets for 10-20 Baht to feed the massive catfish and turtles. It's a popular activity for visitors. Reddit+1

It's a place of worship, so dress respectfully. Also, be mindful of the environment by not leaving food bags on the ground and refraining from feeding the birds. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there isn't extensive dining available within the temple complex, you can purchase small food items like fish food and bread crumbs for feeding the animals. For full meals, it's best to dine in Ubon Ratchathani city. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

The main royal barge temple offers stunning photographic opportunities. The path around the lake also provides unique angles for capturing the second temple boat and the serene water. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed in the temple grounds. However, always be respectful and check for any specific signage regarding photography inside the main temple buildings. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wat Ban Na Muang Boat Temple offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The highlight for children is undoubtedly the opportunity to feed the large catfish and turtles. Purchasing food pallets for a small fee provides an interactive and memorable activity that kids will love. Reddit+1

The visually striking temple built on a boat is also sure to capture young imaginations. Exploring the grounds and the second temple boat in the lake can turn into a fun adventure. Remember to bring small change for the animal food and encourage children to be respectful of the temple environment. Reddit

🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Culture Enthusiasts

For those interested in unique religious sites, Wat Ban Na Muang offers a fascinating glimpse into creative temple architecture. The main temple designed as a royal barge is a remarkable sight, blending spiritual significance with artistic expression. Reddit

Beyond the visual appeal, the act of releasing animals (by feeding them and giving them freedom) is seen by some as a gesture of compassion that can reflect positively on one's own life. Reddit The serene atmosphere of the temple grounds, especially around the lake, also provides a peaceful environment for reflection and contemplation. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Architecture of Wat Ban Na Muang

Wat Ban Na Muang is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, setting it apart from traditional temples. The most striking feature is the main temple structure, which is built upon a replica of a royal barge. This elaborate design, complete with oarsmen figures, creates a visually captivating spectacle. It's a testament to creative religious art and a significant draw for visitors seeking unusual sights. Reddit

Beyond the primary barge temple, the grounds also feature a second, smaller temple boat situated in a tranquil lake. A scenic path encircles this lake, offering visitors different vantage points to admire the structure and its watery reflection. This dual temple boat design adds to the temple's unique charm and provides ample opportunities for exploration and photography. Reddit

The temple's location, described as being close to the city and airport, makes it an easily accessible yet serene escape. Its clean and tidy grounds, coupled with good parking, further enhance the visitor experience, making it a top Wat in Ubon Ratchathani for its unusual design. Reddit

Interacting with Wildlife at the Temple

A beloved activity at Wat Ban Na Muang is the opportunity to feed the abundant catfish and turtles that inhabit the temple's waters. For a small fee (around 10-20 Baht), visitors can purchase food pallets to offer to these creatures. This interactive experience is a highlight for many, offering a moment of connection with nature within the temple grounds. Reddit+1

Travelers often note that the fish near the entrance can be quite full due to frequent feeding. For a more enthusiastic feeding session, it's recommended to head to the farthest end of the boat, where the fish are more eager for a meal. This tip ensures a more engaging experience for those looking to participate in this activity. Reddit

It's important to note that while feeding the fish and turtles is encouraged, visitors are advised not to feed the birds and to dispose of any food packaging responsibly. This helps maintain the natural ecosystem and cleanliness of the temple grounds, ensuring a pleasant experience for all. Reddit

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