Wat Saman Rattanaram – The Giant Pink Ganesh Temple in Chachoengsao
Wat Saman Rattanaram is one of Thailand’s most unique temples. Located on the banks of the Bang Pakong River in Chachoengsao, it is famous for its massive pink statue of the Hindu deity Ganesh. A visit blending faith, folklore, and vibrant colors.
- Thai name: วัดสมานรัตนาราม
- Location: Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao
- Distance from Bangkok: approx. 80 km
- Entry: free (donations welcome)
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Visit duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Key feature: Thailand’s largest Ganesh statue
A temple like no other
At first glance, Wat Saman Rattanaram looks more like a theme park than a traditional temple. Its centerpiece is a 22-meter-long, 16-meter-tall pink Ganesh, reclining peacefully with one hand raised in blessing. This unique depiction has become a popular pilgrimage site for those seeking prosperity, wisdom, and success.
A vibrant spiritual hub
Surrounding the giant Ganesh are dozens of shrines dedicated to Hindu, Buddhist, and Chinese deities. Visitors come to pray, offer incense, make merit, or draw fortune sticks. The temple grounds are lively and festive, especially on weekends and religious holidays.
Here, faith meets folklore, with colorful altars and statues celebrating a wide pantheon of figures, from Thai legends to Taoist guardians.
You can discover several mythical figures such as:
- Indra sitting on the elephant Erawan.
- Brahma.
- Luang Phor Pratanphorn (an image of Buddha that brings luck and good health to those who have faith in it).
- The joyful pink Ganesh lying down,
- Phra Rahu,
- Musika Rat,
- Guanyin Bodhisattva.
Secrets with Musika Rat
Rat Musika is the rat or mouse that hears secrets and passes them on to Ganesh. If you want something, you must whisper your wish into the mouse’s ear. Then, the mouse asks Ganesh for a blessing so that your wish will come true. The secret to making a wish is to cover the mouse’s other ear while you make your wish to prevent it from escaping. At the end of your confidences, you must make a small offering.
A festive riverside experience
The temple also has a marketplace atmosphere: vendors sell snacks, amulets, religious souvenirs, toys, and local desserts. It’s a place of devotion, but also of leisure and community.
Weekends are crowded, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and the rush.
How to get there
Wat Saman is around 15–20 minutes by tuk-tuk or taxi from downtown Chachoengsao. From Bangkok, the easiest way is to combine a train ride to Chachoengsao Junction with a local transfer. Private cars or minivans can also stop directly at the temple.
Bring sun protection and water — the site is large and mostly open-air.
Also read:
