Tham Mangkonthong Temple

The Cave Temple of the Golden Dragon, just outside Kanchanaburi town, is well known for the 'floating nun', a Buddhist nun or 'mae chi' who meditates while floating on her back in a deep pool of water. Now in her late 70s, she rarely meditates on the water anymore, but she frequently comes to the pool and gives the visitors her blessing. The nun has, however, passed on the floating tradition to a younger disciple. Thais come from all over the country to witness the deeply spiritual performance.

The temple is only 4 km from the provincial capital on the bank of the Khwae Noi River. The pool is located in the cave high up from the main temple compound. You have to follow the steep stairs with handrails carved in the form of a dragon up the limestone outcrop. There's a nice view of the valley from the top.

To get to Tham Mangkonthong Temple, go south along Saeng Chuto Road, turn left at Chukkadon Road, cross the river and the temple is just a short distance on the right. A songthaew will take you there for a few baht.

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