Dhammakaya Temple (UFO temple / ghost temple)
 

In my quest for quirky and different things to do, I’m thinking of going to Dhammakaya Templ north of Bangkok. Is it actually a cult? I’ve heard it described as something like a Buddhist Scientology. Sounds safe enough so I may go today.

If I’m up that way, are there other interesting places I could visit afterwards that would make sense logistically? Prefer to take public transport as I have more time than money. I’ve already been to Ayutthaya.

Would love to visit Lopburi Monkey Temple and other attractions in Lopburi but it seems it would take even longer than I care to travel; better taking a train to Lopburi directly from Bangkok?

UPDATE: I’ve almost arrived at Dhammakaya Temple. Took twice as long as a 600 baht grab but the BTS / bus trip was less than 100 baht. And I have a lot of fun being in areas with no farang in sight.

Could use an interesting attraction on the way home back to Sukhumvit 24.

Yes.

with a lot of money and influence...

I just finished the tour. I enjoyed it. What a vast space. Mostly empty though. Reminds me of Scientology—vast wealth and land holdings but few members.

Aside from having to wear their white over clothes for the tour, at least it didn’t feel very cult-like. No love bombing or lots of personal questions.

Glad I went. Was something different. There’s a documentary about the group I hope to watch at some point in the future that is evidently balanced. Can’t remember the name but it could be “Come With Us.”

Took a two hour tour and the tour group size was 1: just myself lol.

They tried to get me to fill a donation envelope at the end of the tour, but I politely declined: “Maybe next time.” I don’t give money to cults.

Wish I knew some other cool place to go in this area. Will have lunch and try to come up with something since I’m already so far out and don’t much feel like returning to the city.

How about the Royal Thai Airforce Museum? That’s on the way home off the BTS Sukhumvit Line.

Answer: Just visited the Thai Royal Airforce museum. It’s right on the BTS on the way home. Free admission and quite fun. They even seem to have free flight simulators.