Wat Thai DC Buddhist Temple
Call now
Call now
Website
Call
Wat Thai DC Buddhist Temple
We are happy to introduce you to our temple. Our endeavor is to provide a place where people just like you can have a life-changing experience with the Buddha. The temple serves the people in the community and in the greater Washington metropolitan area in many ways. At Wat Thai, D.C., our doors are wide open to people from all backgrounds, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey.

May the Buddha and his teachings be with you. The Kathina robe receiving and the ritual of Kran Kathina show the unity of the monks and their generosity in enhancing the reputation of the chosen monk who has done a really good deed that should be recorded in his biography. Online giving is simple, easy, and also reduces post office trips, posts and week/monthly check-writing chores.
Services
Welcome to the Wat Thai in Washington, D.C. was built from the collective body and strong faith of the Thai Buddhists, especially those who live in the Washington metropolitan area. The temple is common property to all. To be able to successfully build a Thai temple outside Thailand demonstrates and confirms the togetherness and unity of the Thai people and Thai society with common goals and a strong Buddhist faith.
Whether you are looking for care and support, a place to grow in your faith or an opportunity to serve the community - we can help you find your fit and connect with others who share your interests. We are happy to introduce you to our temple. Our endeavor is to provide a place where people just like you can have a life-changing experience with the Buddha.
Whether you are looking for care and support, a place to grow in your faith or an opportunity to serve the community - we can help you find your fit and connect with others who share your interests. Small groups have one, simple purpose: to bring people together. We believe Kamma or Action created us to live in relationship with others and only then can we live the full life He intends for us.
Wat Thai Washington, D.C. is the largest Buddhist institution in the United States opened as a Thai temple and also for the propagation of Buddhism. The Temple offers both in theory and in practice on Buddha teachings. On the theory: the temple has opened Sunday school for basic studies in Buddhism, and in Buddhist culture.
Reviews (18)
Suvaluxana Singivipulya
Suvaluxana Singivipulya
Oct 26, 2021
Report
Thai nurse in Baltimore have activity to make a Merritt , went for cooking every 3rd Wednesday of the for many years I am so lucky to join them today Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu.
Greg Davis
Greg Davis
Dec 18, 2020
Report
Great spiritual experience even for those of us who are not buddhists.
T. Dearborn
T. Dearborn
Aug 01, 2020
Report
Visited this weekend and was greeted by kind people. The Executive Director, Jack was so pleasant and answered all of our questions and was interested in us and our lives. Come visit for breathtaking Buddhist shrine and cozy carpeted temple
Figueroa Esq
Figueroa Esq
Jan 05, 2020
Report
Came in to learn about Thai Buddhism. Came out meeting so many interesting and wonderful human beings.
They not only do they make you feel at home, its none of the pressure to join, asking for money or talk without missing a beat about how bad are you and you're going to hell if you don't go to church.
Just plain simple people enjoying everyone else and accepting you for who you are.
The head Monk is just as everyone else, willing to jump in to take care of things.
Wonderful place to go to meditate and just be yourself. In addition, if you want, learn about the rich culture, food and religion
Thyda Sok
Thyda Sok
Dec 09, 2019
Report
Unfortunately I forgot to asked the number from the lady sale the clothes from Thai, so how can I find her? A lot of people asking me where can they buy the clothes like me?
MinhHoang Nguyen
MinhHoang Nguyen
Oct 16, 2019
Report
If you want to park near by the temple to walk in, you are better there before 8:00 am. However, shuttle bus services are good too!
Mahesh Kumar
Mahesh Kumar
Jan 29, 2018
Report
Vandami Bhanteji, It is very beautiful. I am love Buddhism because buddha teaching that life living in peace for gain knowledge from the nature for better life. I am remember daily panchsheel & asthsheel regularly. I want work to humen being as well as all birth in the nature because firstly & lately I am living in the nature. Buddha Dhamma Sabgha bless you.
Vincent Wong
Vincent Wong
Jul 28, 2017
Report
This place is Awesome when it comes to the Wat Thai festival. It's not only a feast for the eyes, and ears, but also for your stomach. The smells from everyone cooking great food, and making amazing drinks, just simply breezing through the air, you have to come, and try for yourself.
Mindy T.
Mindy T.
Apr 17, 2017
Report
If you're contemplating about going to the yearly Songkran Festival, think no more. Come one, come all... but go early! The temple grounds get packed fast. Hungry folks line up for freshly made mango sticky rice and boat noodle soup as early as 8:30am. WORTH. THE. WAIT.

Parking is extremely limited at the temple, but there is free parking at the Glenmont metro station with a shuttle that takes you to the temple. Otherwise, street parking in the neighborhood is available, but it is discouraged. There were huge tour buses that pulled up too, so I guess people come from all over for this event
Phi N.
Phi N.
May 07, 2015
Report
I go to this every year. Food is excellent and cheap. If you go early enough, the lines aren't too bad. Might not be for you if you're impatient though.

The lady with the flower in her hair has the best mango sticky rice. And she provides an option to have black sticky rice and custard too. I'm not sure which person it is, but there is one line that has amazing boat noodles too.

Most people end up eating on the hill. Maybe bring a blanket to sit on if you plan on staying a while, especially if the ground is wet/moist.

Parking can be kind of difficult; most park in the neighborhood
Joann B.
Joann B.
Apr 14, 2015
Report
I was invited by a friend to check out the festivities for the Thai New Year. They had two parking options, park at the neighboring school - Barrie or park at the Glenmont metro stop and catch the shuttle. The festival was jam packed. There were tons of food stands and a handful of vendors at this event. There was no shortage of food and some lines went faster than others. Overall the food and drink quality was pretty good - noodles, soup, bbq pork, chicken, sticky rice, crepes, papaya salad, etc. etc. The merchandise vendors didn't seem to be selling too many things that are Thai related
John H.
John H.
Apr 19, 2014
Report
As an American who lived in Thailand for ten years, I used to visit Wat Thai DC often once I returned to the US. Because I speak intermediate level Thai I got along well enough there. They are generally sincere monks and good decent lay supporters. However, I must be honest and say that Wat Thai DC is very much a Thai temple for Thai people. The focus of this temple is more social and cultural and less about Dhamma and meditation. How friendly they are with non-Thais depends a lot on which monks happen to be around at the moment. It can be an interesting place to visit, but if you're a non
Ann K.
Ann K.
Apr 14, 2014
Report
I made it to the temple this year for the Thai New Year, Songkran Day. The parking at Glenmont Metro station with shuttle bus to the temple works out really well. We came early at 10 am in time for offering food to the monks and poured the water onto the Buddha statue. They had a songkran parade at almost 1 pm.

There were many food and Thai costume tents. It is kind of hard to find a place to sit and eat. I wish they put more tent for the people to sit and eat. A mat will do too.

They have an event like this every year. Hope to make it here again next year.
Opie M.
Opie M.
Apr 13, 2014
Report
Happy Thai New Year's,

I finally made it to this Festival, more pad Thai and chicken satay that I could shake a stick at, was hoping for some peanut curry. was most surprised you can buy various types of small thai chili plants.
This is the best combination of new year and spring festival of ever been to.
I heard secondhand about this I didn't have time to be there for the folk dancing.

Next year I'll bring a shaking stick.
And park at the Glenmont Metro.
Catherine T.
Catherine T.
Apr 13, 2014
Report
Happy Thai New Year! went to the temple today, i suggest going early for the new year there's limited parking and you'll have to walk far if you don't get a good spot. it's pretty hot every year i go so dress appropriately because it is a temple.

during the new year they have long lines in the hot blistering sun, but eating the food at the end of the day makes it so worth it because it's all so good!
Ross M.
Ross M.
Jul 06, 2012
Report
Looks like there are 2 listings on yelp for this temple.

I enjoy coming here for the new years festival when they have all the food vendors. It gets extremely crowded with people parking all over the place including up to a 1 mile away on all the surrounding side streets. Tip: Park at the metro and take the free bus. When it's not a crowded festival, the temple offers meditation practice with the monks. Everyone is welcome, and they really do make you feel relaxed. Normally on the weekends there is a larger group of people offering food to the monks. Many of the monks speak pretty good English
Minger M.
Minger M.
Sep 04, 2009
Report
I'm not part of the Thai community but have been here two years in a row for their New Years celebration. It is festive and so fun and tasty. You see all manner of Thai food that you never see in the restaurants. It is Thai food for Thai people. Too bad New Years doesn't come to the temple more often. Do go inside the Temple to see the monks and their ceremonies.
Vannie N.
Vannie N.
Jan 11, 2009
Report
Great place to celebrate the Thai New Year. And Good FOOD!!

I have gone to this Wat (Temple) for about 6 years for Thai New Year. Although, I am Vietnamese I have been to numerous Thai temples since I was 12 years old, thanks to my sister-in law that is Thai. The Wat usually celebrate the Thai New Year at the Wat on that same week on Sunday and its in April. This celebration is NOT only for Asians but also for the Non-Asians that likes to explore other cultures. There are numerous food vendors selling for $5.00 and up. The food ranges from papaya salad, pickled mango, pho, lard na, grilled chicken