Wat Phothivihan, Thai Buddhist temple in Tumpat, Malaysia

Wat Phothivihan is a Buddhist temple in Tumpat with multiple buildings in bright colors and roofs covered in golden tiles. At the center lies a giant reclining Buddha statue that dominates the space.

Wat Phothivihan was established in 1973 by abbot Phra Krurasapia Chakorn. The 40-metre reclining Buddha was built from 1975 and completed in 1979, when it was recognised as one of Malaysia's two reclining Buddha statues and the largest in Southeast Asia until a 66-metre statue at Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple in Myanmar surpassed it.

Most devotees are ethnic Thais, as the temple follows Theravāda Buddhism, but the grounds also hold a Chinese Pavilion and a Tibetan-style hall with an 18-armed statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara and Phra Phrom, the four-faced deity. Thousands of Thai pilgrims visit each year.

Visitors should expect unpaved paths with stairs leading to different areas of the temple. The best time to visit is in the morning when it is less hot and the sun is not directly overhead.

Beneath the reclining statue is a columbarium where families keep urns with photographs of their deceased loved ones. This hidden space combines Buddhist tradition with personal memorial areas.