Largest display of it’s kind in California: Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple
Simply nothing like it in the State of California.
Have you been to this one-of-a-kind attraction in Stockton, California? It is named one of the top things to do, according to TripAdvisor, and the most Instagram-worthy place to visit in Stockton! For those who have not come across the Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple in southeast Stockton, you will be spellbound by the remarkable collection of statues peppered throughout the temple grounds. Each with a unique story of the Cambodian Buddha.
If you are looking to tour the temple grounds and monastery in the near future, read on for ways to enhance your experience.
Know Before You Go
Respect and obey all Temple rules before entering. Here is a short list you may find helpful before your visit the Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple in Stockton, California.
- Download the Cambodian Buddhist Temple Guide, print it, and then bring it with you. This guide will help you better understand the remarkable story behind this stunning display.
- A monk is allowed to eat food between sunrise and 12 noon. So be respectful of their meal times when visiting the Temple grounds.
- Women are not allowed to touch or walk in front of a monk.
- Take off your shoes and hat before you enter the Temple.
- If you enjoyed your visit, small monetary donations are welcome. There are small metal boxes next to most statues which you can insert your donations.
- The Temple is constantly being renovated by monks and Temple members with the help of generous donations by visitors, and state grant money. The Temple is currently in Phase 1 of a multi-layer project.
Getting There
The Temple can be found in the middle of a residential neighborhood in southeast Stockton and is conveniently located off Highway 99 at 3732 Carpenter Road.
Traveling from Sacramento: Take the Mariposa Road exit from Highway 99. Turn left and continue east on Mariposa. Take a sharp right onto Carpenter Road and the temple is to the left.
Traveling from Los Angeles: Take exit Arch Road from Highway 99. Merge right onto Arch Road and take an immediate left onto Kingsley Road (Highway 99 Frontage Road). Turn right onto Carpenter Road and the temple is to the right.
Free to the Public
Not only is the temple a stunning visual and spiritual treat, it is free for visitors to experience from sunrise to sunset. This includes free ample parking on the temple grounds.
Best Time To Visit
This spectacular attraction is free and open to the public year-round. While the ideal time of day to visit the temple grounds is generally in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is pleasant and cool, the best time of year to visit is in April.
The Annual Cambodian New Year Celebration, held the second week of April, draws thousands to one of its major festivities on the temple grounds. The multi-day celebration is a feast for the senses in cultural and authentic foods, offering a unique flair in performances on the main stage, and an abundance of Khmer original artwork and handmade crafts.
As Seen on KVIE Public Television
Huell Howser, best known for his show on public television, "California's Gold," visited Stockton Cambodian Temple in September 2007. In this episode, he featured members of the temple hand-carving and painting the statues in action. Be sure to watch Huell Howser's how below to hear why there is nothing else like it in Northern California.
If you can't make it out to the Temple, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and culture from the comfort of your own couch with this 360 virtual tour.
Header image courtesy of @davidhcollier
Learn more about the Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple and access our free, self-guided tour page today! You can message us 7 days a week for assistance on shopping, dining, and things to do in Stockton.
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