Wat Mongkolratanaram is a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple at 5306 Palm River Road in Tampa, beside the Palm River. Its colorful buildings, garden statues and shaded waterfront grounds make a peaceful place to explore. On Sundays, the grounds fill with food stalls serving Thai dishes and desserts, with picnic tables by the water for eating. Go for the market as well as the temple, and leave time to enter the main building respectfully: shoes come off before you go inside.
A Thai temple on the Palm River
Wat Mongkolratanaram is a Thai Theravada Buddhist temple and cultural gathering place at 5306 Palm River Road in Tampa. The temple grounds sit beside the water, with gardens, shaded areas and picnic tables near the river. The colorful buildings have traditional architectural details, and a garden with dragon statues adds another place to look around.
The temple is a place of worship, so treat the grounds and people gathered there with respect. Remove your shoes before entering the temple. Dress with covered skin; shorts and skirts are not allowed, according to the guidance provided for visitors.
The Sunday market
On Sunday mornings, food stalls bring a different pace to the grounds. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Thai dishes, drinks and desserts. Beef soup, Pad Thai, pumpkin curry, mango sticky rice, fried bananas and Thai iced tea are among the foods associated with the market. Arrive early if there is a particular dish you want, since popular items can sell out.
Food is sold at separate stalls, each with its own line. You choose a stall, join its queue and pay for the dish there. Bring cash, as a visitor notes that the market uses cash only. When you have your food, the picnic tables by the river provide a place to sit and eat.
Taking time on the grounds
The temple visit can be more than a market stop. Walk through the garden and around the buildings, then take a quiet break by the water. The main temple building is open to visitors who remove their shoes, and the Sunday gathering gives a glimpse of the community’s religious and cultural life. Keep the temple’s role as a place of worship in mind as you explore, and follow any guidance given on site.
Häufige Fragen
When is the Sunday market?
The market runs on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arrive early if you have a particular dish in mind, as popular items can sell out.
What food can you get at the market?
Options associated with the market include beef soup, Pad Thai, pumpkin curry, mango sticky rice, fried bananas and Thai iced tea.
Should you bring cash?
Yes. The market is described as cash only, so bring cash for food purchases.
What should you wear to the temple?
Dress with covered skin and avoid shorts and skirts. Remove your shoes before entering the temple.
