วัดพุทธแสงธรรม
Wat Buddhasaengdham
A Thai Buddhist temple in the heart of Panama City, Florida — a quiet place for prayer, meditation, and community. Everyone is welcome, Buddhist or not.
Welcome · Sawasdee
A piece of Thailand in the Florida Panhandle
Wat Buddhasaengdham is home to Panama City's Thai and Buddhist community. Resident monks lead chanting and meditation, families gather to make merit and share a meal, and neighbors from every background stop by out of curiosity — and stay for the food and the calm.
Whether you come to pray, to meditate, to taste real Thai cooking, or simply to see what a Thai temple is like, the gate is open every day, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. (The Thai food market is on Sundays only.) No experience, membership, or belief is required — just come as you are.
Every Sunday
Sundays at the Temple
The temple is open every day, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM — and Sunday is our main gathering day. The food market runs on Sunday morning, the community gathers mid-morning for chanting and meditation, and the market wraps up by early afternoon. Food is sold on Sundays only, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Food Market Opens
The Sunday Thai Food Market starts serving in the red pavilion — food is sold on Sundays only.
Chanting & Meditation
Join the monks and community in the main hall for Pali chanting followed by quiet meditation. Newcomers are welcome to simply sit and listen.
Food Market Closes
The food market wraps up for the week. The temple stays open until 6:00 PM — and the market returns next Sunday!
🅿️ Good to know: Parking is free on site. The food market is cash only — please bring cash, as cards are not accepted.
Sunday Thai Food Market
Real Thai food, cooked by the community
Every Sunday, the temple's red pavilion turns into a Thai food market. Local Thai cooks serve homestyle dishes and desserts you won't find on most restaurant menus — it's how many Panama City neighbors first discover the temple, and why they keep coming back.
- Sundays, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PMCome early — popular dishes sell out.
- Cash onlyNo credit or debit cards accepted at the market.
- Free parkingPlenty of free on-site parking in front of the pavilion.
Watch · Sunday Scenes
Sundays at the market, in motion
Short clips from a Sunday at the food market — the line at the counter, neighbors at the tables, and families under the pavilion. Tap any clip to play.
Photos · Sunday Market
Sunday at the market, in pictures
Real moments from a Sunday morning at the temple — fresh food at the wok station, Thai desserts at the counter, and neighbors and families sharing lunch under the pavilion.
Temple Activities
Ceremonies & festivals at the temple
Beyond the Sunday gatherings, the temple hosts the great occasions of the Thai Buddhist calendar — the Kathina robe-offering ceremony after the rains retreat, Songkran (Thai New Year) in April, and chanting and blessing ceremonies in the main hall throughout the year. Thai and American neighbors celebrate side by side.
New Here?
Visiting for the first time
Never been to a Buddhist temple? You're in good company — many Sunday visitors haven't either. A few simple customs help everyone feel at home:
Dress comfortably & modestly
Casual clothes are fine. Shoulders and knees covered is appreciated inside the hall.
Shoes off in the hall
Leave your shoes at the door of the main hall — it's the Thai custom, and socks are welcome.
Just ask
Not sure what to do? Anyone here will happily show you. A smile and a slight bow — the Thai wai — is always a good start.
Plan Your Visit
Find us on Cherry Street
Address
Wat Buddhasaengdham
6505 Cherry Street
Panama City, FL 32404
Hours
Open every day: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Food market on Sundays only: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Chanting & meditation Sundays at 10:30 AM.
Phone & Email
Follow the temple page for event news, festival announcements, and Sunday updates.
Gallery
Around the temple grounds