Angthong Temples

Amphoe Muang

Wat Angthong Worawihan

Constructed in the Bangkok period, Wat Angthong Worawihan in located near Angthong City Hall. This temple originally consisted of two small ordinary temples located next to each other : Wat PhoNgoen and Wat Phothong which were built during the reign of King Rama 4. In 1890 on his boat trip to Phitsanulok, King Rama 5 passed and noticed these two temples. For their improvement, His Majesty the King had these two small temples combined into one and named it "Wat Angthong". Buddhist places of interest include phraubosot ot the ordination hall which was beautifully rebuilt from 1956 - 1957 to replace the old single tiered roof one which was built in 1902. The new ubosot with five rooms in length has one portico in front and another at the back. The hall has a two-tiered roof with the gable ends decorated with monk-rankgin fan designs studded with colored glass. Moreover, more attractions being in the Bangkok period style of art and architecture are Thai-style monk's cells properly located and made of teak ; Sala Kanparain (a pavilion for religious rites or merit-making function) or Teaching Hall ; a chanting hall ; and a beautiful crematorium.

Wat Tonson

Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Angthong municipal area opposite Angthong Technical College, Wat Tonson is an old temple where Somdet Phra Si Muang, a very beautiful seated Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara is enshrined.

Wat Ratchapaksi

Located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, 3-4 kilometers from Angthong City, on Angthong-Ayutthaya Road, Wat Ratchapaksi is famed for large reclining Buddha image similar to size. The image is assumed to have been constructed during or before the Ayutthaya period. Formerly the image was in very bad condition, but currently it has been constructed during or before the Ayutthaya period. Formerly the image was in very bad condition, but currently it has been renovated and is worth visiting.

Wat Suwansewariyaram

Located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in Tambon Taratklord. Amphoe Muang Angthong, is 3 kilometers from Angthong City Hall along the irrigation canal road. The attractions at this temple include the mural paintings on the four interior walls of the ubosot whose art style is of the Bangkok period dating about in the reigns of King Rama 4 and King Rama 5. The paintings were influenced by Western art styles. Others are a reclining Buddha image, 10 meters in length enshrined in the wihan ; an old wihan ; chedi towers and a stucco. Buddha image whose head in made of sand stone in Ayutthaya art style and brought from Wat Phothanon. All these ancient attractions are about one hundred years old.

Wat Thaiyan

Constructed during the Ayutthaya period, Wat Thaiyan is located on the bank of Saladaeng Canal which connects the Noi River with the Chao Phraya River in Amphoe Muang Angthong. In the reigns of King Rama 3 and King Rama 4 of the Bangkok period, the path of allegiance ceremonies were performed at this temple. Another major attraction is that during the rainy season innumerable waterfowls can be seen in the area. Bird watchers are recommended to visit this place during the rainy reason.

Amphoe Pa Mok

Wat Phinitthammasan (Wat Krasop)

Located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in Tambon Bang Plakot, Amphoe Pa Mok, opposite Wat Pamok. Its former name was Wat Krasop. (Later it was mispronounced as Krasop). Main attractions at this temple include the old wihan which was constructed in the late Ayutthaya period and renovated with minor alterations ; 3 Buddha image enshrined in the wihan and a large seated Buddha image, painted white in the posture of subduing Mara placed in the open. At this temple there is a pier where ferries to Wat Pamok which is on the other side of the river are available. (More convenient than by road by which the journey must be started from the city and driven back for another 10 kilometers.)

Wat Pamok Worawihan

Located in the municipal area of Tambon Pa Mok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, 18 kilometers from Amphoe Muang Angthong on Highway No. 309 (Angthong - Ayutthaya),This temple noted for housing one of the most beautiful reclining Buddha images in Thailand. The image is 22.58 meters from the topknot to the feet, made of brick and mortar and covered with gold. It is assumed to have been constructed in the Sukhothai period. The miracle story of the image is told that at the site of Wat Pamok, formerly there were two temples located next to each other : Wat Talat and Wat Chipakhao. This large reclining Buddha image floated along the river and sank in front of these two temples. People worshipped and pulled the image up and left it on the river bank. In the Royal Chronicle, it is mentioned that King Naresuan the Great before leading his army to attack Phra Maha Upparacha of Burma stopped at this temple gathering his troops and paid homage to the image. In 1728 in the reign of King Thaisa, the King came to control the removing of the image from the river bank which was destroyed by the river current to be enshrined in a new wihan at Wat Talat, 168 meters from the bank. King Thaisa then had these two temples fused into one and named it "Wat Pamok" according to Mok trees which were abundant in that area. Attractions at this temple are various e.g., Wihankhian, the mondop enshrining the four Buddha footprints etc.

Wat Thasutthawat

Located on the east bank of the Choa Phraya River in Tambon Bangsadet. If accessed by Highway No. 309 (Ayutthaya - Angthong), the temple entrance is to the left, 14 kilometers from Ayutthaya. This old temple was constructed in the early Ayutthaya period. During the war in the Ayutthaya period, this site was the trooping route for the army crossing the Chao Phraya River. At present this temple is under the royal patronage of Princess Maha Chakri Sirinthorn. The royal pavilion at the middle of the pond, the chedi tower for displaying ancient Buddha images and artifacts, as well as the monuments of King Naresuan the Great and King Ekathotsarot have been constructed. Inside the ubosot, the Princess had her personal painters and drawers from the Royal Folk Arts and Crafts. Project produce the mural paintings. The area around this temple is serene under the shades of large trees as well as beautiful scenic riverside of the Chao Phraya River.

Wat Sakaeo (Bangsadet home spun fabrics and an orphanage care center)

Its former name was Wat Sakae. Constructed in 1699, this temple has become the care center for needy orphans from almost every part of Thailand. Since there are a large number of orphans in responsibilities, the temple has formed a Li-Ke (Thai Drama or repertoire company) troupe performed by those orphans in order to obtain income for supporting them. Wat Sakaeo is the site of Samakkhisamakhan, a project initiated by the Queen, established in 1981 under the responsibility of the Cottage Industry Section in the Ministry of Industry. The objectives of this project are to enhance and improve cloth weaving and dying methods to villagers. At Ban Bangsadet almost every family possesses looms. They are hard- working, busy producing various beautiful quality home-spun fabric products e.g., simple skirt materials, loincloth, table cloth, pillowcases etc. All these products become well-known in the name of Angthong hand-woven fabrics and gathered to be sold at Samakkhisamakhan Center daily. To access Wat Sakaeo, take Highway No. 309 (Ayutthaya-Angthong). The entrance is 15 kilometers from Ayutthaya, on the left.

Amphoe Chaiyo

Wat Chaiyo Worawihan

Located at Tambon Chaiyo, Amphoe Chaiyo, 18 kilometers from Angthong City on Highway No. 32 (Angthong - Singburi). Formerly it was a small ordinary temple constructed in the Ayutthaya period but the fact that when or who built it was unknown. Later in the reign of King Rama V, Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phromrangsi) a revered monk of Wat Rakhangkhositaram in Thonburi had a large seated Buddha image in Thonburi had a large seated Buddha image in the posture of mediation made of this of white cement constructed in the open of this temple. Then in the reign of King Rama V, he went to worship the image and had Wat Chaiyo renovated in 1887 but the vibration during the construction of the wihan caused the image to be collapsed. The King finally had a new large Buddha image constructed to replace the damaged one. The style of this new image was identical to the one at Wat Kanlayanamit. The new one is 16.10 meters from knee to knee and 22.65 meters in height and was named "Phra Mahaphutthaphim" by the king. There was the biggest celebration for the image ever held in Angthong at that time. This large Buddha image has been enshrined in the largest and most spectacular wihan. Numerous Buddhists from various parts continuously pilgrimage to the image. In front of the wihan, the ubosot facing the Chao Phraya River was also constructed in the beautiful Thai-style architecture. Within the ubosot, there are mural paintings depicting scenes of the Lord Buddha's biography, painted by painters in the reign of King Rama 5. Currently Wat Chaiyo Worawihan has been renovated. There will be fairs to celebrate the image held 3 times a year.

Wat Saket

Located at Tambon Chaiyaphum on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, 15 kilometers from Angthong City, this old temple was constructed in the Ayutthaya period. Formerly Tambon Chaiyaphum was called "Ban Saket", administratively in Muang Wiset Chai Chan District. In the Royal Chronicle, it is mentioned that in 1585 When Phrachao Chaingmai led his army to encamp at Ban Saket, King Naresuan the Great and Somdet Phra Ekathotsarot attacked and finally defeated Phrachao Chiangmai's army. The present King and Queen visited this temple in 1970 to make merit for King Naresuan the Great.

Wat Phohom (Wat Pahuaphan)

Located at Tambon Ratchasathit (Tambon Tanot), 12 kilometers from Amphoe Muang Angthong and 2 kilometers along the connecting road from Highway NO.32 (Angthong - Singburi), this temple was constructed in the Ayutthaya period and left deserted. The temple was rebuilt ten years ago. Interesting attractions in this temple are 2 large stucco four - face Bhrama heads, found from the excavation of this temple placed on trays in front of the old ubosot foundation. One head revels original workmanship of a Khmer-style sculpture and the other was repaired on the former structure. It is assumed that those heads were the top parts of either the temple gates or the ubosot gates which dated back from the late Lopburi period to the early Ayutthaya period. Moreover, within the temple there are stucco Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara, red sand stone boundary stones and the former ubosot made of ancient brick measuring 37x18x10 centimeters in size.

Amphoe Po Thong

Wat Phothong

Located at Ban Phothong in Tambon Khamyat opposite the entrance to Ban Bangchaocha, 9 kilometers from Amphoe Muang Angthong along Angthong - Pho Thong Road. In the Royal Chronicle Wat Phothong wat the place where Krommakhum Phronphinit (King Uthumphron or Khunluang Hawat) entered the priesthood. King Rama 6 of the Bangkok period also spent his summer vacation at this temple during his boat trip visiting the Noi River in Krungkao precinct in 1916.

Wat Khun Inthapramun

Situated at Tambon Inthapranum,Amphoe Pho Thong,accessed by 2 routes : from Angthong to Amphoe Pho Thong (Road No 3064), turning right at Kilometer 9 and the temple is 2 kilometers from the intersection ; from Singburi to Amphoe Chaiyo turning left at Kilometers 8. The temple 4 kilometer from the intersection. This ancient temple was constructed during the Sukhothai period. Being observed from the ruined brick walls, the temple was rather large Within the temple the largest reclining Buddha image is enshrined, measuring 50 meters from the topknot to the feet. The image features and size are similar to those of Phranon Chaksi, a reclining Buddha image in Singburi Province. Therefore, it is assumed to have been constructed at the same period (early Ayutthaya period) of the one in Singburi and was named "Phra Simuangthong" enshrined on an earthen mound called "Khok Phranon". Formerly this reclining Buddha image was enshrined in a wihan but during the first fall of Ayutthaya, this temple was destroyed by fire and left deserted. Only the image was left in the open for hundreds of years. The image possesses attractive Buddha features with a serene smiling face attracting respectfulness and faithfulness from people. Many Thai kings went to pay homage to the image e.g.,King Borommakot in 1753, King Rama 5 in 1878 and 1908. The present king came to present the royal Kathin robes in 1973 and again in 1975 to pay homage to the image. Buddhist from all over the country always comes to worship the image. In front of the reclining Buddha image is a monument which is said to be of Khun Inthapramun, a government duty collector who embezzled some of the government duty collector who embezzled some of the government tax for constructing the reclining Buddha image as an object of worship. When the King asked him how he obtained the fund to build the image, the man did not tell the truth because he was afraid that his merit from building the image would be gained by the King. He was finally sentenced by lashes to death. Still, many stories about Khun Inthapramun were told.

Bats at Wat Chantharam

Wat Chantharam is an old temple, located at Ban Chang, Mu 5, Tambon Khokphutsa, 4 kilometers to the west of Pho Thong District Office, accessed by Pho Thong Sawaengha Road, 1 kilometer along the road, then turning left at the intersection. The temple is 3 kilometers from the intersection. Inside the precinct of this temple is crowded with trees which have become habitats for numerous basted birds for centuries. Those bats fly out to find food at night whereas during the daytime, they hang themselves with heads down along the tree branches looking black altogether from the far distance. Visitors can enjoy watching them every season.

Amphoe Chai Chan

Wat Khian

Wat Khian is an old temple constructed in the Ayutthaya period, located at Mu 8, Tambon Sanchao Rongthong, Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan, 12 kilometers from Amphoe Muang Angthong. Inside the ubosot are exquisite mural paintings featuring villagers' lifestyles, which were presumably the workmanship of a painter's school in Muang Wiset Chai Chan in the late Ayutthaya period. The painting features are similar to those painted in the same period being in the ubosot to Wat Ko and Wat Yai Suwannaram in Phetchaburi.

Wat Siroi

Located on the west bank of the Noi River, Tambon Siroi, Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan on Phophraya-Tha Rua Road or Angthong-Wiset Chai Chan Road ; 12.5 kilometers to the west of Amphoe Muang Angrhong, take the left turn along the irrigation canal road for 5 kilometers. The present site of Wat Siroi is located one kilometers south of the former one which was deserted. At Wat Siroi there is a seated Buddha image in the posture of Pa-lelai, called "Luangpho To," 21 meters in height and over 6 meters from knee to knee, constructed in 1909. The image is located in front of the ubosot in which the mural paintings painted in the reigns of King Rama 4 and King Rama 5 of the Bangkok period are shown. The paintings feature picture shadings of trees and clouds. Moreover, there are stupas are many stucco Buddha images north of the ubosot. At this temple an annual fair is held from the 13th to the 15th days of the twelfth waxing moon.

Wat Oi

Wat Oi, an old temple being a symbol of Muang Wiset Chai Chan is located on the west bank of the Noi River, 3 kilometers north of Sanchao Rongthong Market and 2 kilometers from the north of Wat Khian. The temple is assumed to have been constructed 400 years ago. The ubosot of Wat Oi is as beautiful as the ubosot of Wat Ratcharburana in Ayutthaya. Special features of the ubosot are the pillars of the gallery surrounding the ubosot and a small gable-end. It is said that a human skull as big as a monk's alm bowl was discovered on the ceiling. From this evidence, it is assumed that ancient people were very tall as the door of the ubosot at Wat Oi was specially made higher than usual. It is also said that during the Ayutthaya period this temple was used as a place where the oath of allegiance ceremony was held. Currently in the precincts of Wat Oi, the Children Creation Foundation has opened accommodation for problem children : straying, drug addicted and illegally behaved. The accommodation is called "Ban Dek klaiwat" (House of children who are close to the temple) with the purpose of helping problem children to live better life since at this place they can live with the beauty of natural surroundings and monks help to treat them mentally.

Wat Muang

Located at Mu 6 Tambon Huasaphan, Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan, 8 kilometers from Angthong City. The ubosot of Wat Muang is surrounded by the biggest lotus petals in the world. Inside the ubosot, there are figures of renowned monks from all over the country. Visitors can also enjoy shopping for local Angthong products.

Wat Wisetchaichan

Located at Tambon Phaichamsin,Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan, next to the south of Wiset Chai Chan, next to the south of Wiset Chai Chan District Office. The temple is commonly known as "Wat Thasuwan" presumably as old as Muang Wiset Chai Chan. Interesting attractions are the wihan in four porticos, 12 circular shaped pillars outside, a fortier roof and beautiful designs decorated on the gable : and the ubosot which was reconstructed during the Bangkok period, with attractive designs, and its floor elevated high. Inside the ubosot there are wall paintings on four sides dating over 30 years ago. The paintings feature picture shadings of scenery.

Wat Luang

Located in Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan, about 2 kilometers from the south of Wat Khian, on the bank of the irrigation canal. This temple is as old as Wat Wiset Chai Chan and Wat Khian. Interesting attractions are the old ubosot and the mural paintings inside. This ubosot faces the west, Its gable is decorated with stucco designs of Lai Khruathao (a climbing plant) studded with beautiful porcelain, At the Chofa roof decoration, half figures of celestial beings emerge from the designs, whose feature is the same as the one at Wat Tawat in Ayutthaya and Wat Klang in Samutprakan. The design of the Chofa roof decoration is assumed to have been constructed during the reign of King Narai. Moreover, there is a wihan enshrining the reclining Buddha image facing the west and made of large bricks.

Amphoe Sawaengha

Wat Ban Phran

Located at Tambon Sriphran. When it was constructed it was unknown and deserted and converted with thick weeds and trees. When a group of hunters settled down there, they helped to restore the temple. There is a legend saying that the laterite Baddha image in the main wihan was constructed by King Sri Inthatathit at Sukhothai City and removed into separated parts when being moved. Those parts were assembled into the image at Wat Ban Phran and was intended to be used as the presiding Buddha image but the temple builders wanted to build a new principal builders wanted to build a new principal image by themselves. Therefore, this old laterite image called "Luangpho Kraithong" enshrined in the wihan, and is believed to be a sacred one being able to protect the worshippers from danger.

Wat Yang

Located at Tambon Hueiphai and was presumably constructed in the late Ayutthaya period. The remaining ruins include the ubosot with an upward curve base similar to junk, sandstone Buddha images, damaged stucco Buddha images and boundary stones. About half a kilometer south of the temple, there is an earthen mound where a large quantity of amulets were found.

Wat Sibuathong

Located at Tambon Sibuathong on the bank of Sibuathong Canal, 11 kilometers from the Sawaengha District Office. This old temple was constructed during the Ayutthaya period. Archaeological sites are the ubosot whose only two walls, about 1 meter thick each, made of large bricks still remain. Inside the ubosot there is a sandstone Buddha image in the Lopburi art style. Moreover, Choengchai roof tiles with designs of gods clasping hands in token of worship were found at this temple. About one kilometer north of the temple, there is a deserted temple with ruins of a small wihan, also made of large bricks. These two old temples are assumed to have been constructed during the late Ayutthaya period and left unattended during the fall of Khaibangrachan. Moreover, Tambon Sibuathong was the home town of the four famed heroes of the Battle of Khaibangrachan: Mr. Thongthaen, Mr.Chot, Mr.Muang.