Wat Ko Kaew Suthatham in Petchaburi is truly a hidden gem. Built during the reign of King Borommakot in 1734, the Wat Ko Kaew Suttharam temple, more commonly known as Wat Ko, has a relatively simple architecture. Its main attraction is the mural paintaings in the historic ubosot. These murals date back around 300 years and are probably the best preserved murals remaining from the Ayutthaya period. If in Phetchaburi they should be on your list of things to see.
On the north wall are represented the "Seven Great Places" where the Buddha stayed for seven weeks after his enlightenment except for the scene "under the Bodhi tree," which is the first of the seven places.
On the south wall are represented the "Eight Great Events" of Buddha's life, beginning with his birth. There are also paintings of the first Westerners who came to the Kingdom of Siam.
Phetchaburi is an underrated destination in terms of temple architecture. Considering its proximity to Bangkok, you'd expect it to be ...
Wat Mahathat Worawihan is an ancient royal temple built somewhere between the 11th to 13th century.
Wat Mahathat Worawihan is located in an old, busy district with narrow lanes and wooden shop houses in the old center of Phetchaburi town.
The large complex is surrounded by a wall with several large elaborate entrance gates. The Wat Mahathat Worawihan comprises of five large prangs, a viharn, an ubosot, several chedis, the kuti and several other monastic buildings. Most eye catching are the five white prangs towering above the area, that are visible from much of Phetchaburi.
The founding date of the temple is unknown, it is believed that Wat Mahathat dates back to the late Mon Dvaravati era or the Khmer era. Objects found during excavations suggest the first structures were built between eight to ten centuries ago. Today nothing remains of the original structures. The prangs have been rebuilt and enlarged many times over the centuries.
At the center of the Wat Mahathat is a large courtyard ...
Wat Satue Phuttha Saiyat is a temple built on the bank of the Pasak River with a giant white reclining Buddha.
Satue Temple was built in 1857. Important things within the temple include a large reclining
Buddha image (Luang Pho To), which people in the region regard as very sacred. It is 52 meters long and 16 meters high, which Somdej Phutthachan To built in 1870.
At Wat Satue, you can also see the Rama VI Dam and walk across the bridge to visit Wat Kai Chon. This is the birthplace of Somdet Phutthachan To, the founder of this temple.
The old Ayutthaya style temple, the huge Buddha statue and the murals painted on the inside of the ordination hall are very nice. The temple itself is located about 2 hours north of Bangkok in the Tha Ruea area of Ayutthaya.
Next to the temple is a fresh market that sells snacks, fresh fruit and the local Thai favorites. The prices are reasonable and a great place to grab some lunch while exploring the temple.
I had a wonderful time exploring this ...
Wat Nang Ratchaworawihan วัดหนังราชวรวิหาร
Wat Nang Ratchaworawihan วัดหนังราชวรวิหาร usually shortened to Wat Nang วัดหนัง is classified as the third class abbey in royal temple within Ratchaworawihan classification.
It is considered to be one of the famous temples in the Chom Thong neighborhood, also formerly known as Bang Khun Thian, as well as Wat Ratchaorot, Wat Nang Nong, and Wat Sai.
Wat Nang is an ancient monastery built by unknown local resident in the Ayutthaya period during the reign of King Thai Sa of Ban Phlu Luang house. The exact date as to when it was initially built is unknown since it was later abandoned for almost two centuries. Despite having become a royally patronize monastery its original name remained unchanged.
One of the bells in the tower is an invaluable antique bell that can trace its roots back to year 1717 and it is a marvelous piece of work that is said to have been molded by a ...
