Wat Dao Khanong วัดดาวขันธง, translating to the “Monastery of the Wanton Stars,” is an active Buddhist temple situated north of Ayutthaya’s city island in the expansive Pho Sam Ton fields. It lies in the Pho Sam Ton sub-district of Bang Pahan district, Ayutthaya Province, Thailand. Positioned on the east bank of Khlong Muang and the north bank of Khlong Chang—both remnants of the ancient Lopburi River course—the temple stands opposite the ruins of Wat Pho Sam Ton.
The temple’s main vihara (assembly hall) enshrines the principal Buddha image, known as Luang Pho Tho Wat Pak Khlong, a large seated figure measuring 4 meters across the lap in the “Conquest of Mara” (Maravijaya) posture, symbolizing the Buddha’s triumph over temptation.
While the site maintains traditional elements, specific architectural details beyond this image are modest, reflecting its role as a living monastery rather than a grand ruin. The grounds blend active worship spaces with subtle historical ...
Wat Phra Buddha Saeng Tham, also known as Wat Buddha Sang Dham, is located in Saraburi Thailand, approximately 100 km northeast of Bangkok. Wat Phra Phuttha Saeng Tham (วัดพระพุทธแสงธรรม), which translates to “Temple of the Buddha’s Radiant Dhamma.”
Established in 2012 under the guidance of Phra Khru Phawanakit Koson (Luang Por Somchai), a respected monk of the Dhammayut sect, the temple was constructed on over 300 rai (120 acres) of donated land with the aim of creating a modern center for Buddhist practice, meditation, and community education within the Theravada tradition. Funding came entirely from public donations, reflecting deep local devotion and the cultural practice of merit-making. Though relatively new, it has rapidly become notable for its architectural grandeur and serene spiritual environment.
The temple’s most striking feature is the Great Silver Dome, known as Phra Buddha Mahawihan, a 108-meter-diameter structure shaped like an inverted ...
Wat Bot Sam Krok (also called Wat Bot), located in Bang Krabue, Sam Khok District, Pathum Thani, is a serene riverside temple just 50 km north of Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River.
Founded in 1621 during the late Ayutthaya period by Mon refugees from Myanmar, it became a major center of Mon Buddhist culture in Thailand. The temple sits on a fortunate river bend and is closely tied to the province’s name “Pathum Thani” (Lotus City), which King Rama II bestowed after Mon villagers offered him lotus flowers in 1815.
The temple’s heart is the revered bronze Buddha image Luang Phor Lueang, the provincial palladium of Pathum Thani, housed in a beautifully aged chapel. Nearby stands Thailand’s tallest statue of Somdet Toh Promrangsi (28 m) and large images of Luang Pho Sothon and Somdet Toh. Royal gifts, including an iron dog statue from King Rama V, still remain on the grounds.
With shaded gardens, fish-feeding spots along the river, and a lively weekend market nearby, it offers a peaceful...
Prasat Hin Phanom Wan, an 11th-century Khmer temple in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, stands as a modest yet evocative relic of the Angkor-era empire.
Originally constructed during the reign of King Suryavarman I (1002–1050) as a Hindu sanctuary dedicated to Shiva, the site features three east-facing brick prangs built on a laterite foundation, encircled by a moat and gallery. A large linga once occupied the central tower, symbolizing divine presence.
By the 13th century, under the influence of King Jayavarman VII, the temple transitioned to Buddhist use, likely housing a monumental seated Buddha image—fragments of which were recovered during 1986 excavations. This religious shift reflects the broader evolution of Khmer spiritual practice from Shaivism to Mahayana and eventually Theravada Buddhism.
Abandoned after the Khmer Empire’s decline in the 14th century, the site was reclaimed by forest until its rediscovery in the late 19th century. Partial restoration by Thailand’s Fine...
