Prasat Ban Prasat, an 11th-century Khmer hospital temple (arokayasala) in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, stands as a rare surviving example of King Jayavarman VII’s compassionate infrastructure.
Built around 1186–1200 in classic Bayon style, the laterite complex features a single eastward-facing tower of pink sandstone on a raised platform, accompanied by a rectangular library to the southeast and enclosed by a moat, standard layout for the 102 chapels of healing the king established across his empire.
Dedicated to the Bodhisattva Lokesvara, the sanctuary originally housed a radiant Buddha image sheltered by the naga Mucalinda, symbolizing enlightenment and protection. A nearby reservoir (baray) supplied water for medicinal use, while the site served as both clinic and rest house for pilgrims traveling the ancient road from Angkor to Phimai. Inscriptions, though lost, likely mirrored those at other arokayasalas, invoking healing and royal merit.
Abandoned after the Khmer Empire’s ...
Mueang Sing เมืองสิงห์ is a historical park in Sai Yok District of Kanchanaburi province in Thailand. It protects the remains of two Khmer temples dating to the 13th and 14th centuries. It was declared a historical park in 1987.
The history of the site goes back to the period between 857 and 1157, a period when the Khmer Kingdom was flourishing. The town was abandoned in the early 13th century for unknown reasons. Another site south of here shows signs of being sacked and burned but no evidence of that happening here.
Prasat Mueang Sing ปราสาทเมืองสิงห์ refers to the principal temple structure located within the wider site of Muang Sing. For the walled, moated settlement itself the original name of the city was Jayasinghapura.
The sanctuary itself displays a classic Bayon-period layout with a surrounding rectangular wall with a cruciform entrance causeway to the east and an inner enclosure featuring 4 gopuras at the cardinal directions which in ...
Not just another temple, Tham Phu Wa Temple is about 25 km outside of Kanchanaburi and situated in some hills to the west.
When you first come to the temple you are greeted with manicured gardens. The next thing you see is a brown reclining Buddha and a large seated Buddha made from the same stone. The ordination hall and Wihan also have the brown stone with Cambodian styling to the buildings.
These buildings and statues are fairly recent additions to the temple. After admiring them for a little while the main attraction to the temple is behind the ordination hall in a very large cave. The cave was the original temple and was used for meditation by worshipers. It houses a 100 year old Buddha statue, many relics that have been brought into the area from Myanmar as well as interesting rock formations inside the cave.
The temple is a very nice place to visit, for Thais as well as tourists. The architecture and location make this something that should be on anyones list while in Kanchanaburi....
JJ Night Market Kanchanaburi
Located near the Kanchanaburi railway station, JJ Night Market is a local night market offering a variety of products and services. It is a busy market with a range of food stalls serving traditional Thai cuisine, as well as shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
Located not far from Kanchanaburi railway station, the Kanchanaburi Night Market takes place every evening from around 5 to 9 pm. It is a local market and not geared to tourists making it a great way to experience a bit of Thai culture while trying some of the local favorite foods.
It’s a great way to spend an evening after exploring the area and is a short distance from the famous world war 2 bridge over the Kwai River as well as the majority of hotels.
JJ Night Market Kanchanaburi - Street Food & More - Thailand 2025
