Rating: 3.5/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00–17.00

 

Wat Ban Laeng, located in Moo 1, Ban Laeng Subdistrict, Rayong Province, is about 7 kilometers from Rayong City along Highway No. 3342. This temple has a long history, dating back to 1742 (B.E. 2285) during the late Ayutthaya period. It is considered one of Rayong’s most historic temples and continues to preserve its architectural beauty for future generations.

 

For over 200 years, Wat Ban Laeng has been the spiritual center of the local community, serving as a place for ordination ceremonies, merit-making, and Buddhist festivals. The temple has also played an important role in preserving cultural traditions and passing them down through generations, making it not only a religious site but also a cultural landmark.

 

The most striking feature of the temple is its centuries-old ordination hall (ubosot), enclosed by a boundary wall (Kamphaeng Kaew). The hall is a wooden structure built with bricks and mortar, compact yet graceful. What makes this ubosot unique is its outer walls decorated with ancient ceramic ware. This reflects the prosperity of the Ayutthaya period, when imported ceramics were commonly used to decorate religious buildings.

 

Inside the ordination hall, visitors will find a serene and sacred atmosphere. The principal Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture is enshrined here, surrounded by faded but still valuable mural paintings that represent the craftsmanship of ancient artisans. This ubosot is an important testament to the faith and wisdom of the people from the Ayutthaya era.

 

Another highlight is the wooden scripture hall (Ho Trai) built in the middle of a pond. This structure was used to store sacred palm-leaf manuscripts. The location on water helped protect the scriptures from termites, ants, and insects, showing the ingenuity of traditional Thai architecture in preserving Buddhist teachings.

 

The Ho Trai at Wat Ban Laeng still retains its original Thai style, constructed entirely of wood, raised above the water, and topped with a simple traditional Thai roof. Surrounded by a peaceful environment, it gives visitors a sense of calmness and reflection, making it a must-see spot for those interested in Thai architecture and religious history.

 

In addition to the ubosot and the scripture hall, the temple grounds feature other important structures such as the sermon hall, ancient chedis, and community spaces used for Buddhist festivals like Magha Puja, Visakha Puja, and Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa). These areas emphasize the temple’s role as both a religious and social hub for the community.

 

Wat Ban Laeng is also significant as a place of education and moral development. Monks and local residents have historically taught children and youth, ensuring that the temple functions as a center of both religious practice and community learning.

 

Its architectural and artistic values make Wat Ban Laeng an important destination for those interested in history and culture. The use of ceramics to decorate the ubosot’s walls is rare and highlights the influence of international trade during the Ayutthaya period, distinguishing this temple from others in the region.

 

Traveling to Wat Ban Laeng is convenient, as it is located just 7 kilometers from Rayong City. The temple can be reached directly by private car via Highway No. 3342, taking only a short drive from the city center. This makes it a suitable stop for those wishing to pay respects, make merit, and appreciate ancient architecture.

 

Visitors planning a full-day cultural trip can combine Wat Ban Laeng with nearby attractions such as Wat Khod Tim Tharam with its historic ubosot, the Rayong City Museum, and the Old Riverside Market, which preserves a nostalgic atmosphere of the past. Together, these destinations create a well-rounded cultural and historical itinerary in Rayong Province.

 

In conclusion, Wat Ban Laeng is a temple of great historical, artistic, and cultural value. A visit here is not only an opportunity to worship the principal Buddha image and admire the ancient architecture but also a way to connect with the wisdom and heritage of the past. It stands as one of Rayong’s must-visit cultural and spiritual landmarks.

 

 

A: It was built in 1742 (B.E. 2285) during the Ayutthaya period.

 

A: The ancient ubosot decorated with ceramics and the wooden scripture hall built in the middle of a pond.

 

A: About 7 kilometers via Highway No. 3342.

 

A: Yes, it is very convenient. The temple can be reached by private car in less than 15 minutes from Rayong City.

 

A: 038-655-520 (according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand).