Rating: 4.4/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Khoi, Ang Thong Province is an old temple located along the Noi River in Pho Rang Nok Subdistrict, Pho Thong District, Ang Thong. It is about 12 kilometers from Ang Thong town. This temple is widely regarded as a place that clearly reflects the connection between religion, community life, and the natural environment of Thailand’s central river basin. Its most famous highlight is the “Wat Khoi Fish Sanctuary,” a major aquatic conservation area where a large variety of freshwater fish live in great numbers. Because of this, Wat Khoi has long served not only as a spiritual center for local residents, but also as a tourist attraction and a learning site for visitors.

 

Wat Khoi sits directly beside the Noi River, one of Ang Thong’s important waterways. The riverside environment is fertile and suitable for many aquatic species. For generations, local people have lived closely with the river — farming, fishing, and using the waterway for transportation. With the temple established in this riverside setting, Wat Khoi naturally became a hub for religious activities as well as a focal point of community life along the river.

 

The feature that made Wat Khoi most well known is the “Wat Khoi Fish Sanctuary,” a protected aquatic zone that emerged from a conservation-minded approach shared by monks and local villagers. In the past, Phra Khru Sukit Wichan, known locally as “Luang Pho Khem,” a former abbot of Wat Khoi, played a key role in promoting the protection of aquatic life in the Noi River. His efforts helped establish the temple-front river area as a safe gathering place for large numbers of freshwater fish.

 

Later, in 1985, Phra Khru Sorakit Jathorn improved and organized the sanctuary area more systematically. Working together with the Pho Thong District Fisheries Office, the area was formally declared an aquatic wildlife conservation zone. As a result, many fish species were able to breed and live safely in this section of the river. Today, the Wat Khoi Fish Sanctuary is home to more than 50,000 freshwater fish.

 

Fish found in the Wat Khoi sanctuary include several species such as striped catfish, silver barb, giant pangasius, and Mekong giant catfish. Many of these fish are large and can be seen easily near the riverside pier in front of the temple. Visitors often notice massive schools swimming close to the surface, especially during feeding times. The sight of countless fish surging toward food is a vivid, memorable scene for many travelers.

 

Feeding the fish at Wat Khoi is one of the most popular activities for visitors. The temple provides fish food for sale for those who wish to make merit and feed the fish. When food is thrown into the water, the fish quickly gather in large numbers, creating an impressive spectacle. The rippling water and the movement of the schools bring a lively atmosphere to the Noi River frontage and have become a distinctive signature of this temple.

 

Beyond the fish sanctuary, Wat Khoi also contains architecture and structures that reflect Thai cultural heritage. One notable example is the old teak wooden sermon hall built in a traditional Thai style, distinguished by its octagonal wooden pillars. This hall is considered valuable both architecturally and historically, and it continues to serve as a venue for religious ceremonies and community merit-making events.

 

The space beneath the sermon hall is used to store and preserve tools and antiques connected to traditional local livelihoods. These include various types of boats such as small paddle boats and rowboats, as well as agricultural and fishing equipment like carts, plows, and fish traps. Together, these objects provide a clear picture of the historic way of life of farmers and riverside communities in central Thailand.

 

Within the temple grounds, there are also other key structures such as a mondop, a viharn, chedis, the ordination hall, monks’ quarters, and a chanting hall. These places support religious practices and ceremonies. In addition, the temple keeps several historically valuable antiques, including an old lamp said to be from Washington, an antique clock said to be from Paris, and a teak Tripitaka cabinet from the reign of King Rama V.

 

Another highlight of Wat Khoi is its local folk museum, which displays old boats and occupational tools used by farmers, such as mortars, rice mills, and bamboo trays. These items are everyday tools that once shaped rural central Thai life for generations. Through these exhibits, visitors can learn more clearly about traditional community living and agricultural heritage.

 

Additionally, the temple area includes a community hand-pounded rice production center, established as a cooperative. This allows local farmers to sell their agricultural products and generate income. The center also supports the preservation of traditional farming practices and reinforces the long-standing agricultural way of life in Thailand’s central region.

 

Getting There Wat Khoi is easily accessible by car. From Ang Thong town, drive toward Pho Thong District for approximately 12 kilometers. After entering Pho Rang Nok Subdistrict, you will see signs directing you to Wat Khoi, which is located along the Noi River. The trip typically takes around 15–20 minutes from Ang Thong town.

 

 

A: Wat Khoi is in Pho Rang Nok Subdistrict, Pho Thong District, Ang Thong, about 12 kilometers from Ang Thong town.

 

A: It is a protected aquatic zone along the Noi River with more than 50,000 freshwater fish living in the area.

 

A: Yes. Visitors can feed the fish, and the temple sells fish food for those who wish to make merit and feed them.

 

A: It is open daily from 08.00 – 17.00.

 

A: Highlights include the fish sanctuary, the folk museum, the old teak sermon hall, and a collection of antiques displayed within the temple grounds.