Rating: 4.4/5 (8 votes)

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Chantharam (Ban Chang), Ang Thong Province is an old, community-rooted temple in Ban Chang, Khok Phutthra Subdistrict, Ang Thong. Many visitors know it as the “bat temple” because dense, shady trees within the grounds have long become a habitat for large numbers of flying foxes (fruit bats), along with many species of birds that have lived alongside the temple and local residents for generations. This place therefore holds value beyond being a religious site: it stands out as an easy-to-access nature spot that can be enjoyed in every season. In daytime, the most striking scene is the sight of flying foxes hanging in clustered, dark silhouettes along tree branches, visible from afar and distinctly different from the atmosphere of a typical temple visit.

 

The charm of Wat Chantharam begins the moment you step into the grounds. The shade from large trees keeps the air noticeably cooler; even on hot, sunny days, the temple feels calmer and more private than temples set along open roadside areas. Looking up, you will see layers of treetops overlapping like a green canopy. During the day, you may spot many flying foxes roosting together on the branches. They usually forage at night, while daytime is their resting period, when they hang upside down — a natural behavior of this bat group. This makes them easy to observe without trekking into forests or caves, and you can visit to see them in most periods throughout the year.

 

In terms of local history and faith, Wat Chantharam is described as an old temple and is said to house a revered Buddha image in the ordination hall known as “Luang Pho Phet.” It is described as a seated Buddha image in meditation posture and associated with early Ayutthaya-period artistry, serving as a spiritual anchor for people in the area. Local stories also speak of villagers joining together to donate metal for casting the image as a shared source of strength and devotion. Combined with the shady atmosphere and the presence of flying foxes living within the grounds, Wat Chantharam is remembered as both a sacred space and a living natural environment — a place where people make merit, pay respects, and learn to coexist respectfully with the other living beings around them.

 

Observing flying foxes at Wat Chantharam is an experience best done responsibly. Although these bats are accustomed to the temple setting and to people passing by, they still require quiet during the day to rest. Practical etiquette includes keeping noise to a minimum, avoiding shouting or making disturbances under roosting trees, and refraining from using flash photography at close range. Sudden flashes and commotion can startle the colony and cause stress. Visitors should also never attempt to chase the bats away, throw objects into the trees, or touch them directly — whether out of curiosity or for close-up photos — as this disturbs wildlife and increases risks for both the animals and visitors.

 

For the clearest daytime view of flying foxes hanging along branches, visiting during the day is the most suitable choice, as the bats return to roost under the canopy. Morning visits offer softer light and cooler weather, which also makes photography more comfortable. Afternoon light is stronger, but it can still be good for those who want a clear view of the colony. If you want to experience the bats’ “foraging departure” atmosphere, you can stay near dusk to watch their movement before they leave the trees, while keeping safety and location suitability in mind — especially if traveling with children or older family members.

 

A temple with this level of natural abundance often encourages visitors to slow down, look closely, and spend more time than usual. You can begin by paying respects in the ordination hall or pavilion, then walk around the shaded areas to observe the behavior of flying foxes and birds sharing the same habitat. The overall mood is typically peaceful, suitable for rest and reflection, and well suited for travelers who enjoy nature without strenuous activity. It is also a meaningful place for families to learn about coexistence between people, temples, and wildlife within a Thai community setting.

 

Another interesting dimension is the community’s belief and local stories regarding the flying foxes. Local documents mention a belief passed down that anyone who harms the bats may face misfortune associated with “Luang Pho Phet.” This reflects a cultural mechanism that helps protect wildlife and maintain balance between the sacred space and nature. While such stories can be viewed in different ways, from a responsible tourism perspective, they function as a “social rule” that encourages visitors to be considerate, avoid harm, minimize disturbance, and help preserve the temple environment as a long-term roosting place for the bats.

 

Overall, Wat Chantharam is more than a quick stop for worship. It clearly offers nature-based visitation value, has a distinctive highlight compared with many temples in Ang Thong, and serves as a real-world learning site — from observing the ecosystem under the canopy to understanding wildlife behavior in a community context, and to practicing proper etiquette when visiting temples and viewing wildlife without disturbance.

 

Getting There Wat Chantharam is easy to reach by car. From the Pho Thong District Office, head west along the Pho Thong – Sawaeng Ha route (Highway No. 4032) for about 1 kilometer. Then turn left at the junction and continue for approximately 3 kilometers to reach the temple. The overall distance from the district office is about 4 kilometers. The route uses local roads accessible by private vehicle, suitable for a morning-to-evening trip or for combining with other stops in Pho Thong District and nearby areas.

 

If traveling from Ang Thong town, you can plan to route into Pho Thong District first, then follow the Pho Thong – Sawaeng Ha directions above. Driving to Wat Chantharam also suits travelers who want to arrange a temple-hopping day in Ang Thong, because the Pho Thong area connects to several notable temples. You can plan stops along a single route without excessive backtracking — especially if you want a one-day trip that combines both “faith” and “nature.”

 

Upon arrival, it is recommended to park in the designated areas or wherever does not block traffic flow, then walk in to pay respects and observe the flying foxes. Walk carefully within the grounds, especially under large trees, as some areas may have fallen leaves or slight changes in ground level. If visiting with young children, supervise closely to prevent running or loud noise under roosting trees where many bats are resting.

 

For those visiting primarily to see the flying foxes, prepare as you would for a light nature outing: a hat (even though much of the area is shaded, some paths may be more open), drinking water, mild insect repellent, and a camera with zoom capability so you can photograph from an appropriate distance without disturbing the animals. Dress respectfully for a temple visit: appropriate-length pants or skirt, modest top, and comfortable footwear, as you may spend time walking around the grounds.

 

Beyond viewing the flying foxes and paying respects, another pleasure of visiting Wat Chantharam is simply “observing” small details: how light filters through leaves, bird sounds in the morning, or the clustered dark silhouettes of bats lined along branches. It can feel like stepping into a natural scene that exists right in the middle of a community. Seeing a temple through this nature lens adds depth to the visit, because it becomes more than a quick stop — it becomes time spent with the place and an opportunity to learn about the relationship between people and their environment.

 

If you want a well-paced half-day plan, you can start by paying respects to Luang Pho Phet and making merit according to your faith, then walk around to observe the flying foxes from late morning to noon. After that, head out for a meal in Pho Thong District or nearby, then stop by 1–2 additional temples or landmarks in Ang Thong such as Wat Khun Inthapramun or Wat Muang before returning. This creates a trip with both quiet, reflective time at the temple and a more active sightseeing element in the same day.

 

One reason Wat Chantharam is worth revisiting is that it is “visit-worthy in every season.” Flying foxes have lived here for a long time, and visitors can come throughout the year. Each season brings a slightly different mood: in the hot season, contrast and shadows look sharper; in the rainy season, the lush greenery enhances the forest-like atmosphere; and in the cool season, the comfortable weather is ideal for walking and photography. Repeat visits rarely feel repetitive because light and weather change the experience, while the core identity remains the same — a peaceful temple and the steady rhythm of wildlife living naturally within it.

 

In summary, Wat Chantharam (Ban Chang) is a fitting destination for travelers who want to experience Ang Thong through both devotion and nature in one place. It is described as an old community temple, with Luang Pho Phet as a revered focal point, and with large numbers of flying foxes that can be observed up close through most of the year. When visited respectfully — toward both the temple and the wildlife — this place becomes a clear example of balanced coexistence between a religious site, a community, and nature.

 

 

A: Daytime is best for clearly seeing the flying foxes resting upside down on branches. Morning is especially comfortable with softer light and cooler air, making it ideal for photography.

 

A: It is open daily from 08.00 – 17.00.

 

A: Generally, visitors can enter to make merit and enjoy the natural atmosphere during operating hours, with no official entrance fee stated. Donations can be made according to personal faith.

 

A: Photography is allowed, but flash should be avoided at close range and visitors should keep noise low to minimize disturbance. Using zoom from an appropriate distance is recommended.

 

A: Take Pho Thong – Sawaeng Ha Road (Highway 4032) about 1 km, then turn left at the junction and continue about 3 km, for a total of about 4 km from the district office.

 

A: It is described as an old community temple and is associated with “Luang Pho Phet,” a seated Buddha image in meditation posture described in local documents as early Ayutthaya-period artistry and revered by local residents.