Rating: 3.6/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00–16:30

 

Phra Chedi Klang Nam stands on an island in the middle of the Rayong River at Pak Nam Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong Province. It is one of the most significant landmarks of Rayong, surrounded by lush mangrove forests and tranquil waters. This riverside pagoda once served as a symbolic beacon for sailors and has long been a spiritual center for the local community.

 

Phra Chedi Klang Nam was constructed in 1873 (BE 2416) during the reign of Phraya Srisamut Phokchai Chit Songkram (Ket Yomjinda), the governor of Rayong at that time. The pagoda was built to signify to boatmen that they had reached Rayong. Its concept was inspired by the Phra Samut Chedi in Samut Prakan, which served a similar purpose for travelers approaching Bangkok. Today, the site is under the care of Wat Paknam, and the Rayong City Municipality has built a concrete bridge connecting the mainland to the chedi island for convenient access.

 

The pagoda is a bell-shaped brick-and-stucco structure about 10 meters high. It stands on a circumambulatory base surrounded by a low wall, with two stairways leading up. The base features pointed arches, and the balustrade is decorated with green-glazed perforated tiles. The island area covers about 52 rai, surrounded by a rich mangrove ecosystem that adds natural serenity to the sacred site.

 

Every year during the twelfth lunar month, when the water level is high, Phra Chedi Klang Nam becomes the center of traditional festivities. These include the annual Kathin robe-offering ceremony, the famous red-cloth wrapping ritual in which a 6-meter-long red cloth is wrapped around the chedi to symbolize faith and prosperity, as well as longboat races and the Loy Krathong Festival. These events reflect the strong connection between local culture and the river-based way of life of Rayong people.

 

In recent years, Phra Chedi Klang Nam has been restored and developed into an eco-tourism attraction. The Rayong City Municipality created a wooden walkway through the surrounding mangrove forest, along with a royal viewpoint tower that offers a 360-degree panorama of the river, estuary, and the city of Rayong. Visitors can come to enjoy the peaceful environment, pay respect to the chedi, and explore the natural beauty throughout the year.

 

Getting There From downtown Rayong, take Adulyathammaprabat Road and turn into Samutkhongkha Road, passing Wat Paknam until reaching the concrete bridge leading to the chedi island — a distance of about 2 kilometers. Visitors may also enjoy a small boat trip along the Rayong River to view the chedi and surrounding mangrove forest from the water.

 

 

A: It was built in 1873 (BE 2416) during the governorship of Phraya Srisamut Phokchai Chit Songkram (Ket Yomjinda).

 

A: It served as a historical river landmark indicating the arrival at Rayong City and represents the faith and unity of local residents.

 

A: The festival takes place annually during the twelfth lunar month, along with the Kathin ceremony, longboat races, and Loy Krathong celebrations.

 

A: Drive from downtown Rayong along Adulyathammaprabat Road through Samutkhongkha Road, pass Wat Paknam, and cross the concrete bridge to the chedi island. A boat trip is also available.

 

A: No, admission is free and the site is open daily to visitors.

 

A: Visitors can walk along the mangrove nature trail, enjoy a boat tour, photograph the scenic views, and pay respect at the chedi for good fortune.