Rating: 2.4/5 (8 votes)

Open Days: Every day

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 

Wat Wai Krong is an old Buddhist temple located in Bang But Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province. The temple stands on flat terrain along the Rayong River, with a public road, the Bang But–Don Chan route, running past its southern and western sides. This strategic location has long made it a spiritual and cultural center for the local community of Ban Khai.

 

The temple was established in 1847 (2390 BE) during the reign of King Rama III of the Rattanakosin period, when Bang But was a prosperous community known for fruit farming and river trade. Wat Wai Krong became both a religious center and a gathering place for community activities. It later received the royal consecration boundary (Wisungkhamsima) on January 18, 1988 (2531 BE), confirming its formal status under the Mahanikaya monastic order.

 

The highlight of the temple lies in its historic architecture and well-preserved religious monuments. The Mandapa housing the Buddha’s footprint replica, built around 1917 (2460 BE), features a four-gabled (chatumuk) design typical of early Rattanakosin craftsmanship, decorated with stucco floral patterns and mythical motifs. Inside lies a sacred replica of the Buddha’s footprint for worshippers. The ordination hall (ubosot), constructed in 1883 (2426 BE), is built of brick and stucco with a traditional Thai-style roof and a wooden gable carved with an image of the Buddha sheltered by a naga. Another important structure is the octagonal-base chedi, built in 1892 (2435 BE), a rare architectural form in eastern Thailand that showcases the artistry of local craftsmen. All of these monuments remain in a condition suitable for ongoing restoration and conservation.

 

Beyond its religious role, Wat Wai Krong serves as the heart of the Bang But community. Annual merit-making events such as the Kathina robe offering, mid-village merit festival, and novice ordination retreat are held here every year. Within the temple grounds is Wat Wai Krong School, established to provide education for local children — reflecting the temple’s dual role as a center for both spiritual and social development.

 

The temple grounds are shaded with large trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere. From the riverbank, the chedi and mandapa rise prominently against the skyline. Wat Wai Krong remains an active place of worship and meditation, welcoming visitors year-round. The serene surroundings make it an ideal site for those seeking calm and cultural insight into the region’s traditional Buddhist temples.

 

Getting There — Wat Wai Krong is about 20 kilometers from downtown Rayong. By car, take Highway 3139 toward Ban Khai, turn left at Bang But T-junction onto the Bang But–Don Chan Road, and continue 3 kilometers to reach the temple. For public transport, visitors can take a minivan on the Rayong–Ban Khai route and hire a motorcycle taxi to the temple.

 

Today, Wat Wai Krong remains open to the public for worship and cultural visits. Restoration work on old structures is ongoing under local supervision. Despite the passage of time, the temple retains its original Thai aesthetic — simple, graceful, and deeply spiritual — offering a glimpse into the heritage of eastern Thailand.

 

 

A: The temple was built in 1847 (2390 BE) during the reign of King Rama III of the Rattanakosin Era with support from local villagers.

 

A: The temple houses a mandapa with a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, an ordination hall built in 1883, and an octagonal chedi from 1892.

 

A: It is situated in Bang But Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province, about 20 kilometers from Rayong City.

 

A: Yes. Visitors can take a Rayong–Ban Khai minivan and hire a motorcycle taxi to reach the temple easily.

 

A: Yes. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with no entrance fee.

 

A: It features a four-gabled design decorated with intricate stucco motifs, with a replica of the Buddha’s footprint enshrined inside for devotion.

 

A: Yes, including the Kathina robe offering, the mid-village merit festival, and the summer novice ordination program.

 

A: Nearby are Ban Khai Old Market and Wat Nong Bua Ravieng, both within 5 kilometers of the temple.