Rating: 3.1/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Every day

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Ban Na is one of the renowned historic temples in Ban Na Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province. The temple sits in Village No. 1, right along the Ban Na–U Thong Road, a main local route connecting Klaeng town with the surrounding communities. Beyond serving as a religious center, it has long stood as a place of memory and shared faith, closely associated with the revered monk of Rayong, Luangpu Boon (Phra Khru Sutthiwat Sunthon), known in monastic name as Boon Susomno.

 

Mention Wat Ban Na and most locals in Klaeng will nod in recognition. This isn’t just a neighborhood temple; it once housed a highly compassionate and much-respected monk across the Eastern region — Luangpu Boon Susomno, affectionately called “Luangpu Boon.” He embodied gentle wisdom and taught the Dhamma in simple yet profoundly touching ways, a model ascetic whose life reflected unwavering discipline in the Buddhist path.

 

Luangpu Boon was born on 31 January 1904 (BE 2447) in Village No. 4, Ban Na Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong, in a devout Buddhist family. Raised in a culture closely tied to religion and tradition, he aspired to monastic life from a young age and was ordained as a monk at Wat Ban Na on 17 April 1928 (BE 2471). After ordination, he studied the Vinaya and practiced meditation diligently, eventually gaining wide respect among monks and laypeople alike.

 

Besides exemplary conduct, Luangpu Boon was also a builder and caretaker of the community. He devoted himself to restoring and developing Wat Ban Na — transforming it from a small village temple into the spiritual heart of the subdistrict. Under his stewardship, the temple saw the construction of a new ubosot (ordination hall), a bell tower, a sermon hall, and sacred structures adorned with motifs reflecting Eastern Thai craftsmanship. The temple also hosts ongoing religious events such as annual merit-making, Kathina ceremonies, and activities during Buddhist Lent, drawing devotees from neighboring provinces.

 

Wat Ban Na’s wider reputation, beyond its architectural charm, largely stems from Luangpu Boon’s standing as a revered monk with disciples across the country. Known for his boundless compassion, he blessed all who came without distinction. His teachings — simple yet laced with truth — emphasized sufficiency, non-harm, and gratitude. Small wonder his name endures, and the temple has become a symbol of calm, faith, and kindness in people’s hearts.

 

After Luangpu Boon passed away, villagers and disciples enshrined his body in a glass coffin within the sermon hall so the public could pay respects daily. To this day, his remains are tenderly cared for, becoming the focal point of devotion. The temple is especially lively on Buddhist holy days, during Lent, and around New Year, when visitors come from near and far to seek blessings.

 

The temple’s grounds are serene and leafy, ideal for meditation. Tall shade trees line the walkways, breezes drift through rest pavilions, and a historic chedi rises from the courtyard where a large Buddha image receives the soft morning light. The bell’s slow chime deepens the stillness, as if time itself moves gently; many visitors feel their worries ease and their minds come to rest.

 

Architecturally, Wat Ban Na reflects the rural Eastern Thai style. The ubosot features layered traditional Thai roofs, decorated with stucco motifs of nāga and lotus. Inside stands a principal Buddha image in the Maravijaya posture, believed to be auspicious for health, work, and household harmony. Devotees frequently offer lotus, incense, and candles. Beside the ubosot is Luangpu Boon’s monk’s quarters, preserved as a memorial to the master.

 

Each year, the temple holds major merit-making events in remembrance of Luangpu Boon’s contributions. In February, the community typically organizes the “Gilding the Elder (Luangpu Boon)” celebration, continuing traditions of gratitude to the revered monk. Activities include evening chanting, homiletic recitations, alms-giving, and local cultural performances by youth. The atmosphere is warm and communal, often described as more than a religious event — it is a heartfelt gathering of the entire subdistrict.

 

Wat Ban Na is also a spiritual tourism spot in Rayong for those seeking quiet or an authentic rural rhythm. Visitors witness scenes of simple living — monks on their alms-round at dawn, locals offering food with gentle smiles, and chanting rising from the sermon hall amid birdsong. Many leave feeling lighter and closer to nature.

 

Stepping inside, the first thing one senses is a cooling calm that comes not only from shade but from the palpable atmosphere of faith. Modest chedi and Buddha images are arranged with humility rather than grandeur. A small canal flows behind the temple; on Māgha Pūjā, villagers set flowers and popped rice afloat, a tradition binding nature and religion in everyday life.

 

Stories of blessings associated with Luangpu Boon add to the temple’s sanctity. Many disciples recount his insight and compassion; some who prayed for work or health found their wishes fulfilled. Even after his passing, those who pay respects before the glass coffin often speak of a profound stillness and sacred presence, making the temple a must-stop for travelers passing through Klaeng.

 

Within the temple is a small display area of Luangpu Boon’s personal monastic items — alms bowl, robes, and everyday objects — along with old photographs from his lifetime. These items are carefully arranged so visitors can learn about the master’s way of life. For the Ban Na community, such objects are not mere relics; they embody deep affection and enduring bonds between people and their temple.

 

On major Buddhist festivals — Songkran, Buddhist Lent, Visakha Bucha — Wat Ban Na becomes a lively center. Villagers make merit, circumambulate the temple with candles, and hold cultural preservation activities. Local youth help with temple duties, learn chanting, and practice traditional arts such as devotional dance and narrative verse. These living traditions pass heritage on to younger generations.

 

Getting There: By private car from Klaeng town, take the Ban Na–U Thong Road for about 8 km; the temple sign appears on the left before entering Village No. 1, Ban Na Subdistrict. Parking is available in front of the temple. Without a car, hire a motorcycle taxi from Klaeng Market or use local songthaew services that run along this route (check schedules in advance).

 

Though not large or ornate like urban temples, Wat Ban Na’s simplicity and sanctity draw those seeking quiet. Many say that just stepping inside, catching the scent of incense and the soft cadence of chanting, they feel an unusual peace. Under the great bodhi tree’s shade, visitors often return simply to sit, breathe, and watch sunlight filter through the leaves — a pause from the rush of everyday life.

 

The temple’s meaning reaches beyond the neighborhood: it embodies Thai cultural roots where religion, community, and daily life interweave. On Buddhist observance days, the bell of Wat Ban Na rings out, awakening people to make merit — a familiar, comforting sound for locals that remains in memory no matter how much time has passed.

 

Today, the temple remains open daily for the public to pay respects before Luangpu Boon’s enshrined body. Sunlight through the windows falls upon the glass coffin, inspiring reverence and calm. Visitors often light incense and pray for health, work, and harmony at home, trusting in the master’s continued protection of those who hold faith.

 

Wat Ban Na in Klaeng, Rayong is therefore not merely a religious site but a living symbol of shared devotion. It is a place to rest the heart, to remember the goodness of the past, and to learn the value of simple living in line with Luangpu Boon’s teachings. Through changing times, the temple endures like a canopy of Dhamma, sheltering the people of Rayong with compassion and lasting peace.

 

 

A: Village No. 1, Ban Na Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong, along the Ban Na–U Thong Road. Accessible by private car and local transport.

 

A: Open daily from 07:00–17:00. (Hours may be extended on special ceremonial days.)

 

A: Devotion to Luangpu Boon Susomno, paying respects before the enshrined body in a glass coffin, peaceful grounds, and the traditional Thai ubosot architecture.

 

A: Generally, temple entry is free. Donation boxes may be available for voluntary offerings.

 

A: Yes. Use motorcycle taxis or local songthaews from Klaeng Market; confirm operating times in advance.

 

A: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and cooler temperatures, ideal for worship and photography.

 

A: The temple holds merit-making and festival ceremonies; there is typically a commemorative event honoring Luangpu Boon, with chanting, alms-giving, and community activities on Buddhist holy days.