Rayong attractions

Attractions in Thailand

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00–17:00

Wat Takhian Ngam is a lay Buddhist temple (Mahanikaya sect) located in Pak Nam Prasae Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province. It was established in 1866 CE (B.E. 2409) by local villagers who wished to have their own place for Buddhist rites. On 30 June 1906 (B.E. 2449) the temple was granted the boundary of ecclesiastical consecration (Visungkhamsima), making it a fully recognized monastery. The compound is tranquil and shaded by large trees, especially the pair of centuries-old takhian (Hopea odorata) trees—the temple’s hallmark and the origin of its name.

The twin takhian trees are the temple’s main highlight. The larger trunk measures a girth of a little over seven meters, and the other a little over five meters, with an average height of about twenty meters. Both have been registered as “Heritage Trees of the Nation” for conservation. Locals call them the “Mae Takhian” (female spirit) and “Por Takhian” (male spirit), believing sacred guardians reside within. A long-told tale says that an earthen jar once stood beneath one tree; over time the trunk grew and “embraced” the jar inside, giving rise to a lingering local legend intertwined with the temple and community.

The twin trees also relate to the life of fishermen in earlier days. Their towering crowns served as natural markers when setting out to sea or returning to shore, providing a reliable point of reference and a sense of safety. The temple is therefore not only a religious venue but also part of the maritime way of life and the spiritual center of Pak Nam Prasae.

Within the grounds stands a medium-sized ordination hall (ubosot) in a local-Rattanakosin style, raised on a high base with a triple-gabled roof in clean white tones. Inside enshrines a gilded Buddha image in the Maravijaya posture. Stone boundary markers (sema) surround the hall in eight directions, signifying the formally consecrated boundary. Around the compound are the sermon hall, monks’ living quarters, and pavilions for religious services. The overall atmosphere is quiet, shaded, and well-suited to merit-making and calm reflection.

Wat Takhian Ngam also serves as a community hub. Villagers gather here for merit-making events such as the raft-based Kathin/Thot Pha Pa offerings and the end-of-rains retreat festival. The temple collaborates with the municipality and local schools on environmental and educational activities, including mangrove planting. It thus plays roles in religion, education, and culture, remaining a meaningful gathering place for local life.

Getting There From Rayong city, take Sukhumvit Road toward Klaeng, then turn onto Highway 3161 and follow signs through Pak Nam Prasae to the temple. It is about 80 km from Rayong city and roughly 25 km from Klaeng. By public transport, take a van on the Rayong–Klaeng–Pak Nam Prasae route, alight at Pak Nam Prasae market, then continue about 3 km by motorcycle taxi. The temple is open daily with no admission fee; mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times to visit.

The grounds are tidy, peaceful, and cool under the canopy of large trees, with a gentle sea breeze. Many visitors pay respects to the twin takhian trees, believing that sincere prayers bring blessings, especially for good fortune and safe journeys. On major Buddhist holy days such as Visakha Bucha and Makha Bucha, candlelight circumambulation (wian thian) is held around the trees, a distinctive local practice here.

Today the temple continues to be cared for by the community and Pak Nam Prasae Municipality. Several structures have been restored for safety and stability. There is no admission fee and visitors are welcomed year-round. The temple also lies near other attractions in Klaeng, including the Ban Prasae Mangrove Conservation Center and the HTMS Prasae Memorial, making it an easy spiritual stop and a living cultural classroom in Rayong.

Summary Table: Wat Takhian Ngam

Name	Wat Takhian Ngam
Location	Pak Nam Prasae Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province
Characteristics	Historic temple with twin takhian heritage trees over 400 years old
Period	Established in 1866 (mid Rattanakosin period)
Key Evidence	Ordination hall, stone boundary markers, twin takhian trees
Name Origin	Named after the pair of revered takhian trees within the temple
Travel	Sukhumvit Road – Hwy 3161 via Pak Nam Prasae; about 80 km from Rayong city
Current Status	Open daily; maintained and supported by the local community
Nearby Attractions	Ban Prasae Mangrove Conservation Center (4 km), HTMS Prasae Memorial (5 km)