Rating: 3.4/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Open daily (depending on monastic activities)

Opening Hours: 08:00–17:00 (recommended to contact the temple in advance on days with ceremonies)

 

Wat Nakhon Tham (Wat Sralop) is one of the oldest and most respected temples in Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo Province. It is located near the Watthana Nakhon Subdistrict Municipality and the District Police Station, just about one kilometer from Suwannasorn Road and the railway station. Although there is no record of the exact founding date, the temple is believed to be over a century old and has long served as a spiritual center for the local community.

 

The temple was originally called “Wat Sralop,” a name derived from an ancient pond that was once the heart of the local settlement. Later, it was renamed “Wat Nakhon Tham,” meaning “Temple of Virtue City,” in honor of Phra Khru Wiwat Nakhon Tham, the abbot who renovated and developed the temple into a revered sacred site known throughout the area.

 

The highlight of the temple is the revered image of Luang Pho Khao, a white-plastered Buddha statue more than 100 years old. It was crafted from white clay found in Nong Din Chi, seated in the meditation posture with a lap width of 130.9 cm and a height of 199 cm. Despite its age, the statue retains its serene beauty and is deeply revered as a guardian symbol of Watthana Nakhon.

 

Local legend tells of a miraculous event during the relocation of Luang Pho Khao from the abandoned Ban Jik Temple in 1925 (B.E. 2468). During the procession, monks and villagers witnessed “tears” flowing from the statue’s eyes, followed by a sudden heavy rainfall after a long dry spell. The incident was taken as a divine sign of the Buddha’s compassion and his acceptance to reside at this temple.

 

The Vihara of Luang Pho Khao was later constructed as his permanent sanctuary. The building is modest yet dignified, with a calm atmosphere that draws visitors seeking blessings for health, family, and fortune. Inside, there is also a sacred relic – the Buddha’s relic (Phra Borom Saririkathat) – brought from Pomadul Rajamahavihara Temple in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, enshrined within a dedicated stupa.

 

Other sacred objects within the temple include a replica of the Buddha’s footprint and an image of Phra Siam Thewathirat, the guardian deity of the Thai nation. The grounds are shaded by large trees, offering a tranquil environment ideal for meditation and reflection.

 

Throughout the year, Wat Nakhon Tham serves as the venue for major Buddhist ceremonies such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa). During Songkran, the temple becomes the heart of the community’s annual festival, where people gather to bathe the Luang Pho Khao image and make merit together in a joyous, traditional atmosphere.

 

Besides its spiritual importance, the temple also functions as a local cultural learning center. Some historical artifacts are preserved within the temple, including ancient pottery, household tools, and old photographs depicting the early days of Watthana Nakhon. The temple regularly organizes youth moral camps and Dhamma activities to promote ethics and mindfulness among local students.

 

Due to its convenient location near Aranyaprathet, the temple is an easy stop for travelers heading toward the Thai–Cambodian border. It continues to be a peaceful and welcoming sanctuary for both locals and visitors alike.

 

Getting There From Bangkok, take a Bangkok–Aranyaprathet bus and get off at Watthana Nakhon District, then take a tuk-tuk or motorcycle taxi about 900 meters to the temple. By train, take the Bangkok–Aranyaprathet line and get off at Watthana Nakhon Station, then continue by tuk-tuk about 800 meters. For those driving, take Highway No. 33 (Suwannasorn Road) toward Watthana Nakhon; the temple is signposted and easy to find near the municipality area.

 

 

A: The exact founding date is unknown, but it is believed to have been built in the early 20th century and has long been a central temple of Watthana Nakhon.

 

A: Luang Pho Khao is a more-than-100-year-old white-plastered Buddha image, renowned for the miraculous “tears” that appeared during its relocation, symbolizing its sacredness.

 

A: The temple enshrines Buddha’s relics from Sri Lanka, a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, and an image of Phra Siam Thewathirat.

 

A: Yes, it is open daily for worship and visitors without any entrance fee.

 

A: Take a bus or train from Bangkok to Watthana Nakhon, then continue by tuk-tuk for less than one kilometer, or drive along Highway 33 (Suwannasorn Road).

 

A: Yes, there are several local eateries and coffee shops within 3 km, as well as small resorts such as The Loft House and Charoen Resort.