Rating: 4/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Generally 08:00 – 17:00 (hours may vary depending on areas within the temple and museum zones)

 

Wat Krathum Suea Pla is a temple in the On Nut–Prawet area that many visitors remember for being a city temple with “serious, walk-through museums,” as much as it is a quiet place for prayer and merit-making. The temple is located in On Nut Soi 67, in a neighborhood that still keeps an easygoing community rhythm while staying well connected to major roads. That makes it a great half-day stop—whether you come to pay respects and make merit, or you want to bring family members to explore the on-site museums and deepen your understanding of Buddha images and Thai Buddhist beliefs.

 

In terms of history, Wat Krathum Suea Pla is commonly described as having been established in the late Ayutthaya period (2315 BE), giving the temple a “layer of time” substantial enough to tell the story of the area beyond being simply a neighborhood temple. A key highlight for worshippers is “Luang Pho Phet,” a Buddha image said to be modeled after Phra Phuttha Chinnarat in Sukhothai style. What stands out for many visitors is the distinctive decorative detail that creates a memorable, uncommon elegance—and has made this image a focal point of faith for people who come to pay respects.

 

The charm of this temple is that you can “begin with devotion and continue with learning” all in one place, because it contains 2 museums: a wax figure museum and a museum of 80 Buddha postures. The wax figure museum features lifelike representations of well-known revered monks that many Thais recognize, such as Luang Pu Thuat, Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi), Luang Pho Sot, and Luang Pho Ling Dam. There is also a commonly shared account that these wax figures were created in 1998 (2541 BE) in remembrance of Luang Pho Ruesi Ling Dam and related teachers in connected lineages. This makes the museum more than a photo stop—it functions as a space to “read shared memory” in Thai society through the figures who shaped popular faith.

 

The other museum is the 80 Buddha postures museum, arranged with a large principal image surrounded by 80 smaller Buddha images in different postures. What makes the walk enjoyable is that each base typically includes the posture name and a short explanation. Even if you are not familiar with the concept of “postures,” this setup helps you quickly grasp how each posture relates to particular events or themes in Buddhist tradition. In practice, it feels like walking through an encyclopedia you can physically navigate—and it works especially well for families and children, because you can go slowly from one point to the next without rushing.

 

If you want a fuller experience as someone who enjoys temple architecture, it helps to walk slowly and notice the “contemporary spatial planning” of the compound. Temples that include museums often need visitor flow that supports learning without disturbing the main religious zones. You will likely sense clearer rhythm and zoning between worship areas, merit-making areas, and learning areas. This reflects a modern urban role for temples: not only as religious sites, but also as cultural public spaces in their own right.

 

Getting There If you travel by private car or taxi, you can simply pin “Wat Krathum Suea Pla (On Nut 67)” on your map and enter the soi directly. If you use public transport, most routes involve transferring to a local vehicle into the soi from the On Nut/Srinagarindra corridor depending on your starting point. It is a good idea to allow a bit of extra time in the morning and late afternoon, as Prawet connects multiple routes and traffic patterns can shift noticeably during rush hours.

 

 

A: It is commonly published that the temple was established in the late Ayutthaya period, in 2315 BE.

 

A: It is described as a Buddha image modeled after Phra Phuttha Chinnarat (Sukhothai style) and is the main focal point of worship for many visitors.

 

A: The temple has 2 museums: a wax figure museum and an 80 Buddha postures museum, making it ideal for combining worship with learning.

 

A: Read the posture name and explanation at each base, then observe how the postures differ. This helps you remember the meanings without feeling like you are memorizing.

 

A: If you want a learning-focused continuation, Pa Nai Krung (Urban Forest Learning Center) is a great option. If you prefer something different, you can also consider nearby riding club activities depending on your interests.