Rating: 3.8/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Luang Pho Hin Shrine or Luang Pho Hin Ubosot is an important place of worship in Chainat Province, closely connected to the history of the construction of the Chao Phraya Dam and the relocation of Wat Karuna. The original temple was established around 1857 at Khung Bang Krabian. Later, when the Chao Phraya Dam was built in 1953, the temple had to be relocated to a deserted temple site called “Wat Don Ta Suea” in Bang Luang Subdistrict and was renamed “Wat Karuna.” However, the original ordination hall remained in its original location. Inside is enshrined “Luang Pho Hin Yai,” a large pale sandstone Buddha image that has long been revered by the people of Chainat.

 

Luang Pho Hin Shrine, Chainat Province is a place with a special charm because it is not only a site for paying respect to a sacred Buddha image, but also a place that clearly reflects the historical transformation of the Chao Phraya River basin. Visitors will not only encounter an important Buddha image revered by local people, but will also learn about the story of the old temple, the relocation of a religious community, and the effects of a major irrigation development project that changed both the landscape and the way of life of people in Chainat.

 

The importance of this place begins with the history of the original temple, which was reportedly built around 1857 at Khung Bang Krabian. In the past, this area was a riverside community closely tied to the waterway, much like many Chao Phraya riverside communities in Central Thailand. The temple therefore served both as a spiritual center and as the heart of the community. Having a temple in such a location meant that local people had a place for ceremonies, merit-making, and spiritual support in daily life.

 

Later, in 1953, Thailand undertook the construction of the Chao Phraya Dam, a major infrastructure project that greatly changed the landscape and water management of the Central Plains. As a result, the original temple was affected and had to undergo restoration in the form of a full relocation. What makes this particularly interesting is that the original form of the temple was preserved as much as possible rather than being completely redesigned. It was then rebuilt at a deserted temple site called “Wat Don Ta Suea” in Ban Don Suea, Bang Luang Subdistrict, Sapphaya District.

 

After the relocation, the authorities also allocated additional land to support the construction of religious buildings and related structures in the new area. The relocated temple was then given the new name “Wat Karuna,” which remains its name today in the Don Suea area. What makes the story of this place even more compelling is that although the temple was moved, the original ordination hall remained in its old location and was not significantly altered or relocated. As a result, Luang Pho Hin Ubosot has become a historical trace that still stands alongside the memory of the community.

 

The most important feature of this site is “Luang Pho Hin Yai,” a large pale sandstone Buddha image that has long been deeply revered by the people of Chainat. According to official tourism sources, Luang Pho Hin Yai is considered one of the largest sandstone Buddha images in Chainat Province and is believed to date back to the early Ayutthaya period. Its identity as a large sandstone image makes Luang Pho Hin especially distinctive, setting it apart from the stucco or metal Buddha images more commonly found in other temples.

 

The sacred reputation of Luang Pho Hin Yai has been passed down through many generations. Many devotees believe that Luang Pho Hin is a guardian Buddha image that protects the people of the area. Those who are facing hardship, difficulties in life, or who wish to pray for work, health, and safety often come to make vows before Luang Pho Hin. Another custom frequently mentioned in local accounts is the offering of boiled eggs in fulfillment of vows after prayers have been answered. This gives the place a living dimension of faith and continuing ritual practice, rather than making it simply a quiet historical site with only a past.

 

From a tourism perspective, Luang Pho Hin Shrine is especially appealing because it brings together three dimensions at once: religion, history, and landscape. Visitors can pay respect to an important Buddha image, learn about the relocation of a temple caused by the dam construction, and understand the actual setting of the area near the Chao Phraya Dam. A visit here is therefore more than just “stopping to worship a Buddha image”; it is also an opportunity to understand the area through the story of the temple and the Chao Phraya River.

 

The atmosphere of Luang Pho Hin Ubosot is highly distinctive. Although it is located close to the Chao Phraya Dam area, which people know as both a tourist site and an important public utility structure, the ordination hall itself feels calm, simple, and solemn in the way of an old religious site. Once inside, visitors can sense the silence and the dignity of Luang Pho Hin Yai, carved from sandstone. This atmosphere makes the site suitable both for those who come specifically to pray and for those who simply want to find a quiet place away from the pressures of daily life.

 

Another factor that makes Luang Pho Hin Shrine different from ordinary temple attractions is the story of the “old temple” and the “new temple,” both of which continue to exist together in the memory of the community. Wat Karuna in its new location still functions as the community’s active temple, while the old Luang Pho Hin ordination hall remains a point of spiritual and historical connection for many people. For those interested in art, culture, and local history, this makes the site an especially interesting case study of religious relocation in the context of national development.

 

For those who enjoy planning merit-making trips in Chainat Province, this place works very well as one of the main destinations because it is in a zone that easily connects to the Chao Phraya Dam, Wat Thammamun Worawihan, Chainat City Pillar Shrine, and even Chainat Bird Park. It is therefore highly suitable for a half-day or full-day itinerary, starting with a visit to pay respect to Luang Pho Hin and pray for blessings, then continuing on to nearby attractions or riverside restaurants in Chainat town.

 

Worship at Luang Pho Hin Yai usually involves incense, candles, flowers, and garlands in the usual Thai temple tradition. Those who wish to make vows generally pray quietly and state their wishes clearly. Those whose wishes are fulfilled may later return with offerings according to personal belief, with boiled eggs often mentioned in local accounts. Most importantly, visitors should worship respectfully, avoid making loud noise, and maintain proper conduct within the sacred grounds at all times.

 

Getting There Luang Pho Hin Shrine is most conveniently reached by private car. The site is located near the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat Province, directly opposite the Chao Phraya Dam guesthouse. From Chainat town, it takes only a short drive toward the dam area. Travelers from Bangkok can take Highway No. 1 through Sing Buri into Chainat, then continue toward the Chao Phraya Dam zone. Those coming from nearby provinces such as Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, or Nakhon Sawan can also plan a route through Chainat town and continue toward the dam area with ease.

 

The main landmark for the journey is the Chao Phraya Dam area and the Chao Phraya Dam guesthouse, both of which are well known to local people. Once in that area, reaching Luang Pho Hin Ubosot is straightforward. Visitors should allow at least 30 minutes to 1 hour for worship, photography, and taking in the atmosphere. If they wish to continue traveling, they can easily connect the route to the Chao Phraya Dam, Wat Karuna in Don Suea, or Chainat town.

 

For travelers who enjoy quiet places and destinations with meaningful stories, Luang Pho Hin Shrine offers an experience different from mainstream tourist attractions. This is not a place that depends on bustle or entertainment. Instead, it offers “meaning.” Visitors can see how one sacred Buddha image connects people to the old temple, the construction of the dam, the relocation of a community, and the faith that continues to be passed on to the present day.

 

So, if you are looking for a place in Chainat that combines sacredness, antiquity, and rich local history, Luang Pho Hin Shrine or Luang Pho Hin Ubosot is a destination that should not be overlooked. It is not merely a place to pay respect and ask for blessings, but a space that helps visitors understand the transformation of the region through the religious heritage and faith that the people of Chainat have preserved with reverence up to the present day.

 

 

A: Luang Pho Hin Shrine or Luang Pho Hin Ubosot is located near the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat Province, opposite the Chao Phraya Dam guesthouse, and is historically connected to Wat Karuna in Bang Luang Subdistrict, Sapphaya District.

 

A: Luang Pho Hin Yai is a large pale sandstone Buddha image that has long been revered by the people of Chainat and is regarded as the most important sacred object of this site.

 

A: Because the Chao Phraya Dam was constructed in 1953, the original temple had to be moved to a deserted temple site called Wat Don Ta Suea and was renamed “Wat Karuna,” while the original ordination hall remained in its original place.

 

A: According to the latest available information, Luang Pho Hin Ubosot is open daily for worship from 08:00 – 17:00, though it is still advisable to call and confirm before traveling.

 

A: People commonly pray for peace, success in work, good health, and safety in life, and many return with offerings after their wishes are fulfilled.

 

A: Visitors can continue on to the Chao Phraya Dam, Wat Karuna, Wat Thammamun Worawihan, Chainat Bird Park, or the Chainat City Pillar Shrine. It works well as part of a half-day or full-day merit-making itinerary.