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Wat Song Phi Nong is an important ancient monument located in Phraek Si Racha Subdistrict, Sankhaburi District, Chainat Province, about 300 meters from Wat Mahathat. This site is considered one of the major historical monuments of the old city of Sankhaburi, an ancient city with a long history stretching back many centuries and once a major community center in the Noi River basin. The monument therefore serves as important evidence for understanding the development of ancient urban communities in central Thailand.

 

The name of Wat Song Phi Nong is connected to a local legend about a struggle for royal succession among 3 royal brothers: Chao Ai, Chao Yi, and Chao Sam. According to the legend, Chao Sam incited his 2 elder brothers to fight each other for power over the city. As a result of the conflict, both Chao Ai and Chao Yi died, while Chao Sam ultimately became ruler.

 

After the event, Chao Sam built a prang and a chedi in memory of his 2 brothers. One prang was built in dedication to Chao Ai, while the other was built in dedication to Chao Yi. This story became a local legend passed down through generations and is regarded as the origin of the name Wat Song Phi Nong, which remains in use today.

 

The most important ancient structures within the temple are 2 old prangs built of brick and stucco in the Lopburi style. The larger prang stands on the eastern side of the temple grounds and remains relatively well preserved compared with other monuments nearby. Decorative stucco patterns can still be clearly seen on parts of its walls.

 

The second prang stands to the southeast. It is smaller and in a more deteriorated condition. Part of the damage was caused by the roots of a large tree that once penetrated the monument’s base, creating cracks in parts of the structure over time. Although the tree has now been removed, traces of the deterioration can still be seen.

 

Wat Song Phi Nong was officially registered as a national ancient monument on 8 March 1935 by the Fine Arts Department. This registration is highly significant for conservation, as it helps ensure that the site is protected and preserved as part of the nation’s cultural heritage.

 

The Ancient City of Sankhaburi was an important historical city in what is now Chainat Province. Located along the Noi River, which served as a major transportation route in the past, Sankhaburi once functioned as a center of trade, travel, and settlement in the region. The many ancient sites scattered across the area reflect the city’s former prosperity.

 

Within the old city area are several ancient temples, including Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Kaeo, and Wat Song Phi Nong. Together, they provide important evidence of the flourishing religion and culture of the area. These monuments display architectural forms influenced by Lopburi art, which spread into central Thailand during the 16th–18th Buddhist centuries.

 

Archaeological studies indicate that the ancient city of Sankhaburi once had a clearly planned urban layout, with moats, city walls, and important religious sites positioned across the area. The survival of Wat Song Phi Nong therefore helps scholars better understand the structure of this ancient city.

 

The Lopburi Art of the Prangs at Wat Song Phi Nong is an important example of Lopburi-period art, which was influenced by the Khmer Empire. A key characteristic of Lopburi art is the construction of tall, slender prangs set on square bases, often decorated with stucco ornamentation.

 

The design of the prangs at Wat Song Phi Nong reflects brick-and-stucco construction techniques that were characteristic of the period. It also demonstrates the skill of ancient craftsmen in creating refined and detailed artwork. Even after many centuries, the main structure of the prangs remains clearly visible.

 

The study of the prangs’ architectural form also helps archaeologists estimate the approximate date of construction, which in turn makes Wat Song Phi Nong an important historical source for understanding the development of art and architecture in central Thailand.

 

One-Day Route Through the Ancient City of Sankhaburi For travelers who want to study the ancient monuments of Sankhaburi, a good starting point is Wat Mahathat, which served as the center of the old city. From there, visitors can continue on to Wat Song Phi Nong, located only about 300 meters away.

 

After visiting Wat Song Phi Nong, travelers can continue to Wat Phra Kaeo, which is also nearby, to see more important ancient structures and historic architecture. From there, the journey can continue to other sites in Chainat Province, such as the Chao Phraya Dam or the Chainat Muni National Museum, allowing visitors to gain a fuller understanding of the history and culture of the region in a single day.

 

Getting There If traveling from Chainat town, take Highway 340 toward Sankhaburi District. When you reach the clock tower at the Sankhaburi District Office, turn left into Phraek Si Racha Subdistrict. Continue for about 500 meters to reach Wat Mahathat, and then go on another 300 meters to arrive at Wat Song Phi Nong.

 

 

A: Wat Song Phi Nong is located in Phraek Si Racha Subdistrict, Sankhaburi District, Chainat Province, about 300 meters from Wat Mahathat.

 

A: Its main highlights are the 2 ancient Lopburi-style prangs and the legend of Chao Ai, Chao Yi, and Chao Sam.

 

A: Yes. Wat Song Phi Nong was registered as an ancient monument by the Fine Arts Department on 8 March 1935.

 

A: Visitors often combine it with Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Kaeo, and other ancient sites in the old city of Sankhaburi.

 

A: Sankhaburi was an important ancient city in the Noi River basin, with many monuments reflecting the religious and cultural prosperity of the past.