Rating: 3.4/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Khao Bot is a third-class royal temple of the common type, located in Moo 1, Kamnoet Nopphakhun Subdistrict, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. This temple is regarded as an important Buddhist center of Bang Saphan District and has long played a significant role in the religious, social, and cultural life of the community. With a history dating back to 1897, Wat Khao Bot clearly reflects the deep faith of local Buddhists and has continued to serve as a spiritual center for the people of Bang Saphan for many generations.

 

The temple stands in an important community area of Bang Saphan District. It is located near the Bang Saphan District Office, Bang Saphan Market, and Khlong Bang Krachong, which has made Wat Khao Bot closely connected to the daily lives of local residents from the past to the present. Whether for religious ceremonies, merit-making on important Buddhist holy days, or community development activities, this temple is not merely a place for religious practice but also a place that closely links religion, culture, and the local way of life.

 

Historically, Wat Khao Bot was first established in 1897. Although there is no clear evidence identifying the founder, local accounts and some historical references indicate that the temple was created through the cooperation of villagers who wished to have a place for religious activities and a spiritual center for the community. The establishment of the temple in its early period was therefore a collective effort of local people, reflecting their deep devotion to Buddhism.

 

Phra Khru In, whom local people respectfully called Luang Pu In, was the first abbot of Wat Khao Bot. He played an important role in laying the temple’s foundations during its earliest period. Although detailed information about his life is limited, his role in caring for the temple and guiding the community in Buddhist practice has long been remembered by local residents. After his passing in 1907, the villagers invited another monk to continue overseeing the temple.

 

Later, in 1908, the villagers invited Phra Thuam Thammaso from Wat Thung Maphrao to become the abbot of Wat Khao Bot. Phra Thuam was a key figure who played a major role in the temple’s development in the following period. He initiated the construction of many buildings and monastic structures within the temple, such as the ubosot, the sermon hall, and other structures necessary for religious activities. These developments strengthened Wat Khao Bot and enabled it to fully support Buddhist activities.

 

Because of the important role played by Phra Thuam Thammaso, he was granted the ecclesiastical title Phra Khru Sinwimon, and he was also appointed the ecclesiastical head of Bang Saphan District. This reflected both his ability and the recognition he received from the local monastic community. He continued to develop Wat Khao Bot and promote Buddhism in Bang Saphan District until his passing in 1984.

 

After the passing of Phra Khru Sinwimon, in 1986 the people of Bang Saphan invited Phra Maha Buntoean Sirithammo from Wat Khlong Wan to become the abbot of Wat Khao Bot. He continued the development of the temple by constructing additional buildings and structures, including a vihara enshrining a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, a Pali and Buddhist studies building, the Sinwimon Memorial Vihara, and a bell tower. These constructions not only made the temple more complete, but also enabled Wat Khao Bot to better support religious and educational activities for the community.

 

In addition, Phra Maha Buntoean established a place for meditation practice so that local residents, students, and government officials could come to practice Dhamma on Buddhist holy days and important religious occasions. This was regarded as an activity that helped promote morality and ethics in society in a lasting way.

 

Wat Khao Bot was recognized as a model developed temple in 1987 and later received an award as an outstanding model developed temple in 1990. These achievements reflected the cooperation between the monks and the community in developing the temple into a center of religion and learning.

 

In 1994, Wat Khao Bot was elevated to the status of a third-class royal temple, which was a great honor and source of pride for the people of Bang Saphan. Receiving royal temple status demonstrated the temple’s importance at the national level and confirmed its significant role in promoting Buddhism and supporting community development.

 

The temple grounds of Wat Khao Bot cover approximately 28 rai, with an additional 2 plots of monastic land totaling about 27 rai. The temple is located near the Bang Saphan District Office to the north, Khlong Bang Krachong to the east, and Bang Saphan Market to the west. This location makes the temple easily accessible and allows it to serve as a center for many community activities.

 

Wat Khao Bot also received its royal boundary charter, or Wisungkham Sima, on January 12, 1978, with the consecrated boundary measuring 40 meters wide and 80 meters long. Receiving this boundary charter officially confirmed the temple’s status for conducting important Buddhist ceremonies such as ordination, which is one of the most significant rites in Buddhism.

 

Beyond its religious role, Wat Khao Bot also plays an important role in social and community development. The monks and temple committee have supported activities that help improve the quality of life for local residents, such as educational scholarships for students, the establishment of a library, assistance for disaster victims, and contributions to the construction of public pavilions in villages.

 

The temple is also a place that hosts a variety of Thai cultural activities, whether traditional merit-making events, candlelit processions on important Buddhist holy days, or activities promoting Thai arts and music in the community. These activities help young people learn about Thai culture and build pride in their own heritage.

 

Getting There Wat Khao Bot is located in Kamnoet Nopphakhun Subdistrict, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. It is easily accessible from Phetkasem Road. If traveling from the center of Bang Saphan District, it takes only a few minutes, as the temple is close to the district office and Bang Saphan Market. Visitors traveling by car can use the main road into Bang Saphan and follow the signs to the temple with ease.

 

 

A: Wat Khao Bot is located in Kamnoet Nopphakhun Subdistrict, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, near the Bang Saphan District Office.

 

A: Wat Khao Bot was established in 1897 and was later elevated to royal temple status in 1994.

 

A: Yes. Wat Khao Bot is a third-class royal temple of the common type under the Maha Nikaya order.

 

A: Wat Khao Bot serves as a center of religion, education, and community activities in Bang Saphan District, including scholarship support and various social programs.

 

A: Yes. Visitors can come to Wat Khao Bot every day for visits and merit-making from 08:00 to 17:00.