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Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Wat Wang Yao is an important temple located in Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The temple is situated at No. 441, Ban Wang Yao, Village No. 1, Kui Buri Subdistrict, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Wat Wang Yao belongs to the Maha Nikaya sect of Thai Buddhism and occupies approximately 14 rai, 2 ngan, and 9 square wah of temple land with land title deed number 1564. In addition, the temple owns three additional monastic land plots (Thoranisong land), totaling approximately 62 rai, 1 ngan, and 56 square wah. The temple grounds are peaceful and shaded, surrounded by the long-established Wang Yao community in Kui Buri District.

 

Wat Wang Yao was established in 1923 and was named after the village of Wang Yao, which reflects the geographical characteristics of the area in the past. The name “Wang Yao” refers to a long natural basin or water reservoir that once extended across this region. The land for the establishment of the temple was donated by a devout supporter named Mae Prim, who played an important role in founding the temple and helping it become a spiritual center for the local community.

 

During its early years, Wat Wang Yao was a small temple established primarily to serve as a place for religious activities for villagers. As the community grew and more Buddhists came to participate in merit-making ceremonies, the temple gradually expanded. Various monastic buildings were constructed over time, and the temple developed into an important religious center for people in Kui Buri District.

 

In 1984, Wat Wang Yao received the royal Wisungkhamsima boundary, which is the sacred area designated for official Buddhist ceremonies such as monk ordination and other important ecclesiastical rites. Receiving the Wisungkhamsima was a significant milestone that confirmed the temple’s status as a fully established temple according to Buddhist monastic law.

 

The administration of Wat Wang Yao has been passed down through several abbots over the years. The first abbot was Phra Kling, who served from 1923 to 1926. He was succeeded by Phra Kep, who served as abbot from 1926 to 1936. Later, Phra Thongboem Inthachoto became the abbot and played a major role in developing the temple until 1999.

 

At present, Wat Wang Yao is under the leadership of Phra Khru Kosonsuphakit, the current abbot, who has continued to renovate and develop the temple both in terms of permanent structures and religious activities. Under his leadership, the temple has flourished and become an important spiritual center for the local community in Kui Buri Subdistrict.

 

One of the most remarkable structures and a key landmark of Wat Wang Yao is the “Phra Maha That Chedi Maha Chakri Ying Mongkhon,” a large pagoda built to honor His Majesty the King. The construction of this grand chedi was initiated and carried out by Phra Khru Wiriyakon Koson, also known as Luang Pho Thongboem Inthachoto.

 

The pagoda features an octagonal truncated base design. The upper section is a bell-shaped chedi painted in gold. The structure stands approximately 49 meters tall with a base measuring about 50 meters on each side. Its elegant architecture and large scale make it highly visible from a distance, making it a major landmark of Wat Wang Yao and Kui Buri District.

 

The Phra Maha That Chedi Maha Chakri Ying Mongkhon is not only an impressive architectural structure but also serves as a place for religious ceremonies, meditation practice, and gatherings of Buddhist devotees who come to participate in religious activities. Visitors to Wat Wang Yao often pay respect to the pagoda for blessings and good fortune.

 

Within the temple grounds, there are several important monastic buildings, including the ordination hall which measures approximately 12.50 meters wide and 23.50 meters long and was built in 1986. Other structures include a two-story Thai-style pavilion with triple gables, a prayer hall, and monk residences designed in an applied Thai architectural style. These buildings support both the daily life of monks and the religious activities of the local community.

 

Wat Wang Yao also houses many important Buddha images, including a meditation posture Buddha image, a replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, and nine relics of the Buddha. In addition, there are more than 30 Buddha images of various sizes throughout the temple. These sacred objects are deeply respected by local residents and visitors who come to pay homage.

 

The atmosphere within the temple is peaceful and shaded, making it an ideal place for meditation and spiritual reflection. Visitors can walk around the temple grounds to admire Buddhist architecture, pay respect to sacred Buddha images, and participate in merit-making activities. The serene environment of Kui Buri also makes the temple a perfect place to relax and experience a calm spiritual atmosphere.

 

Wat Wang Yao is therefore considered one of the important religious and cultural attractions of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Visitors who come to this temple can experience spiritual tranquility, appreciate the beauty of Buddhist architecture, and witness the strong faith that has been preserved within the community for generations.

 

Getting There From Bangkok, visitors can travel via Phetkasem Road (Highway No. 4) heading south toward Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The distance is approximately 280 kilometers and the journey usually takes around 4 to 5 hours. When reaching the intersection leading to Kui Buri District, turn toward Kui Buri and continue driving toward Ban Wang Yao following the road signs until reaching Wat Wang Yao. For those traveling by public transportation, buses are available from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Kui Buri District. From the Kui Buri bus station, local songthaews or tuk-tuks can be used to reach the temple.

 

 

A: The temple is located in Ban Wang Yao, Kui Buri Subdistrict, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

 

A: The main highlight is the Maha Chakri Ying Mongkhon Pagoda, a large golden pagoda approximately 49 meters tall.

 

A: The pagoda was initiated and constructed by Phra Khru Wiriyakon Koson (Luang Pho Thongboem Inthachoto).

 

A: The temple is suitable for spiritual tourism, meditation practice, and learning about Buddhist architecture.

 

A: Visitors can travel by car via Phetkasem Road from Bangkok to Kui Buri District, or take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok and continue by local transport.