Rating: 3.3/5 (8 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Wat Mai Bang Khla, Chachoengsao Province is located in Moo 1, Bang Suan Subdistrict, Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao Province, along the Bang Pakong River. The temple has a history spanning more than 100 years and serves as a religious and spiritual center for the Bang Suan community and surrounding areas. Its riverside setting gives it a distinctive visual presence; when viewed from the water, the ordination hall and architectural structures stand out gracefully, reflecting the traditional character of Thai riverside temples.

 

The historical context of Wat Mai Bang Khla is closely connected to the way of life along the Bang Pakong River. In the past, this river functioned as a major transportation and trade route in Chachoengsao Province. Establishing a temple by the river was not merely an aesthetic choice but part of the traditional community structure, where the temple acted as the spiritual heart, a venue for religious ceremonies, and a communal gathering space. Visitors entering the temple grounds can experience a calm, simple atmosphere that preserves the authentic character of a traditional Thai community temple.

 

History Wat Mai Bang Khla was established more than a century ago. Although the exact founding year is not widely documented in publicly available records, the old ordination hall, which is over 100 years old, stands as tangible evidence of the temple’s long-standing presence within the community. A major restoration took place in 2004 to reinforce the original architectural structure and ensure its suitability for contemporary use. This restoration preserved the temple’s identity and traditional craftsmanship without altering its fundamental design.

 

The ordination hall is a key architectural highlight of Wat Mai Bang Khla. Its structure reflects local Thai artistic traditions, combining simplicity with quiet elegance. The gabled roof and overall composition convey stability and serenity, appropriate for religious ceremonies. Inside the ordination hall is a reclining Buddha image, which is one of the temple’s most distinctive features.

 

The Distinctive Reclining Buddha Image The reclining Buddha is cast in brass and was created in 1933. It measures approximately 25 feet in length. What makes this image particularly unusual is the position of the hand supporting the head, which is turned downward—a rare posture not commonly found in typical reclining Buddha representations. This distinctive feature draws attention both from an artistic perspective and from devotees. In general, the reclining Buddha posture symbolizes the moment of the Buddha’s Parinirvana, representing peace and ultimate liberation. Visitors often come to pay respect and pray for inner calm and stability in their lives.

 

Today, Wat Mai Bang Khla continues to play an active role in the community. It hosts annual merit-making events and important Buddhist holy day ceremonies, including Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, Asalha Bucha, and Buddhist Lent. Various community activities are also organized at the temple, reinforcing its role not merely as a historical site but as a living religious institution in daily use.

 

A visit to Wat Mai Bang Khla is well suited for those seeking a peaceful and shaded environment while experiencing a traditional riverside Thai temple. Visitors typically spend about 1–2 hours paying respect to the reclining Buddha, exploring the historic ordination hall, and enjoying the atmosphere along the Bang Pakong River. Arriving by boat offers a particularly scenic perspective, highlighting the temple’s riverside identity within the river basin landscape.

 

Getting There Travelers can take Highway No. 304 (Chachoengsao–Kabin Buri route) and enter Bang Suan Subdistrict in Bang Khla District. The road access is convenient throughout the year, and traveling by private car is the most practical option. Alternatively, visitors can reach the temple by boat along the Bang Pakong River and disembark at the temple pier.

 

 

A: The temple has a history of more than 100 years, with an ordination hall that is over a century old.

 

A: The main highlights are the 25-foot brass reclining Buddha created in 1933 and the historic riverside ordination hall.

 

A: No, admission is free. Visitors may make merit according to their faith.

 

A: Most visitors spend approximately 1–2 hours exploring the temple grounds and paying respect.

 

A: Yes, visitors can travel along the Bang Pakong River and access the temple via its pier.