Wat Ko Kaew Sutharam

Rating: 4.3/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06.00 – 18.00

 

Wat Ko Kaeo Suttharam is located in Ban Ko Kaeo, Moo 4, Ban Lat Subdistrict, Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi Province. It is a local temple under the Mahanikaya sect and is regarded as one of the historic temples in the Phetchaburi River basin. With a history dating back to the late Ayutthaya period, the temple has long served as an important Buddhist center and a spiritual anchor for the Ban Ko Kaeo community across generations.

 

Historical records indicate that Wat Ko Kaeo Suttharam was established in 2200 BE and was later granted royal consecration of the boundary (Wisungkhamsima) in 2295 BE. This milestone officially enabled the temple to conduct monastic ceremonies in accordance with Buddhist discipline. The same period also marked the construction of the temple’s principal wooden ordination hall, which remains standing to this day.

 

The temple grounds cover a total area of 17 rai, 2 ngan, and 20 square wah, along with two plots of monastic land of equal size. The layout reflects the simplicity of an old rural community temple, with religious structures set amid a peaceful and shaded environment, clearly illustrating the long-standing relationship between the temple and local village life.

 

The most historically significant structure is the wooden ordination hall, measuring approximately 19.60 meters in width and 39.70 meters in length. Built in 2295 BE, this entirely wooden structure exemplifies late Ayutthaya-era temple architecture. It has long functioned as the center of Buddhist rituals and stands as tangible evidence of the temple’s former prosperity.

 

The original sermon hall, constructed during the same period, measures 6 meters wide and 12 meters long. Formerly used for religious ceremonies and community activities, the wooden building is now in a deteriorated condition and no longer functional. Nevertheless, it remains historically valuable as a remnant of the temple’s early development.

 

In addition to its historic buildings, Wat Ko Kaeo Suttharam also features later constructions, including a wooden prayer hall measuring 3.35 by 27.25 meters built in 2535 BE, five monks’ residences, a viharn measuring 7 × 12 meters, and a multi-purpose pavilion constructed in 2543 BE. These structures support the religious and communal activities of monks and local residents.

 

The most important sacred object of the temple is the principal Buddha image enshrined in the ordination hall. Revered by the Ban Ko Kaeo community for generations, this Buddha image plays a central role in religious ceremonies and monastic rites, even though specific stylistic or historical details are not formally recorded.

 

Regarding administration, Wat Ko Kaeo Suttharam has been led by a succession of abbots, including Phra Sombun, Phra Un, Phra Wek, Phra Samuh Suep Panyatharo, and Phra Sompong Khantisaro. The current abbot, Phra Sompong Khantisaro, has held the position since 2541 BE and continues to play a key role in temple management and in maintaining close ties with the local community.

 

Getting There Wat Ko Kaeo Suttharam can be reached conveniently by private vehicle from Ban Lat District. Travelers can follow local roads into Ban Lat Subdistrict and continue toward Ban Ko Kaeo village. The temple is located within the community, with directional signs along the route, making it suitable for cultural tourism combined with visits to other attractions in Phetchaburi Province.

 

 

A: The temple was founded in 2200 BE during the late Ayutthaya period.

 

A: Built in 2295 BE, the ordination hall is more than 200 years old.

 

A: The royal consecration of the boundary was granted in 2295 BE.

 

A: Phra Sompong Khantisaro has served as abbot since 2541 BE.

 

A: The temple is well suited for cultural, historical, and community-based tourism.