Wat Khao Lan Thom (Sam Krathai)

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Khao Lan Thom (Sam Krathai) is a royal temple under the Mahanikaya sect, located at 62 Ban Don Klang, Phetkasem Road, Moo 4, Sam Krathai Subdistrict, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. This temple has long served as a spiritual center for the community in the Sam Krathai area. With its peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by nature and local settlements, Wat Khao Lan Thom is a place where villagers regularly come to make merit, listen to sermons, and participate in religious ceremonies. It is also an important place that clearly reflects the relationship between religion, local ways of life, and the culture of communities in Kui Buri District.

 

The temple grounds cover approximately 17 rai, 3 ngan, and 50 square wah, which is considered quite spacious for a community temple. This land was donated by Mr. Thoop Chueachat, who intended for it to become a temple serving as a spiritual center for the people of Sam Krathai. The establishment of the temple was therefore not merely the construction of a religious site, but also the creation of a spiritual space that helps connect people in the community through religious and social activities.

 

Wat Khao Lan Thom officially received its royal boundary charter for the ordination hall on February 25, 2014. This was an important event in the temple’s history because receiving this charter means the temple was granted formal permission to establish its ordination boundary, allowing it to conduct major Buddhist ceremonies, such as ordinations, in full accordance with monastic discipline. This recognition reflects the significance of Wat Khao Lan Thom as a religious site formally acknowledged within the Thai Sangha system.

 

Inside Wat Khao Lan Thom, there are several monastic buildings constructed to support both religious and community activities. One of the most notable is the sermon hall, a large wooden building measuring approximately 25.50 meters wide and 38.50 meters long. This hall is used for religious ceremonies such as listening to sermons and making merit on important Buddhist holy days, as well as for community activities including meetings, merit-making events, and teaching Dhamma to young people.

 

In addition to the sermon hall, the temple also has a multipurpose pavilion, also built of wood, measuring approximately 11 meters wide and 24.50 meters long. This building is used for a variety of purposes, whether for merit-making events, community gatherings, or religious learning activities. The presence of this multipurpose pavilion helps the temple accommodate community functions conveniently and appropriately.

 

Another important building is the funeral pavilion, which is used for funeral ceremonies and religious rites dedicated to the deceased. This wooden structure was designed with a simple and peaceful atmosphere, creating a warm and welcoming environment for those attending ceremonies. In addition, the temple has a bell tower used to ring the bell during morning and evening chanting, a long-standing tradition in Thai temples.

 

In terms of administration, Wat Khao Lan Thom is currently led by Phra Khru Thaworn Thammasan, the present abbot, who plays an important role in overseeing temple affairs and promoting religious activities. Phra Khru Thaworn Thammasan has initiated various projects related to the propagation of Buddhism, including Dhamma-for-life programs and youth training activities that help community children learn the teachings of the Buddha.

 

Wat Khao Lan Thom also plays an important role in organizing religious activities on major holy days such as Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, and Buddhist Lent Day. People in the community often come to make merit, offer alms, and listen to sermons on these occasions, making the temple a central place for religious activities in Sam Krathai Subdistrict.

 

Beyond its religious role, Wat Khao Lan Thom also contributes to cultural preservation and the continuation of local traditions. Activities such as the Thet Mahachat sermon, meditation practice, and moral training programs for youth are organized here. These activities help younger generations learn and understand Buddhist teachings while also preserving Thai traditions for the future.

 

The atmosphere of Wat Khao Lan Thom is shady and peaceful, making it suitable for merit-making, meditation, or quiet reflection. Visitors who come here can experience the simplicity of a community temple that still preserves the traditional way of life of Thai local communities in a graceful and meaningful way.

 

Getting There From Bangkok, take Phetkasem Road (Highway 4) toward Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Once you reach Kui Buri District, continue to Sam Krathai Subdistrict. Wat Khao Lan Thom is located near Phetkasem Road, making it convenient to reach by private car. If traveling by public transport, visitors can get off in Kui Buri District and then continue by local transport into Sam Krathai Subdistrict.

 

 

A: Wat Khao Lan Thom is located in Sam Krathai Subdistrict, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, near Phetkasem Road.

 

A: The temple received its royal boundary charter on February 25, 2014.

 

A: The current abbot is Phra Khru Thaworn Thammasan.

 

A: Its main highlights are the large wooden sermon hall and the temple’s role as a center of community life.

 

A: You can visit the temple for merit-making and sightseeing every day, approximately from 08:00 to 17:00.

 

A: The temple serves as a center for religious, cultural, and community activities in Sam Krathai Subdistrict.