Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum

Rating: 3.5/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: 08.00–17.00

 

Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum is one of the most important cultural attractions in Ratchaburi Province and serves as a major center for preserving the traditional Thai shadow play known as Nang Yai. The museum is located within Wat Khanon in Soi Fa Subdistrict, Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province, along the Mae Klong River, about 10 kilometers from the center of Photharam District.

 

This place is not only a museum displaying historical artifacts but also a learning center that gathers knowledge about the art of Nang Yai performance, which is regarded as one of Thailand’s classical performing arts. It combines craftsmanship, fine art, literature, music, and theatrical performance into a single cultural expression.

 

The museum building is designed in a traditional Thai house style. Inside, exhibitions present the history of Nang Yai, the carving techniques used to create the leather puppets, and the production process of Nang Yai figures. Visitors can also see authentic puppets used in real performances, allowing them to understand this traditional art form in depth.

 

One of the highlights of the Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum is the preservation of as many as 313 Nang Yai puppets that remain in excellent condition. Most of the figures represent characters from the Ramakien, Thailand’s national epic. They are displayed in major performance sets such as Hanuman Offering the Ring, Sahatsakuman and the Burning of Lanka, and the First Battle of Indrajit.

 

The Nang Yai tradition at Wat Khanon dates back to the reign of King Rama V. The creator of the original Nang Yai puppets was Phra Khru Sattha Sunthon, also known as Luang Pu Klom, a former abbot of Wat Khanon. He was skilled in craftsmanship and recognized the value of Nang Yai as an important cultural performance.

 

Luang Pu Klom invited Kru Ang, a former Khon performer from the governor’s troupe of Ratchaburi, along with local craftsmen including Chang Jad, Chang Ja, and Chang Phuang to help create the puppets. The first set produced was the Hanuman Offering the Ring episode. Later, additional sets were created until there were nine complete performance sets.

 

Each Nang Yai puppet is carefully carved from cowhide with highly detailed patterns that reflect traditional Thai craftsmanship. The production process involves several steps including leather preparation, pattern design, carving intricate designs, coloring, and attaching wooden handles used for puppet manipulation during performances.

 

During a performance, the puppets are manipulated in front of a white screen while light shines from behind, creating dramatic shadow images. Puppeteers move the figures in harmony with traditional Thai music performed by a Piphat ensemble, accompanied by narration and singing that tell stories from classical literature.

 

Nang Yai performance is therefore considered a sophisticated art form that integrates several artistic disciplines including sculpture, craftsmanship, music, narration, singing, and theatrical performance.

 

The Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum is also part of a royal initiative by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who recognized the cultural value of Nang Yai and encouraged efforts to preserve and continue this traditional art form.

 

A remarkable feature of Wat Khanon is that Nang Yai performances are still actively practiced today. A traditional performance is held every Saturday from 10.00–11.00 and is performed by students from Wat Khanon School as part of the effort to pass this cultural heritage to younger generations.

 

Tourist groups visiting on weekdays can arrange a Nang Yai performance in advance. The cost for a private performance is approximately 2,500 baht per session.

 

In addition to the museum, the surroundings of Wat Khanon offer a peaceful and scenic environment as the temple is located along the Mae Klong River. Visitors can walk around the temple grounds, relax by the river, and take photographs in a tranquil setting.

 

Visiting the Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum is therefore more than just sightseeing. It provides an opportunity to learn about a valuable Thai performing art and appreciate the historical and cultural significance of Nang Yai.

 

By Car From Bangkok, take Phetkasem Road (Highway No. 4) through Nakhon Pathom toward Ban Pong District in Ratchaburi Province. Turn right at Bang Phae intersection and continue along Highway No. 3090 to Photharam District. After crossing the Mae Klong River bridge, turn right onto Highway No. 3089 and continue for about 3 kilometers. Wat Khanon will be on the right side.

 

By Bus Visitors can take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok on the Bangkok–Photharam route. After arriving at Photharam Bus Terminal, take a local songthaew on the Ban Pong–Photharam route and get off at Wat Khanon. Alternatively, a motorcycle taxi from the town center takes approximately 5 minutes.

 

Approximate Distance Bangkok → Wat Khanon approximately 90 km. Ratchaburi city → Wat Khanon approximately 25 km. Photharam District → Wat Khanon approximately 10 km.

 

 

It is located inside Wat Khanon, Soi Fa Subdistrict, Photharam District, Ratchaburi Province.

 

The museum preserves 313 Nang Yai puppets and provides exhibitions about their history and carving techniques.

 

Admission is free.

 

Yes. A traditional Nang Yai performance is held every Saturday from 10.00–11.00.

 

Most visitors spend about 1–2 hours exploring the museum and temple area.

 

The journey takes approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic conditions.