Wat Samphanthawongsaram (Wat Ko Kaeo Langkaram)

Rating: 4.2/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Samphanthawongsaram (Wat Ko Kaeo Langkaram) is a third-class royal temple of the Worawihan category, located near the Chao Phraya River in Samphanthawong District, Bangkok. This temple is considered an important historical and religious site, closely connected to the old commercial areas of Song Wat Road and Sampheng. The surrounding neighborhood has long been shaped by merchant communities and traditional trade routes of Bangkok.

 

According to historical records, Wat Samphanthawongsaram was originally known as “Wat Ko Kaeo Langkaram,” an ancient temple built by Chao Fa Krom Luang Phithak Montri. The temple is situated along Song Wat Road, north of Wat Pathum Khongkha, in an area that historically played a vital role in water transportation and trade. As a result, the temple has been an integral part of the city’s urban structure and community life since its early days.

 

Documents from the Department of Religious Affairs’ “History of Royal Temples” state that during the reign of King Rama III, the temple was granted a new royal name, “Wat Samphanthawong Sawat,” which later came to be commonly referred to as “Wat Samphanthawong.” However, another source, the “Legend of Royal Temples” compiled by Chao Phraya Wichitwongwutthikrai, indicates that the royal renaming actually took place during the reign of King Rama IV.

 

To resolve this discrepancy, references were made to the Royal Chronicles of the Rattanakosin period during the reign of King Rama IV, which clearly record the establishment and renaming of various temples. One passage explicitly states, “Wat Ko Kaeo was renamed Wat Samphanthawongsaram.” This evidence confirms that the change of name from Wat Ko Kaeo Langkaram to Wat Samphanthawongsaram occurred during the reign of King Rama IV.

 

Although today both government agencies and the general public commonly refer to the temple simply as “Wat Samphanthawong,” official documents and the temple’s full name remain “Wat Samphanthawongsaram” or “Wat Samphanthawong Sararam.” The temple itself has not formally requested or initiated any official name change. The story of the temple’s name therefore reflects the complexity of how names and collective memory are transmitted within Thai society.

 

In terms of atmosphere, Wat Samphanthawongsaram offers a sense of calm that stands in clear contrast to the bustling commercial districts surrounding it. Visitors stepping into the temple grounds can immediately feel a sense of serenity and historical continuity. The temple continues to serve as both a spiritual center and a place of respite for the local community in the Song Wat–Sampheng area.

 

Getting There Wat Samphanthawongsaram can be conveniently reached by both private vehicles and public transportation. By car, access is available via Song Wat Road. For public transport, visitors can alight at nearby stops and walk a short distance to the temple. Walking through this area also allows visitors to experience the atmosphere of Bangkok’s old town at close range.

 

 

A: It was originally known as Wat Ko Kaeo Langkaram.

 

A: Evidence from the Royal Chronicles confirms that the renaming took place during the reign of King Rama IV.

 

A: It is a shortened name commonly used by the public and government agencies, even though the full official name remains Wat Samphanthawongsaram.