Wat Bua Kwan

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 16:30

 

Wat Buakhwan is a local Buddhist temple under the Maha Nikaya sect, located along Khlong Bang Sakae in Lat Lum Kaeo Subdistrict, Lat Lum Kaeo District, Pathum Thani Province. It is one of the old temples of the district and stands out for its historical atmosphere, sacred images, and rare wooden architecture. The temple is especially well known for “Phra Phom,” a bronze Buddha image in the ascetic posture created during the reign of King Chulalongkorn, as well as “Sala Daeng,” a red wooden pavilion once associated with the royal first-ploughing tradition.

 

Wat Buakhwan was established around 1881 by Nai Song Thonghanert, a Mon donor who offered land and led the founding of the temple. Later, additional land was donated by His Royal Highness Prince Chaturonrasmi, Krom Phraya Chakrapadiphong. The temple was originally known as Wat Sakae Lak Met or Wat Met before its name was officially changed to Wat Buakhwan in 1939. It received its royal boundary charter on September 17, 1976, marking an important step in its formal religious status. 

 

Historically, the temple reflects the deep roots of the Mon community in Lat Lum Kaeo. Its founder was Mon, and the surrounding district has long been connected with Mon settlements and culture. Because of this, Wat Buakhwan is more than a religious place. It is also a community landmark and a site that preserves the memory of early settlement, local belief, and riverside life in Pathum Thani. 

 

The most important sacred object inside the temple is the bronze Buddha image in the ascetic posture, known locally as Phra Phom. This image dates to the reign of King Chulalongkorn and is visually distinctive because it represents the period of severe ascetic practice before enlightenment. For many visitors, the image symbolizes perseverance, discipline, and inner strength, making it one of the temple’s most memorable and revered features. 

 

Another major point of interest is the replica of the Buddha’s footprint, modeled after the one at Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi Province. This allows visitors to pay respect in a symbolic way without having to travel far. The temple also houses Sala Daeng, the red wooden pavilion that was once used in connection with the royal first-ploughing ceremony during the reign of King Vajiravudh. Originally located at Wang Phaya Thai, the pavilion is a fine example of teak architecture, with a raised floor, layered gabled roof, wooden shingles, and its characteristic red-painted exterior.

 

Sala Daeng is not only architecturally beautiful, but also historically meaningful. It connects the temple to royal ceremonial culture and to the importance of agriculture in Thai society. Its presence at Wat Buakhwan gives the temple a unique status as a place where religion, local history, and royal heritage are preserved together. Travelers interested in old wooden structures and cultural history will find this especially valuable. 

 

Today, Wat Buakhwan continues to operate actively as a community temple. Its public page regularly shares religious activities, merit-making events, and contact information for visitors and devotees. Recent public information also identifies key temple personnel and provides contact numbers, making it easy for visitors to coordinate participation in ceremonies or make inquiries before visiting.

 

For travelers planning a cultural day trip in Pathum Thani, Wat Buakhwan works very well as a half-day or full-day stop. It is relatively easy to reach from Pathum Thani town, Rangsit, or the Bang Len side. Visitors can pay respect to Phra Phom, admire Sala Daeng, and then continue on to nearby attractions such as Talad Ra-Haeng 100 Years or other historic temples in Lat Lum Kaeo. This makes Wat Buakhwan suitable for spiritual tourism, history-focused travel, and quiet local exploration outside the usual main routes. 

 

Getting There From Bangkok or Pathum Thani, take Highway 341 (Pathum Thani–Lat Lum Kaeo), then turn left around kilometer markers 21–22 and continue for about 5 km to the temple. The most convenient way to visit is by private car, although public transport users can travel into Lat Lum Kaeo first and continue by local transport. The temple is easy to access and fits well into a same-day route around the district. 

 

 

A: The temple is located along Khlong Bang Sakae in Lat Lum Kaeo Subdistrict, Lat Lum Kaeo District, Pathum Thani Province.

 

A: It was established around 1881 and is one of the old temples of Lat Lum Kaeo.

 

A: The key highlights are Phra Phom, the replica Buddha’s footprint, and Sala Daeng, the historic red wooden pavilion.

 

A: Yes, it is open daily, with visitor hours commonly listed as 08:00 to 16:30.

 

A: The easiest way is by private car via Highway 341, then turning toward the temple near kilometer markers 21 to 22.

 

A: It is suitable for merit-making, local history travel, and combining with nearby markets and temples in Lat Lum Kaeo.