Wat Wichian Bamrung (Wat Tha Nam)

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: Open All Day

 

Wat Wichian Bamrung, also known locally as Wat Tha Nam, is an old temple and important attraction in Wichian Buri District, Phetchabun Province. Located in Ban Tha Nam, Moo 13, Tha Rong Subdistrict, Wichian Buri District, the temple is significant in terms of Buddhism, local history, cultural heritage, and faith-based tourism. Its main highlight is the large outdoor golden reclining Buddha named “Phra Phuttha Saiyat Wichian Buri Sri Rattanamingmongkhon,” one of the most prominent reclining Buddha images in Phetchabun.

 

In simple terms, Wat Wichian Bamrung is ideal for visitors who want to pay respect to a large reclining Buddha, make merit, and learn about local heritage in Wichian Buri in one trip. The temple features not only an important Buddha image but also monuments of King Naresuan the Great, Princess Suphankanlaya, and King Ekathotsarot, as well as an ancient roofed dugout boat made from a whole takian wood trunk, reflecting the historical connection between the Pa Sak River and local life in the past.

 

Wat Wichian Bamrung was formerly known as “Wat Tha Nam,” a name linked to its riverside community background. The temple was established on March 6, 1928, making it one of the old temples in the area. It has served as a spiritual center for local residents for generations. Its ordination hall was built in 1953 and is enclosed by a traditional boundary wall.

 

The most recognizable landmark of the temple is Phra Phuttha Saiyat Wichian Buri Sri Rattanamingmongkhon, a large outdoor golden reclining Buddha. The image is approximately 50 meters long and 5 meters high, with the Buddha’s face turned toward the east. It is made of cement and painted entirely in gold, making it visually striking from a distance. Visitors often come to pay respect, pray for blessings, and take respectful photographs.

 

The significance of the reclining Buddha is not limited to its size. Inside the image are enshrined sacred Buddha relics, specifically the collarbone relics, making it a major object of devotion for Buddhists in Wichian Buri, Phetchabun, and visitors from other regions.

 

Behind the reclining Buddha are monuments of King Naresuan the Great, Princess Suphankanlaya, and King Ekathotsarot. These monuments add a historical dimension to the temple area, allowing visitors to pay respect to sacred Buddhist sites while also remembering important figures in Thai history.

 

Another important object at the temple is the ancient roofed dugout boat, carved from an entire takian wood trunk. The boat is believed to date back to the Ayutthaya period and was discovered in the Pa Sak River in Wichian Buri District before being displayed at the temple. This artifact reflects traditional water transportation, local craftsmanship, and the historical importance of the Pa Sak River to the community.

 

Seeing the ancient boat at Wat Wichian Bamrung makes the visit more than a merit-making trip. It also becomes an opportunity to learn about local history in a tangible way. The whole-trunk takian boat tells stories of traditional craftsmanship, natural resource use, and river-based life in earlier times.

 

The temple has the atmosphere of an accessible community temple, located close to Wichian Buri town. Visitors can walk calmly around the temple grounds, especially around the reclining Buddha and the area behind it, where several important historical and religious elements are located.

 

Wat Wichian Bamrung is also convenient for travelers using Highway 21 who want to stop for worship in Wichian Buri. From Highway 21, turn right toward Wichian Buri town for about 7 kilometers, then turn left beside the district office and Wichian Buri Police Station for another 200 meters. The temple is suitable for a half-day visit or as part of a lower Phetchabun travel route.

 

For faith-based travelers, Wat Wichian Bamrung offers several points of interest in one place: the large reclining Buddha, Buddha relics, royal monuments, and a local historical artifact. Visitors can make merit, pray, learn about the ancient boat, and explore the temple atmosphere respectfully.

 

Visitors should dress modestly when entering the temple. Although the reclining Buddha is outdoors, the entire area is a religious site. Visitors should avoid loud noise, climbing on sacred structures, and inappropriate photography. During religious ceremonies, visitors should keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing monks or worshippers.

 

Wat Wichian Bamrung can be combined with other nearby attractions in Wichian Buri and surrounding areas, such as the King Naresuan the Great Shrine, Sap Chomphu Waterfall Arboretum, attractions in Bueng Sam Phan, Si Thep Historical Park, and local restaurants. Wichian Buri is especially known for its famous grilled chicken, making the area suitable for a trip that combines religion, culture, history, and local food.

 

In summary, Wat Wichian Bamrung, or Wat Tha Nam, is an old temple in Wichian Buri that is well worth visiting. It houses a large golden reclining Buddha approximately 50 meters long and 5 meters high, enshrines Buddha collarbone relics, features royal monuments, and displays an ancient takian-wood dugout boat. The temple brings together faith, cultural heritage, and local history in one meaningful place.

 

 

A: Wat Wichian Bamrung is located in Ban Tha Nam, Moo 13, Tha Rong Subdistrict, Wichian Buri District, Phetchabun Province.

 

A: It was formerly known as Wat Tha Nam.

 

A: The main highlight is Phra Phuttha Saiyat Wichian Buri Sri Rattanamingmongkhon, a large outdoor golden reclining Buddha approximately 50 meters long and 5 meters high.

 

A: Buddha relics, specifically the collarbone relics, are enshrined inside the reclining Buddha.

 

A: Visitors can see an ancient roofed dugout boat carved from a whole takian wood trunk, believed to date back to the Ayutthaya period and found in the Pa Sak River.

 

A: Use Highway 21, turn right toward Wichian Buri town for about 7 km, then turn left beside the district office and Wichian Buri Police Station for another 200 meters.

 

A: No, there is no entrance fee.