Wat Banphot Suttharam

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Banphot Suttharam, also locally known as Wat Wang Ruean, is a community Buddhist temple in Dong Charoen District, Phichit Province. Located at 117 Moo 5, Ban Wang Ruean, Tang Ban Mueang Subdistrict, the temple belongs to the Mahanikaya order and has long served as a religious, cultural, and community center for local residents. Founded in 1925, it is especially known for its hillside setting on Khao Wang Ruean, its peaceful atmosphere, and several important sacred objects, including a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, the large white Buddha image known as Luang Pho Khao, and a replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat.

 

For foreign travelers exploring local temples in Phichit beyond the main tourist routes, Wat Banphot Suttharam offers a calm and authentic experience. It is not a large commercial attraction, but a living village temple where Buddhist devotion, local identity, and the natural landscape are closely connected. Visitors come here to pay respect to sacred images, make merit, enjoy the quiet hillside environment, and observe how a rural Thai temple continues to function as the spiritual heart of its community.

 

The name “Banphot Suttharam” reflects the temple’s landscape and spiritual character. “Banphot” refers to a mountain or hill, while “Suttharam” suggests a pure and peaceful monastery. Locally, however, most villagers call it Wat Wang Ruean after Ban Wang Ruean, the community in which the temple is located. This local name gives the temple a strong sense of belonging and shows how deeply it is connected with the daily life and memory of the people in the area.

 

The temple covers 14 rai, 2 ngan, and 50 square wah of land and is legally documented under title deed number 6459. Its boundaries are clearly defined. To the north, the temple borders Khao Wang Ruean for about 165 meters. To the south, it borders the Bang Mun Nak–Dong Khayule Highway No. 1069 for about 160 meters. To the east, it borders Ko Teng Cemetery for about 65 meters, and to the west, it borders public land for about 110 meters. This setting gives the temple a distinctive combination of sacred space, village surroundings, and hillside scenery.

 

The hillside location is one of the temple’s most memorable features. Unlike temples located on flat ground, Wat Wang Ruean allows visitors to experience Buddhist devotion together with a gentle ascent through a natural landscape. The elevation creates a quiet atmosphere that feels removed from daily noise, making the temple suitable for reflection, prayer, and slow cultural travel. Those who enjoy less crowded spiritual sites will find the temple’s setting simple, calm, and meaningful.

 

One of the most important sacred objects at Wat Banphot Suttharam is the replica of the Buddha’s footprint on the top of Khao Wang Ruean. In Thai Buddhist belief, a Buddha footprint is a powerful symbol of remembrance, reverence, and the path of Dharma. Visiting this sacred point is therefore not only a physical climb but also a symbolic act of paying respect to the Buddha’s teaching. The elevated location adds to the sense of devotion and gives visitors a chance to pause and appreciate the surrounding landscape.

 

Another major highlight is Luang Pho Khao, a large white stucco Buddha image located on the hillside. The image has a lap width of 4.75 meters and a height of 11 meters. Its white color creates a sense of clarity, serenity, and purity, especially when seen against the natural backdrop of Khao Wang Ruean. Local worshippers regularly pay respect to Luang Pho Khao for blessings, and many visitors consider this area one of the most impressive parts of the temple.

 

The temple also houses a replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat with a lap width of 84 inches. Phra Phuttha Chinnarat is one of Thailand’s most admired Buddha images, known for its elegant artistic form and deep cultural significance. Having a replica at Wat Banphot Suttharam allows local people to pay respect to this revered style of Buddha image within their own community. It also adds an important artistic and devotional dimension to the temple.

 

The temple’s monastic buildings show how it has developed over time. The sermon hall measures 27 meters wide and 43 meters long and was built in 1989. It serves as the main place for religious ceremonies, merit-making activities, community gatherings, and Buddhist events. There are 3 monks’ residences built in traditional Thai style, each 2-storey structure measuring 5 meters wide and 18 meters long. The chanting hall measures 11 meters wide and 15 meters long. The crematorium was built in 1968, and a restroom building with 28 rooms was built in 1981. These facilities show the temple’s role in supporting both religious and community functions.

 

Wat Banphot Suttharam also serves as a subdistrict training unit, reflecting its wider role in Buddhist education and moral development. For Thai rural communities, temples are often more than places of worship; they are centers for learning, social cooperation, ceremonies, and cultural continuity. Wat Wang Ruean continues this role by supporting Buddhist activities, local traditions, and community gatherings throughout the year.

 

The current abbot is Phra Khru Phisai Suwan Banphot, whose Pali monastic name is Attadanto and whose family name is Bao Sri. He has served as abbot since March 20, 1996, and holds a bachelor’s degree. Under his leadership, the temple has continued its religious and community responsibilities. The temple has had 4 abbots in its history: Phra Athikan Bang, Phra Athikan Hom Attakamo, Phra Athikan Chaisit Chakkawaro, and Phra Khru Phisai Suwan Banphot. This continuity of monastic leadership has helped preserve the temple’s traditions and its role in the local Buddhist community.

 

At present, the temple has 3 resident monks. Its lay temple steward is Mr. Nevet Boon. The temple also maintains links with local administrative and community leaders, including Mr. Somnuek Sakun-em from the subdistrict administrative organization and Mr. Wisit Phothiwatta as a community leader. These details reflect the way Wat Wang Ruean remains integrated with local social life rather than standing apart from the village.

 

For travelers, the main activities at Wat Banphot Suttharam are paying respect to the Buddha images, visiting the replica of the Buddha’s footprint, admiring Luang Pho Khao, and enjoying the peaceful hillside atmosphere. Visitors should dress politely, behave respectfully, and be mindful that this is an active Buddhist temple rather than only a sightseeing spot. The best experience comes from moving slowly through the temple grounds, taking time to observe the sacred spaces, and appreciating the quiet relationship between the hill, the temple, and the local community.

 

Wat Wang Ruean can also be combined with other spiritual and cultural destinations in Dong Charoen and nearby districts. Nearby places include Wat Huai Nam Jon, known for its unusual boat passage beneath the ordination hall; Wat Samnak Khun Nen, associated with the respected monk Luang Pho Khian Dhammarakkhito; Wat Sukhumaram, known for its large reclining Buddha; and other temples in the wider Phichit area. This makes the temple a suitable stop for travelers interested in Buddhist culture, rural Thai communities, and off-the-beaten-path temple routes.

 

Getting There is easiest by private car. Travelers can drive through Dong Charoen District toward Ban Wang Ruean, near the Bang Mun Nak–Dong Khayule Highway No. 1069. The temple is suitable for those traveling from Phichit town, Bang Mun Nak, Thap Khlo, or nearby districts. Public transportation may not be frequent enough for every schedule, so travelers without a private vehicle should arrange local transport or a chartered vehicle from a main town or district center.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler, especially for visitors who wish to walk up to the higher sacred areas. Comfortable footwear is recommended because the temple is located on a hill. On ordinary weekdays, the atmosphere is usually quiet, while Buddhist holy days and important religious occasions may bring more local activity. For travelers who want to understand the living role of a rural Thai temple, these community moments can make the visit more meaningful.

 

Overall, Wat Banphot Suttharam, or Wat Wang Ruean, is a valuable religious and cultural site in Dong Charoen District, Phichit Province. Its hillside setting, sacred Buddha images, community history, and long-standing connection with local Buddhist life make it a worthwhile destination for travelers seeking a quieter and more authentic temple experience in central Thailand.

 

 

A: It is located at 117 Moo 5, Ban Wang Ruean, Tang Ban Mueang Subdistrict, Dong Charoen District, Phichit Province.

 

A: Wat Wang Ruean is the local name used by villagers because the temple is located in Ban Wang Ruean community.

 

A: The main highlights are its hillside setting on Khao Wang Ruean, the Buddha footprint replica, Luang Pho Khao, the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat replica, and the peaceful rural temple atmosphere.

 

A: The current abbot is Phra Khru Phisai Suwan Banphot, monastic name Attadanto, who has served since March 20, 1996.

 

A: The temple is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: No. Visitors can enter the temple, pay respect, and explore the temple grounds without an admission fee.

 

A: Travelers should dress modestly, speak quietly, avoid disturbing monks or ceremonies, and behave respectfully around Buddha images and sacred areas.

 

A: Nearby places include Wat Huai Nam Jon, Wat Samnak Khun Nen, Wat Thap Khlo, Wat Sukhumaram, and Wat Thewa Prasat.