Wat Pa Khet

Rating: 4.1/5 (8 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Pa Khet is a historic Buddhist temple on Bang Kachao Island, located in Song Khanong Subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province. Set within one of the best-known green areas near Bangkok, the temple offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by lush natural scenery. As a temple under the Maha Nikaya order, Wat Pa Khet has long served as an important spiritual and community center for local residents.

 

The temple was originally called “Wat Thanon Khet,” named after “Ta Khet,” the man who first built the road leading to the temple. Over time, the name changed to “Wat Pa Khet,” which is still used today. It was established during the reign of King Rama II, a period associated with the revival of Buddhism across the kingdom. Around 1820, during the time of Supreme Patriarch Don, the temple’s ordination hall was built with the support of Krom Muen Jessadabodin, marking an important stage in the temple’s religious development.

 

Wat Pa Khet received its later royal boundary grant on March 16, 1966. The temple has also played a meaningful role in education and community welfare. It has supported Buddhist studies for monks and novices and provided space for the establishment of a public primary school and a health station within the temple grounds. This reflects the temple’s significance not only in religion but also in everyday community life.

 

The temple complex contains several notable religious structures. The current ordination hall, measuring 18 meters wide and 36 meters long, was built in 1970 to replace the previous one. The older ordination hall is now used as an ancient-style vihara. Inside, visitors can see impressive mural paintings and traditional decorative motifs, including scenes of Mara’s defeat, the Buddha’s descent from Tavatimsa heaven, and stories from the Ten Jataka tales. The temple also includes nine traditional teakwood monk residences, an old-style prayer hall with murals, a sermon hall, cremation facilities, and a scripture hall.

 

The principal Buddha image in the ordination hall is in the Mara-Vijaya posture, with a lap width of 1.50 meters. It is made of plaster and accompanied by statues of the chief disciples. Two chedis on the eastern side of the temple further enhance its historical and artistic importance.

 

The abbot lineage of Wat Pa Khet has continued for many generations. Publicly available temple information identifies the latest abbot as Phra Kru Palad Phanurak Sumetho (Thamrongnavakit), who continues the responsibility of maintaining the temple and its religious activities.

 

Another strength of Wat Pa Khet is its location in Bang Kachao. Visitors can easily combine a temple visit with nearby attractions such as Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park, Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, cycling routes, cafés, and nature-based accommodations. This makes the temple a strong choice for a day trip focused on culture, architecture, and relaxation close to Bangkok.

 

Getting There is straightforward. Visitors can drive from Bangkok via Suk Sawat Road into Phra Pradaeng and continue toward Bang Kachao, then follow Phetchahung Road into Soi Phetchahung 16. Another popular option is to take a ferry to Bang Kachao and continue by bicycle or local transport, which is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the island’s relaxed atmosphere.

 

 

A: The temple is located in Song Khanong, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province, on Bang Kachao Island.

 

A: It dates back to the reign of King Rama II and is considered one of the historic temples of the Phra Pradaeng area.

 

A: Its main highlights are the ancient vihara, mural paintings, teakwood monk residences, and its peaceful natural setting in Bang Kachao.

 

A: Publicly available temple information names Phra Kru Palad Phanurak Sumetho (Thamrongnavakit) as the latest abbot.

 

A: Yes. The temple is close to Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park, Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, and Bang Kachao cycling routes, making it ideal for a one-day trip.

 

A: You can drive through Phra Pradaeng into Bang Kachao or take a ferry and continue by bicycle or local transport.