Wat Na Khwang

Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Na Khwang is an old community temple in Kalong Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Sakhon District, Samut Sakhon Province. It is valued for its long local history, late Ayutthaya artistic character, and strong ties to the coastal community. The temple is also known by its older name, “Wat Khuha Sawan,” and it remains an active religious site today.

 

The temple stands in Moo 4, Ban Na Khwang, on a land area of about 20 rai, 3 ngan, and 20 square wah. Although the exact founder is not clearly recorded, historical sources state that the temple was established in 1772 and received its royal ordination boundary in 1922. Local historical tradition also links the site to the late Ayutthaya period.

 

According to local oral history, King Suea once traveled through the area by water and saw large riverside trees whose branches stretched across the canal like a cave. Because of that image, the temple was said to have been named “Wat Khuha Sawan.” Later, the name changed to “Wat Na Khwang,” following the name of the village that became widely known in the area.

 

Wat Na Khwang is especially interesting for visitors who appreciate old temple architecture. The ordination hall is believed to date from the late Ayutthaya period into the early Rattanakosin era and was later restored. Its roof has three diminishing tiers, traditional wooden decorative elements, carved finials, and a front gable with kneeling deity motifs and naga-inspired ornamentation.

 

Inside the ordination hall are plaster Buddha images in Mara-Vijaya posture, along with standing and seated Buddha images representing different gestures from the late Ayutthaya to early Rattanakosin artistic tradition. In front of the hall stand two bell-shaped chedis, now partially damaged, together with old boundary stones that add to the temple’s historic atmosphere.

 

A distinctive merit-making activity at the temple is the practice of gilding sacred images under the ordination hall, applying gold leaf to boundary stones and consecration markers, and walking beneath the old ordination hall for ritual blessing and misfortune relief. This living religious practice keeps the temple closely connected to local faith and everyday devotion.

 

Other temple buildings include a sermon hall built in 1983, a prayer hall built in 1989, three monks’ residences, a vihara, a multipurpose pavilion completed in 1996, a funeral pavilion, a drum tower, a bell tower, and a shrine to Prince Chumphon at the temple entrance.

 

The latest abbot name found in recent temple-related listings is Phra Khru Sunthon Phatthanaphon. Earlier abbots recorded in temple history include Phra Klat, Phra Kon, Phra Tuan, Phra Sut, Phra Toem Temiyo, and Phra Yon Yantasilo.

 

Getting There By car, take Rama II Road toward Samut Sakhon. After crossing Khlong Sunak Hon Bridge, continue south for about 1.5 kilometers and the temple will be on the left. Public-transport visitors can also reach the area via the Mae Klong railway line and get off near Ban Na Khwang Station, then continue to the temple.

 

Wat Na Khwang also works well as part of a wider one-day cultural route in Kalong. Nearby places include other historic temples, the Rainbow Bridge at Ban Kalong, the local mangrove conservation area, and the famous Phan Thai Norasing Shrine, making the temple a good starting point for travelers who want both heritage and local scenery in one trip.

 

 

A: It is in Moo 4, Ban Na Khwang, Kalong Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Sakhon District, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand.

 

A: Yes. It is also known as Wat Khuha Sawan.

 

A: The temple is known for its old ordination hall, historic chedis, ancient boundary stones, and traditional merit-making activities beneath the ubosot.

 

A: The latest abbot name found in recent listings is Phra Khru Sunthon Phatthanaphon.

 

A: Drive along Rama II Road and continue about 1.5 km south after Khlong Sunak Hon Bridge, or travel by rail toward the Ban Na Khwang area and continue locally to the temple.

 

A: Nearby places include Wat Kalong, Wat Kaew Mongkhon, Ban Kalong Rainbow Bridge, the Kalong mangrove area, and Phan Thai Norasing Shrine.