Wat Sathatham

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Satthatham, locally known as “Wat Mon,” is a culturally significant temple that reflects the heritage and identity of the Mon community in Samut Songkhram Province. Located in Bang Chakreng Subdistrict, Mueang District, this temple is not only a center of Buddhist faith but also an important historical site that tells the story of Mon migration into the Mae Klong river basin.

 

The temple originated from a small Mon community that migrated from Myanmar during a period of war. Initially consisting of only a few families, they settled in the area and built their livelihoods through fishing, coconut farming, and riverside living. As the community grew, they allocated land to build a temple as a spiritual center, which became known as “Wat Mon,” reflecting the ethnic identity of its founders.

 

In its early days, the temple consisted of only a few small wooden pavilions and had a limited number of monks. The villagers invited senior monks from nearby temples to oversee religious activities, including a respected monk named Ajarn Mong from Phetchaburi, who is regarded as the first abbot and played a crucial role in establishing the temple’s foundation.

 

One of the most unique features of the temple in the past was its “floating ordination hall,” built on a raft. Religious ceremonies required moving the raft into flowing water before beginning the rituals, reflecting the ingenuity and river-based lifestyle of the local community.

 

Wat Satthatham continued to develop significantly over time, especially during the era of Phra Khru Sattha Samutkhun (Ajarn Li), who constructed the first teakwood ordination hall and improved the temple’s infrastructure. He also established a local school to promote education within the community.

 

Later, the temple underwent major expansion, with the construction of permanent buildings including monk residences, a sermon hall, and various facilities. In 1989, it was officially recognized as a “model development temple” by the Department of Religious Affairs, highlighting its successful management and growth.

 

The most outstanding feature of the temple today is its golden teakwood ordination hall designed in the shape of a Chinese junk ship. This architectural design symbolizes the area’s maritime heritage and connection to river trade. Inside, the hall is decorated with intricate mother-of-pearl inlays depicting Buddhist stories, birth-day Buddha images, and scenes from the Ramakien, totaling over 50 detailed artworks.

 

The ordination hall houses important Buddha images, including the original principal image “Luang Pu Khao Mahasitthichok” and a beautiful Phra Phuttha Chinnarat image. There is also a carved jackfruit-wood replica of Luang Pho Ban Laem, reflecting the interconnected beliefs of local communities in the region.

 

Today, Wat Satthatham remains an important center for religion, education, and culture. It continues to preserve the traditions and identity of the Mon community, which are still evident in local ceremonies and daily life.

 

Getting There Visitors can reach Wat Satthatham via Rama II Road heading toward Samut Songkhram Province. From Mae Klong town, continue to Bang Chakreng Subdistrict. The temple is easily accessible by private car or local transportation.

 

 

A: It is known for its Mon cultural heritage and its unique ship-shaped teakwood ordination hall.

 

A: Because it was founded by Mon settlers who migrated to this area.

 

A: Yes, it is located near Mae Klong and accessible by road.

 

A: No, the temple is free to visit.

 

A: The teakwood ordination hall shaped like a traditional ship with intricate mother-of-pearl decoration.