Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram Worawihan

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram Worawihan is a second-class royal monastery located in Amphawa Subdistrict, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province. The temple stands right next to the King Rama II Memorial Park and is closely associated with the Bang Chang royal family. It is one of the most historically important temples in Amphawa, offering visitors a rare combination of royal history, early Rattanakosin architecture, sacred atmosphere, and cultural depth.

 

The temple was formerly known as “Wat Amphawa.” It is believed to have been established during the reign of King Rama I by Queen Amarindra, who built it in dedication to her mother, Somdet Phra Roop Siri Sophak Mahanak Naree. The area behind the temple was once the residence of Luang Yokkrabat and Khun Nak, who later became King Rama I and Queen Amarindra. This background gives the temple a direct link to the origins of the Chakri Dynasty and to the historical importance of the Bang Chang community.

 

One of the temple’s most remarkable associations is the belief that the area around its prang was the birthplace of King Rama II, Phra Phutthaloetla Naphalai. As the monarch widely celebrated for his contribution to Thai arts, literature, and court culture, his connection to this temple makes it a meaningful destination for visitors who want to understand more than Amphawa’s canals and floating market. The site preserves a deeper historical layer of the town and its royal legacy.

 

During the reign of King Rama III, the temple underwent a major restoration. New monk residences, a vihara, and the royal preaching hall were built. The royal relics of his father were also enshrined in the temple’s prang. These additions elevated the temple’s significance as both a religious and royal memorial site. Later, under King Rama IV, the ordination hall was restored and the temple was given its present name, “Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram.” King Rama V also visited the temple during one of his provincial journeys, confirming its continued status within royal memory.

 

The Fine Arts Department registered Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram as a national historic site in 1957. Much of the architecture preserved within the temple compound reflects early Rattanakosin artistic traditions. The temple is especially valued for its prang, cloister, ordination hall, royal preaching hall, and elevated traditional Thai monk residences. These elements together create an architectural landscape that feels both noble and intimate.

 

The temple prang is one of its most visually striking structures. Built of brick and stucco with indented corners and a layered singha base, it is surrounded by a cloister containing seated Buddha images. One side of the cloister houses a reclining Buddha. The atmosphere of this section is calm and dignified, making it ideal for visitors interested in old temple architecture and the aesthetic of historic royal monasteries.

 

Another notable structure is the royal preaching hall, a rectangular brick building with tiled roofing and extended eaves on all sides. Inside are Luang Pho Songtham, also called Luang Pho Dam, and four replica Buddha footprints. This hall has a quiet, contemplative atmosphere and reflects the temple’s royal and devotional function. For many visitors, it is one of the most memorable parts of the complex.

 

The ordination hall is equally important. It is built of brick and stucco with a projecting front porch and a beautifully decorated pediment with colored glass. Inside, mural paintings created between 1997 and 1999 depict the royal biography of King Rama II as well as stories from his literary works, including Sang Thong, Krai Thong, Khawi, and Inao. These murals make the temple especially appealing not only to those interested in religion, but also to those interested in Thai literature, royal arts, and visual storytelling.

 

A royal statue of King Rama II stands within the temple grounds, reinforcing the historical identity of the site. Together with the neighboring memorial park, the temple forms a larger historical zone that helps visitors understand the royal roots of Amphawa. For this reason, Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram is ideal for travelers who want to explore Amphawa beyond the floating market and discover its deeper connections to Thai history and culture.

 

Getting There From Bangkok, take Rama II Road toward Samut Songkhram and continue to Amphawa District. The temple is located beside King Rama II Memorial Park and close to Amphawa Floating Market, making it easy to include in the same itinerary. Visitors staying in the Amphawa area can reach the temple on foot, by bicycle, or by local transport.

 

 

A: It is an old royal monastery connected to the Bang Chang royal family and closely associated with the history of Kings Rama I and Rama II.

 

A: The historic prang, the royal preaching hall, the mural-filled ordination hall, and its direct connection to King Rama II make it especially remarkable.

 

A: Yes. The temple is very close to Amphawa Floating Market and King Rama II Memorial Park, so they can easily be visited in the same trip.

 

A: Visitors can see the prang, cloister, royal preaching hall, reclining Buddha, elevated Thai monk residences, and other historic structures within the temple grounds.

 

A: It is ideal for travelers interested in Thai history, early Rattanakosin art and architecture, royal heritage, and cultural travel in Amphawa.