Wat Phraya Yat (Pak Ngam)

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Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Phraya Yat (Pak Ngam) a public temple under the Maha Nikaya monastic order, is located in Ban Wat Pak Ngam, Moo 7, Bang Chang Subdistrict, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province. It sits at the confluence of three canals: Khlong Dao Deung, Khlong Wat Chulamanee, and Khlong Amphawa. This unique location led locals to nickname it "Wat Pak Ngam" (Temple at the Canal’s Mouth). The current abbot is Phra Athikan Jai Thitacharo, who continues to uphold the temple’s traditions and maintain the community's faith.

 

The temple has a long history, recorded as being established in 1800 (B.E. 2343). However, historical evidence suggests it might have originated during the Ayutthaya period. Initially, the temple was restored by Chao Khun Bang Chang and her husband, Phra Mae Klong Buri. During the Thonburi era, Prince Kasatranuchit (Chaofa Suphan Wong) and his royal relatives renovated the temple as an offering to King Taksin the Great. Wat Phraya Yat officially received its consecrated boundary (Wisung Khama Sima) in 1979 (B.E. 2522).

 

The temple features several noteworthy structures. The ordination hall (ubosot), though rebuilt during the tenure of Phra Khru Samut Phattharakit, retains its historic significance. Inside, the principal Buddha image is crafted from brick and mortar, gilded with gold leaf, and measures 140 cm in width and 170 cm in height. The sermon hall, initially built under Phra Athikan U, was reconstructed in 1976. Additionally, the temple houses an ancient pulpit that once served as a throne in King Rama II's reign, along with a bronze-plated bell tower and a gilded Tripitaka cabinet donated in 1953 by devout patrons.

 

One of the temple’s most celebrated traditions is the "Thai New Year Procession of the Buddha Image by Water", held over four days. Starting on the 13th waning moon day of the 4th lunar month, the event involves parading Luang Pho Khao Takhrao, a revered Buddha image, around Amphawa Island by boat. The route passes several important temples, including Wat Chulamanee, Wat Song Tham, Wat Bang Kha Pom, and Amphawa Floating Market, before returning to Wat Phraya Yat. The procession lasts approximately 3–4 hours, and the image is then enshrined next to the sermon hall for devotees to worship and gild with gold leaf. Nighttime celebrations include traditional performances, while the remaining three days focus on gilding, worship, and fulfilling vows through dance rituals.

 

The lineage of abbots includes Phra Athikan Kham, Phra Athikan Pin, Phra Athikan Chom, Phra Athikan U, Phra Athikan Pheuak, Phra Thammathorn Ut, Phra Athikan Phuang, Phra Khru Samut Phattharakit, and the current abbot, Phra Athikan Jai Thitacharo.

 

Wat Phraya Yat not only serves as a spiritual center for the community but also stands as a cultural landmark preserving traditions and history, offering a glimpse into Thailand’s rich religious heritage.