Wat Ko Kaeo

Rating: 3.5/5 (4 votes)

Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Ko Kaeo located in Kradangnga Subdistrict, Bang Khonthi District, Samut Songkhram Province, is a Theravāda Buddhist temple under the Maha Nikaya monastic order. It plays a vital role as the community’s spiritual center while also serving as a cultural tourism site. It attracts both Thai and international visitors, particularly to the nearby Bang Noi Floating Market.

 

The temple is situated in an area abundant in natural beauty and traditional ways of life. It spans a total area of 20 rai, 2 ngan, and 18 square wah (approximately 8.2 acres). Surrounded by Bang Noi Canal, the temple retains the charm of its serene and rustic environment, closely tied to the lives of local villagers.

 

Wat Ko Kaeo is an ancient temple established during the late Ayutthaya period. Its old ordination hall, or ubosot, features a unique architectural design with a single door at the center of the façade, known as a Mahā-Ut ordination hall. Within this hall resides the principal Buddha image, crafted from rare red stone (laterite), reflecting the historical and cultural significance of the temple.

 

In 1985, the temple underwent significant restoration, including the construction of a new ordination hall. The consecration ceremony to install boundary stones was completed in 1988, and the temple was granted Wisungkhama Sima (official ecclesiastical boundary) on January 4, 1996. These developments highlight the enduring faith and collective efforts of the local community to preserve and enhance this spiritual site.

 

The leadership of Wat Ko Kaeo has been passed through nine abbots whose dedication has been instrumental in the temple's growth and the community’s spiritual enrichment. Notable figures include Phra Ajarn Nuch, Phra Ajarn On, Phra Ajarn Rung, and Phra Khru Samut Rattana Khun. The current abbot, Phra Khru Suntorn Samut Khun (Wisit Thanavaro), has been serving since 2004. His contributions include fostering religious activities and promoting the temple as a center of faith and cultural tourism.

 

Wat Ko Kaeo is more than a place of worship; it symbolizes the faith, heritage, and identity of the Bang Khonthi community. It harmonizes history, architecture, and traditional ways of life, maintaining its relevance amid societal changes. Visitors to Wat Ko Kaeo can experience tranquility and gain insights into the region’s cultural legacy, making it a site of profound spiritual and historical value.