Wat Sing Sutthawat

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Daytime and regular temple visiting hours

 

Wat Sing Sutthawat in Sing Buri Province is an old Buddhist temple in Pho Sangkho Subdistrict, Khai Bang Rachan District. The temple was originally known as Wat Takhian because a takhian tree served as an important landmark in the early period of the temple. Later, when the old town of Sing was moved from the Chak Si River area to the Noi River area south of the temple, the temple came to be called Wat Sing after the town. During the time of Phra Maha Niam Koetmek as abbot, the name was extended to Wat Sing Sutthawat, which remains in use today. The temple is meaningful for its local history, sacred Buddha image known as Luang Pho Nak, clay lion figures, and its peaceful garden atmosphere with moral teachings placed among the trees.

 

Wat Sing Sutthawat is suitable for travelers who want to visit a quiet local temple with historical depth rather than a crowded tourist landmark. It is a community temple connected with the old Sing town area along the Noi River. The temple preserves stories about place names, sacred objects, former abbots, and local belief. For foreign travelers, Wat Sing Sutthawat offers a chance to understand how a Thai temple can function as a sacred site, a community memory, a cultural landmark, and a peaceful place for moral reflection at the same time.

 

The temple’s earliest known name, Wat Takhian, reflects the presence of a takhian tree in the original temple area. In Thai culture, large trees in temple compounds often carry deep meaning. They provide shade, act as landmarks, and can become part of local spiritual memory. The name Wat Takhian therefore preserves the earliest identity of the temple and shows how closely Thai temples are often connected with natural features in their surroundings.

 

When the old town of Sing was moved from the Chak Si River to the Noi River area south of the temple, the temple gradually became known as Wat Sing. This change shows the close relationship between the temple and the changing geography of the local town. Temples in Thailand often reflect the identity of the communities around them. As the area became associated with the old town of Sing, the temple name also came to reflect that identity.

 

During the time of Phra Maha Niam Koetmek as abbot, the name was completed as Wat Sing Sutthawat. The word Sutthawat suggests a pure and peaceful dwelling or sacred place. When combined with Wat Sing, the name carries both local historical identity and Buddhist meaning. It links the temple to the old town of Sing while also presenting the temple as a place of purity, calm, and spiritual practice.

 

The current abbot of Wat Sing Sutthawat is Phra Khru Wisutthaphirak, who was appointed on 11 August 1998. Under his leadership, the temple grounds have been improved and organized into clear zones, including the Buddhavasa area for worship and the Sanghavasa area for monks’ residence. The temple has also been beautified with gardens, flowering plants, ornamental trees, and shaded areas. This organization helps make the temple easier to visit while preserving appropriate boundaries between public worship areas and monastic spaces.

 

One of the most charming features of Wat Sing Sutthawat is its “talking trees” concept. Moral sayings and Buddhist teachings are placed on or near trees around the temple grounds. These short teachings allow visitors to reflect while walking through the garden. Instead of being only decorative, the trees become part of a quiet learning experience. This makes the temple’s garden a place for both rest and contemplation.

 

The most important sacred object at Wat Sing Sutthawat is Luang Pho Nak, a Buddha image in the Naga-protected posture. This posture shows the Buddha protected by the serpent king, whose multiple heads spread above the Buddha as a shelter. In Buddhist symbolism, the Naga-protected posture represents protection, calmness, and the power of the Dhamma. For local residents, Luang Pho Nak is a deeply revered Buddha image and an important spiritual center of the temple.

 

According to local history, the original Luang Pho Nak was a stone-carved Buddha image. It had a 7-headed Naga spreading behind and above the Buddha’s head, with a Dhamma wheel boundary marker behind the image. These features made the image distinctive both artistically and spiritually. For villagers, Luang Pho Nak was not only an old sacred object but also a protective presence for the community.

 

Stories about Luang Pho Nak include accounts of miraculous protection. During the time of Phra Khru Sunthon Punyakon as abbot, officials from Bang Rachan District reportedly warned the temple to move Luang Pho Nak into the ordination hall because thieves had repeatedly tried to steal the image. The attempts were said to fail because strange events occurred, including dark shadows that made the image impossible to see. Such stories reflect the deep local faith in the sacred power of Luang Pho Nak.

 

Later, during the time of Phra Athikan Buntham as abbot, Luang Pho Nak was moved into the ordination hall for safety. However, during the time of Phra Athikan Uap as abbot, the original image was finally stolen and could not be recovered. Local tradition says that those who stole it later died in accidents. The Luang Pho Nak image seen today is therefore a replica made of plaster. Although it is not the original stone image, it continues to represent the sacred presence of the original Luang Pho Nak and remains an important focus of devotion.

 

Another important clue connected with the temple’s name is the discovery of 2 clay lion figures. These are believed to be related to the name Wat Sing. Later, Khun Singkhon Phumma requested 1 of the lions to be kept at Bang Rachan District, which was then known as Sing District. One lion is still associated with the front of the Bang Rachan District Office. This story gives the name Wat Sing another historical layer and connects the temple with local artifacts and district identity.

 

Today, the atmosphere of Wat Sing Sutthawat is calm, shaded, and orderly. The Buddhavasa zone serves worshippers who come to pay respect to sacred objects and take part in ceremonies, while the Sanghavasa zone is reserved for monks’ residence and monastic life. Visitors should respect these boundaries. The clear organization of the grounds allows the temple to support both religious activity and public visits in a balanced way.

 

The landscaped gardens are another important part of the temple experience. Flowering plants, ornamental trees, shaded corners, and moral teachings create a peaceful environment. For travelers, this makes Wat Sing Sutthawat a good place to slow down, walk quietly, and reflect. The temple does not depend on grand scale or heavy tourist activity; its value lies in its local history, sacred stories, and gentle atmosphere.

 

On important Buddhist occasions such as Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, Buddhist Lent, the end of Buddhist Lent, and Kathin season, local residents come to Wat Sing Sutthawat to make merit, listen to sermons, offer robes, and participate in temple activities. These events show that the temple remains a living religious center for Pho Sangkho and nearby communities. It is not simply a historical attraction but an active temple with continuing Buddhist life.

 

Wat Sing Sutthawat can be included in a broader temple and history route in Sing Buri. Nearby places include Wat Klang Tha Kham, Wat Pho Rattanaram, Wat Pho Kao Ton, the Bang Rachan Heroes Monument, Ban Rachan Retro Market, Wat Phra Non Chak Si Worawihan, Wat Laem Khang, and Wat Sadao. This route is suitable for travelers who want to explore old temples, local history, Bang Rachan heritage, and riverside communities in one day.

 

Getting There is easiest by private car. The simplest route is via the Chan Sut–Bang Rachan road toward Pho Sangkho Subdistrict, Khai Bang Rachan District, Sing Buri Province. Travelers from Sing Buri town can use a navigation app to reach Wat Sing Sutthawat directly. Those without a private vehicle can first travel to Sing Buri town or Tha Kham Market and then arrange local transport to the temple. Planning the trip together with nearby attractions makes the route more convenient.

 

The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is more comfortable and the garden atmosphere is pleasant. Visitors can pay respect to Luang Pho Nak, walk through the garden, read the moral teachings under the trees, and enjoy the quiet surroundings. On Buddhist holy days or temple events, the temple may be livelier, and visitors should be careful not to disturb ceremonies or worshippers.

 

Temple etiquette is important. Visitors should dress modestly, wear shirts with sleeves, long trousers or appropriate skirts, remove shoes before entering sacred buildings, avoid touching sacred objects unnecessarily, and avoid entering monks’ residential areas without permission. Photography should be done respectfully, especially near Luang Pho Nak, the Buddha images, and ritual areas.

 

The temple provides basic facilities typical of a local community temple, including parking areas, worship spaces, the Luang Pho Nak pavilion, garden areas, moral teaching spaces, Buddhavasa and Sanghavasa zones, and quiet areas for rest. Elderly visitors can visit comfortably, especially during cooler parts of the day. Those who wish to make offerings can prepare appropriate items such as candles, incense, flowers, or monk offering sets.

 

Nearby food options include cafes and local restaurants around Tha Kham Market, Khai Bang Rachan, and Sing Buri town. Travelers can stop at Jungle Cafe at Tha Kham Market, Pattern Cafe Sing Buri, local shops around the route, Phaibun Kai Yang, Ramphueng Restaurant, Charoen Thip Restaurant, or Ban Suan Mae La Ka Rong. Combining a temple visit with local food makes the journey more complete and practical.

 

For accommodation, visitors may stay near Khai Bang Rachan District or in Sing Buri town. Options include Metha Country View Homestay Sing Buri, Ban Tha Kham Homestay, Mabuna Resort, Golden Dragon Resort, Chaisaeng Palace Hotel, Chao Phraya Hotel Sing Buri, and Chaisaeng Villa Hotel. Staying in town is convenient for restaurants and services, while accommodation closer to Khai Bang Rachan is useful for travelers focusing on the Bang Rachan and old temple route.

 

Overall, Wat Sing Sutthawat is a temple of many layers. Its history begins with the name Wat Takhian, continues through the old town of Sing, and develops into the present name Wat Sing Sutthawat. Its sacred identity centers on Luang Pho Nak, the Naga-protected Buddha image, the Buddha shadow, clay lion figures, miracle stories, and the peaceful temple environment created under the care of Phra Khru Wisutthaphirak. Visitors will find not only a place for worship, but also a temple that reflects the relationship between community, place name, local memory, and Buddhist faith.

 

For foreign travelers exploring Sing Buri beyond the most famous historical sites, Wat Sing Sutthawat offers a quiet and meaningful experience. It shows how local temples preserve histories that may not appear in major guidebooks: the memory of an old town, the story of a sacred stolen image, the symbolism of clay lions, and the simple wisdom of moral sayings placed under trees. A visit here is a way to understand Sing Buri through faith, landscape, and living community culture.

 

 

A: Wat Sing Sutthawat is located in Village No. 13, Pho Sangkho Subdistrict, Khai Bang Rachan District, Sing Buri Province. It is a local temple under the Mahanikaya order.

 

A: The temple was originally called Wat Takhian because a takhian tree was an important landmark in the temple area. It was later called Wat Sing and eventually Wat Sing Sutthawat.

 

A: Luang Pho Nak is a revered Buddha image in the Naga-protected posture. The original was a stone image with a 7-headed Naga, while the present image is a plaster replica.

 

A: Highlights include the old Sing town history, Luang Pho Nak, the Buddha shadow, clay lion figures, shaded gardens, and moral teachings placed among the trees, known locally as “talking trees.”

 

A: There is no admission fee. Visitors can enter the temple to pay respect, make merit, and explore the temple grounds during regular visiting hours.

 

A: The easiest route is via the Chan Sut–Bang Rachan road toward Pho Sangkho Subdistrict, Khai Bang Rachan District. Private car travel is the most convenient option.

 

A: Visitors should dress modestly, wear shirts with sleeves and appropriate trousers or skirts, remove shoes before entering sacred buildings, and avoid entering monks’ residential areas without permission.

 

A: Nearby places include Wat Klang Tha Kham, Wat Pho Rattanaram, Wat Pho Kao Ton, the Bang Rachan Heroes Monument, Ban Rachan Retro Market, Wat Phra Non Chak Si Worawihan, and Wat Laem Khang.