Wat Mai Songkhro Rat (Wat Phi Khut)

Rating: 2.8/5 (69 votes)

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Mai Songkhro Rat (Wat Phi Khut) in Bang Pakong Subdistrict, Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao Province, is a long-established community temple located along the old Sukhumvit Road in the area known locally as Ban Phi Khut. The temple is widely recognized for its annual Songkran merit-making period held from 12–16 April, followed by a ceremonial water-pouring ritual on 17 April. On this day, devotees participate not only in bathing Buddha images but also in bathing “Pho Pu,” a revered guardian figure whom villagers regard as a spiritual anchor in daily life. Faith here is closely connected to practical concerns such as safe travel, stable livelihoods, and even prayers for rain to pass over local salt fields during the crucial harvesting period. The temple also preserves documented historical information about its religious structures, including an ordination hall whose construction began in 1947. Surrounded by a shaded and peaceful environment, it serves as a meaningful stop for prayer, merit-making, and quiet reflection before continuing a one-day journey across Bang Pakong and Mueang Chachoengsao.

 

Wat Mai Songkhro Rat (Wat Phi Khut) is officially named “Wat Mai Songkhro Rat,” but most locals and travelers are more familiar with the nickname “Wat Phi Khut.” Despite how the nickname may sound, the atmosphere is calm and welcoming rather than intimidating. Positioned along the historic Sukhumvit corridor, the temple functions as a genuine neighborhood religious space where residents regularly stop to pray, make merit, and participate in seasonal traditions. During Songkran, the temple becomes especially vibrant as families return to reconnect with elders, perform rituals, and reaffirm communal bonds.

 

The temple’s distinctive appeal lies in how faith is woven into everyday reality. The Songkran merit-making observance spans 12–16 April, culminating in the 17 April bathing ceremony. One part of the ritual focuses on Buddha images, while another centers on “Pho Pu,” regarded as a community guardian. In this local context, Pho Pu symbolizes the relationship between people and place — between villagers, the Bang Pakong River, the sky, and livelihoods that depend directly on nature. When salt in nearby fields has matured and is ready for collection, untimely rain can threaten seasonal income. Villagers therefore pray that rainfall will pass elsewhere during this critical period. Such traditions reveal how spiritual belief helps manage uncertainty in practical life.

 

According to recorded temple information, Wat Mai Songkhro Rat is located at 136 Ban Phi Khut, Sukhumvit Road, Moo 15, Bang Pakong Subdistrict, Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao 24130. The temple belongs to the Maha Nikaya monastic order and occupies 25 rai, 2 ngan, and 15 square wah of land. The main ubosot, recorded at approximately 40 meters wide and 60 meters long, began construction in 1947. A chanting hall followed in 1949, a sermon hall in 1956, and a viharn in 1999. These details illustrate the temple’s steady development alongside the community through the postwar period and into the modern transportation era.

 

The overall setting reflects the character of a traditional Thai community temple — shaded, open, and unhurried. Morning visits offer a particularly peaceful experience, while late afternoons are convenient for travelers passing along the old Sukhumvit route. Whether visited intentionally or as a meaningful stop between destinations, the temple provides a calm environment suited to reflection and simple acts of merit-making.

 

Getting There The most convenient way to reach Wat Mai Songkhro Rat (Wat Phi Khut) is by private vehicle via the old Sukhumvit Road through Bang Pakong District. Navigation applications can locate the temple under its official name. Visitors traveling by public transport may take a bus or van to Bang Pakong town and continue by local hired transport. During the Songkran period, additional travel time should be anticipated due to increased community activity.

 

 

A: The temple is located at 136 Ban Phi Khut, Sukhumvit Road, Moo 15, Bang Pakong Subdistrict, Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

 

A: Songkran merit-making is observed from 12–16 April, with the water-pouring and bathing ceremony held on 17 April.

 

A: Pho Pu is regarded as a guardian figure who protects the community and is associated with prayers for safe travel and stable livelihoods.

 

A: The temple is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

 

A: The contact number is 038-532-094.