Wat Pa Mafai

Wat Pa Mafai in Prachinburi Province is a unique destination where the calm of the forest meets the deep roots of Buddhist history and practice. It is not just a temple, but a sanctuary where visitors can step away from the distractions of modern life, embrace silence, and rediscover a sense of peace. Surrounded by tall trees and wide open grounds, this temple has long been a spiritual retreat for people from Prachinburi and nearby provinces, as well as for travelers from Bangkok seeking a place to rest both body and mind.

 

The story of Wat Pa Mafai dates back to around 1825, when it was first known as Wat Udomphon, locally referred to as "Wat Nok." In 1944, it was renamed Wat Pa Mafai due to the abundance of "mafai" trees that once grew in the area. In 1975, the temple was granted Wisungkhamsima, a royal consecrated boundary, marking its importance within the Buddhist community. Over the years, the temple has been restored and expanded, eventually being recognized as the fifth provincial meditation center of Prachinburi.

 

When entering the temple grounds, the first sight that captures attention is the large ordination hall, built with a sense of grandeur yet maintaining simplicity. Inside, a principal Buddha image sits serenely as soft rays of sunlight filter through small windows, creating an atmosphere of sacred stillness. Beyond the ordination hall lies the sermon hall used for ceremonies and community gatherings, as well as the Vihara of Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi), constructed in honor of the revered monk. The temple also houses a Chedi, standing modestly but firmly, symbolizing the endurance of faith.

 

The temple grounds are dotted with over seventy kutis, or meditation huts, nestled under trees and along shaded pathways. These huts provide solitude and are designed for practicing meditation, offering a simple and modest space in harmony with the natural environment. Walking through the grounds, one can come across fragments of ancient artifacts—pieces of sandstone Buddha images, ruins of small vihara foundations, and other relics believed to date back to the era of King U Thong. These remains remind visitors of the long history and cultural continuity of the region.

 

A highlight of Wat Pa Mafai is its role as a living meditation center. Daily activities include morning and evening chanting, seated meditation, walking meditation, and Dhamma talks. For visitors wishing to stay longer, accommodation is available in the simple kutis. Staying overnight is free of charge, though guests are encouraged to bring personal essentials and bedding. In some cases, the temple can provide basic sleeping mats. Meals are often offered at the communal kitchen or "rohtan," supported by the faith and generosity of local devotees.

 

Traveling to Wat Pa Mafai is relatively easy by car. From Bangkok, one can take the Rangsit–Nakhon Nayok route toward Prachinburi, continue to Mueang Prachinburi District, and follow signs leading to Khok Mai Lai Subdistrict, where the temple is located. For those without private transport, taking a van to Prachinburi town and then transferring by local songthaew or motorcycle taxi to the temple is possible, though the final stretch of road may be narrow or unpaved in some sections.

 

What makes Wat Pa Mafai memorable is not only the architecture and history but the atmosphere of serenity. Morning alms rounds with monks walking through nearby villages, the peaceful stillness of the forest at night, and the chance to gaze at starlit skies while listening to rustling leaves all these create experiences that linger in memory. For visitors interested in cultural tourism, the temple’s small museum displaying old artifacts further enriches the journey, providing a glimpse into the religious and cultural life of past generations.