Wat Khiri Wihan (Wat Tha Lean)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 18.00

 

Wat Khiri Wihan in Trat Province, also written in official Thai sources as Wat Khiriwihan or Wat Kiri Wihan, is one of the most important old temples in Trat. Formerly known as Wat Tha Luean or Wat Phu Khao Yuan, the temple is located at Ban Tha Luean in Chamrak Subdistrict, Mueang Trat District. With a history dating back to 1886, it has stood for more than 110 years and remains a meaningful Buddhist site where local history, faith, architecture, and natural scenery come together.

 

The temple is built on a hill, giving visitors a wide view of the surrounding landscape. From the temple grounds, visitors can see forested areas, hills, local communities, and glimpses of the sea below. This hilltop setting gives Wat Khiri Wihan a peaceful atmosphere that feels different from temples in the town center. It is suitable for travelers who want to make merit, pay respect to sacred images, enjoy a quiet viewpoint, and explore a historic temple along the Trat-Khlong Yai route.

 

Although Wat Khiri Wihan is an old temple, much of the temple complex has been restored and maintained until it looks clean, bright, and orderly. The restoration has not removed its historical character. Instead, it has allowed the temple to continue functioning as a living religious site for monks, local devotees, and visitors. The temple is especially notable for its architectural blend of Thai, Chinese, and modern artistic elements, creating a distinctive style that reflects the cultural diversity of Trat.

 

The history of Wat Khiri Wihan is connected with the development of eastern Thailand and Trat’s border history. The temple was established in 1886 and was originally known as Wat Tha Luean, after the local village. During the period when the French had influence over Trat, the temple was also called Wat Phu Khao Yuan. After Trat returned to Thailand, Somdet Phra Sangharaja Chao Krommaluang Vajirananavongs gave three possible names for the temple, and the name Wat Khiri Wihan eventually came into use. The name of the temple therefore carries traces of local history and political change.

 

The word khiri or kiri refers to a mountain, which matches the temple’s hilltop location. When visitors arrive, they can feel the calmness of the elevated setting. Trees and green areas surround the temple, and teak trees are planted in an orderly pattern, giving parts of the temple a small forest-like atmosphere. This makes the temple both a sacred place and a quiet natural retreat.

 

Inside the temple grounds are several important religious and architectural sites, including a large ordination hall, a pagoda, a royal reception residence associated with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Kuti Thammasan Uthit, Kuti Niramit Samakkhi, a sermon hall, and a Chinese-style vihara. Each area serves religious, cultural, and community functions, making the temple complex rich in both meaning and visual interest.

 

The large ordination hall is one of the central structures of the temple. It is used for important Buddhist ceremonies and monastic functions. Visitors can observe its elegant form, decorative details, and peaceful surroundings. This area is suitable for quiet worship and for appreciating the craftsmanship that has been carefully maintained through restoration.

 

The temple’s pagoda is another important sacred site. On 22 November 1996, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited Wat Khiri Wihan to enshrine relics of the Buddha in the pagoda. This gives the pagoda special religious and historical significance. For many visitors, it is one of the most meaningful places within the temple grounds.

 

The royal reception residence associated with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn adds another layer of importance to the temple. It reflects the temple’s role not only as a local Buddhist monastery, but also as a significant religious site in Trat Province connected with important royal and Buddhist events.

 

The Chinese-style vihara is one of the temple’s most distinctive areas. It houses Phra Phuttha Udom Sombun, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and Phra Sangkachai. This section reflects the blending of Thai and Chinese devotional traditions within a Thai Buddhist temple. Avalokitesvara is associated with compassion, while Phra Sangkachai is widely respected as a symbol of abundance and good fortune. The Chinese vihara is therefore meaningful for both worshippers and visitors interested in religious art.

 

The sermon hall, Kuti Thammasan Uthit, and Kuti Niramit Samakkhi show the temple’s everyday role as a functioning Buddhist monastery. These areas support merit-making, Dharma activities, monastic residence, and community gatherings. Together with the ordination hall, pagoda, and Chinese vihara, they form a complete religious environment where faith, learning, and community life are connected.

 

Wat Khiri Wihan is a third-class royal temple of the ordinary type under the Dhammayut Nikaya. Its current abbot is Phra Sophon Thammathada, also known as Phra Sophon Thammathada (Han Kunavanto), who is also associated with the monastic administration of Trat Province. This status gives the temple a wider importance beyond its role as a local place of worship.

 

The scenery from the temple is one of its major attractions. Because the temple is located on a hill, visitors can look out over forests, hills, villages, and the sea. The view is especially pleasant in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the weather is less hot. The peaceful surroundings make the temple suitable for photography, reflection, and slow travel.

 

The orderly teak trees inside the temple create a shady, forest-like feeling. This green environment softens the temple architecture and makes walking around the grounds more pleasant. For travelers driving along the Trat-Khlong Yai route, Wat Khiri Wihan is a valuable stop for rest, worship, and cultural appreciation.

 

For cultural travelers, Wat Khiri Wihan is interesting because it brings together many layers of meaning: the history of Trat during a period of French influence, an old temple founded in the late 19th century, royal religious events, Thai-Chinese artistic influences, and a hilltop natural setting. A visit here is not only about paying respect to Buddhist images, but also about understanding Trat through one of its important religious landmarks.

 

Visitors should allow around 1 – 2 hours to explore the temple properly. This gives enough time to pay respect in the ordination hall, see the pagoda, visit the Chinese vihara, enjoy the viewpoint, and walk through the shaded temple grounds. Because the temple is on a hill, some areas may involve slight slopes or steps, so visitors should walk carefully, especially elderly travelers.

 

Temple etiquette should be observed. Dress politely, keep your voice low, avoid touching sacred objects inappropriately, and take photographs respectfully. If a ceremony is taking place, visitors should avoid disturbing monks or local worshippers. Respectful behavior helps preserve the calm atmosphere of the temple.

 

Getting There from Trat town is straightforward. Take Highway 318, the Trat-Khlong Yai-Ban Hat Lek route, for about 20 km. The temple is located around Ban Tha Luean in Chamrak Subdistrict, along the same route that continues toward Khlong Yai District and the southern coastal area of Trat Province. It is best reached by private car, rental car, or local hired vehicle.

 

Wat Khiri Wihan can be included in a travel route from Trat town toward Khlong Yai or Ban Hat Lek. Visitors can stop at the temple for merit-making and sightseeing before continuing to Ban Nam Chiao Community, the Yuttanavi Memorial Monument at Ko Chang, Black Sand Beach, Laem Ngop Pier, Rachakarun Centre, Mai Rut Beach, Ban Chuen Beach, or Khlong Yai District. This makes the temple a convenient cultural stop between Trat town and the coastal attractions of southern Trat.

 

Overall, Wat Khiri Wihan is ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful, meaningful, and culturally rich experience in Trat. It offers a long history, royal temple status, beautiful architecture, a Chinese vihara, sacred religious sites, a hilltop viewpoint, and a shaded natural environment. It is suitable for Buddhist visitors, photographers, cultural travelers, history lovers, and anyone who wants to discover Trat beyond its islands and beaches.

 

A visit to Wat Khiri Wihan gives travelers both spiritual calm and historical understanding. Visitors can pay respect to sacred images, learn about one of Trat’s old temples, admire mixed architectural styles, and enjoy nature from a hilltop setting. This makes Wat Khiri Wihan one of the most valuable temple attractions in Trat Province.

 

 

A: Wat Khiri Wihan is located at Ban Tha Luean, Chamrak Subdistrict, Mueang Trat District, Trat Province, along Highway 318 on the Trat-Khlong Yai-Ban Hat Lek route.

 

A: The temple was formerly known as Wat Tha Luean and Wat Phu Khao Yuan. It was established in 1886.

 

A: Highlights include the large ordination hall, pagoda, Chinese vihara, Phra Phuttha Udom Sombun, Avalokitesvara, Phra Sangkachai, hilltop viewpoint, and shaded temple grounds.

 

A: The abbot is Phra Sophon Thammathada (Han Kunavanto), abbot of Wat Khiri Wihan Royal Temple.

 

A: No. There is no admission fee, but visitors should dress politely and behave respectfully inside the temple grounds.

 

A: From Trat town, take Highway 318 toward Khlong Yai and Ban Hat Lek for about 20 km. The temple is best reached by private car, rental car, or local hired vehicle.

 

A: Visitors should allow about 1 – 2 hours to pay respect, see the ordination hall, pagoda, Chinese vihara, viewpoint, and shaded grounds.

 

A: Nearby places include Ban Nam Chiao Community, Yuttanavi Memorial Monument at Ko Chang, Black Sand Beach, Laem Ngop Pier, Laem Ngop Lighthouse, and Rachakarun Centre of the Thai Red Cross Society, Khao Lan.