Rating: 2.8/5 (9 votes)

Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.30 - 16.30

 

Wat Bang Krabao in Prachin Buri is a royal Buddhist temple and a place of natural wonder. Located along the Ban Sang–Bang Taen Road in Bang Krabao Subdistrict, Ban Sang District—about six kilometers from the district office—the temple is renowned for its association with Luang Pho Jad, a revered monk, and for the thousands of fruit bats (flying foxes) that roost in its tall trees. The site offers a rare harmony of faith and nature for visitors.

 

Historically known as “Wat Noi Nang Hong,” the temple received its wisungkhamsima (ordination boundary) on December 13, 1898, and was elevated to a royal monastery on June 22, 2000. The temple grounds span over 32 rai, with additional monastery land exceeding 374 rai. The ubosot enshrines a principal Buddha image in the posture of granting blessings, while the sermon hall houses a Buddha in the Mara Vichai posture—testimony to the community’s enduring Buddhist devotion.

 

The temple’s most celebrated figure is Luang Pho Jad (Phra Khru Sitthisarakhun Jad Khankhasaro), ordained here in 1893 and famed nationwide for spiritual power and sacred amulets. Born in 1872 and passing in 1956 at the age of 84, he is remembered for strict practice and great compassion. A mondop within the temple grounds enshrines his image, drawing pilgrims who come to pay homage.

 

A distinctive highlight of Wat Bang Krabao is its thriving colony of fruit bats, locally called “khang khao mae kai.” Numbering in the thousands, they roost on treetops through the day and take flight in dramatic flocks at dawn and dusk. Visitors are advised to keep voices low and avoid camera flashes to respect the animals’ habitat.

 

The temple grounds are peaceful and shaded, suitable for quiet reflection, family visits, and cultural exploration. For locals, the temple serves as a spiritual center hosting ceremonies and merit-making. For travelers, it’s a chance to experience the blend of spirituality and ecology that characterizes this corner of Prachin Buri.

 

Travel is straightforward. From Ban Sang District, drive about six kilometers along the Ban Sang–Bang Taen Road to reach the temple. From Bangkok, the trip by private car takes around two hours via the motorway toward Chachoengsao, continuing to Ban Sang. Public transport options to Ban Sang are available by bus or van, with local motorcycle taxis or cars for the final stretch. Morning and late afternoon visits are ideal for cooler temperatures and bat activity.

 

The temple is generally open daily from 08:30 to 16:30. Visitors should dress respectfully in line with Thai Buddhist customs and prepare for outdoor walking by wearing comfortable shoes and bringing insect repellent—especially during the rainy season.

 

Altogether, Wat Bang Krabao is more than a local temple: it unites faith, history, and living nature. The legacy of Luang Pho Jad and the spectacle of the fruit bats make this a memorable stop for anyone exploring Prachin Buri.

 

 

A: It is a royal monastery linked to Luang Pho Jad and home to thousands of fruit bats, offering a rare blend of spirituality and nature.

 

A: Dawn and dusk are best, when the bats are most active.

 

A: Drive about two hours via the motorway toward Chachoengsao to Ban Sang, then follow the Ban Sang–Bang Taen Road. Public transport is possible to Ban Sang with local rides for the final stretch.

 

A: No. Visitors may enter and make merit according to their faith.

 

A: Dress respectfully, wear comfortable shoes, and consider insect repellent, especially in the rainy season.

 

A: Yes, with guidance to keep quiet around the bats and to respect the temple grounds.