Visiting Wat Nak Prok: A Hidden Cultural Treasure in Bangkok - Thailand (Part 1/2).

Wat Nak Prok is a historic Buddhist temple located in Bangkok, Thailand. It is situated in the Phasi Charoen district and is well known for its peaceful atmosphere and cultural significance. The temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and later restored in the Rattanakosin era, reflecting traditional Thai architectural styles and religious art. One of the most distinctive features of Wat Nak Prok is its beautiful statues of Phra Nak Prok, Phayanak Naga and Ordination Hall Ubosot, which houses important Buddha images and detailed murals that illustrate Buddhist teachings and Thai history. The temple’s design blends classic Thai elements with subtle Chinese influences, showing the cultural diversity that has shaped Bangkok over the centuries.

Magnificent of Phayanak statue in Wat Nak Prok. This sacred temple remains an active place of worship and community gathering. It serves as a center for religious ceremonies, meditation, and local cultural activities. With its historical background and serene surroundings, Wat Nak Prok continues to be an important spiritual and cultural landmark in Bangkok.

Photo taken in front of Mondop Luang Pu Chu Khong ChooNam, A revered former abbot and respected monk honored within the temple complex. A statue of him is enshrined in the mondop (a Thai-style shrine pavilion), and many visitors pay respects for blessings and merit.

Luang Pu Chu Khong ChooNam was a respected senior monk who served as the former abbot of Wat Nak Prok and became widely revered among devotees at the temple. Locally, he is honored for his compassionate guidance, spiritual presence, and reputation for helping people with prayer and merit-making. He was originally named Chu Kongchunam and was born in Nakhon Si Thammarat province in southern Thailand, with his upbringing in a merchant family. He ordained as a monk according to his parents’ wishes and dedicated his life to Buddhist practice and community service. Over the years he became abbot at Wat Nak Prok and was known for leading religious ceremonies, blessing devotees, and supporting the temple’s activities. He was one of a long-serving abbot, he helped shape the temple’s role as a center for worship and cultural activity.

Photo taken with Sacred Naga figures and serpent guardians — including large Naga statues and themed prayer areas that many visitors find auspicious. Beside have man-made cave for Phaya Naga.

The cave is designed as a sacred mystical space inspired by the legend of the Phaya Naga (King of the Serpents). It creates the feeling of entering an underground spiritual realm. Inside we could see the symbolic treasures, gold-colored decorations, and offering items placed by worshippers. These represent devotion, prosperity, and faith in the protective power of the Naga. Many devotees offer flowers, incense, candles, and symbolic valuables to ask for luck, success, or protection. Several statues of Phra Lersi (Ruesi) are enshrined inside. The cave also displays sacred Yantra symbols. Yantras are mystical geometric designs used in Thai Buddhist and Brahmanic traditions for protection, luck, and spiritual power.

The new project for Wat Nak Prok to build Phra Nak Prok Five Buddha statue, standing 35 meters tall (equivalent to a 12-story building). Above is the mini 3D model for the new Phra Nak Prok statue.

During my visit to Wat Nak Prok, I had the meaningful opportunity to make merit (tamboon) and receive a blessing for the amulets I had obtained at the temple. A senior monk kindly performed a chanting ritual, softly reciting sacred Pali verses while sprinkling holy water over the amulets. Although amulets are traditionally consecrated during official temple ceremonies, receiving an additional personal blessing from a respected monk felt deeply special and spiritually uplifting. The moment was peaceful and sincere, strengthening my faith and connection to the sacred Phra Nak Prok image and the temple’s Naga symbolism.

Wat Nak Prok’s main Wiharn pavilion is where its principal Phra Nak Prok statue is enshrined. This Wiharn (sanctuary hall) is a prominent building at the temple specifically built to house the sacred Phra Nak Prok image — a Buddha in Mara Vijaya (triumph over Mara) posture sheltered by the seven‑headed Naga above.

Photo taken at the front of the main Wiharn (sanctuary hall) of Wat Nak Prok, there are several Naga statues and related sacred figures enshrined (Phra SangKaChai NakProk, Luang Pho NakProk, Phra Sivali, Phra Upakut), creating a striking and symbolic entrance to the temple’s principal hall.

The main sacred Phra Nak Prok image — a Buddha in Mara Vijaya (triumph over Mara) posture sheltered by the seven‑headed Naga above.

One of the most striking features inside the viharn at Wat Nak Prok is the series of wooden pillars beautifully painted with images of Phaya Naga. The intricate artwork shows the sacred serpent in vivid colors, coiling gracefully along the pillars as a symbol of protection and spiritual power. Surrounding these pillars are several Luang Pho Nak Prok statues — Buddha images seated in meditation beneath the shelter of the multi-headed Naga. The combination of traditional wood craftsmanship, detailed Naga paintings, and sacred Buddha statues creates a powerful spiritual atmosphere, reflecting the temple’s deep connection to Naga symbolism and the legend of the Buddha being protected during meditation.

Shrine for Mercy Bodhisattva Guan Yin in Wat Nak Prok.

During my visit to Wat Nak Prok, I also noticed a new sacred statue currently under construction within the temple grounds. The ongoing construction reflects the temple’s continuous development and dedication to preserving and expanding its spiritual space for devotees.

In addition to its sacred spaces Hall building of Wat Nak Prok, Wat Nak Prok also has a few small hawker stalls within the temple grounds selling drinks and snacks. These modest vendors offer refreshments such as bottled water, soft drinks, iced beverages, and light snacks for visitors and worshippers.

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See more amulets from Wat Nak Prok at:

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Visiting & Discovering the Beauty of Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua - Roi Et - Thailand.

Visiting Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua in Roi Et province was a peaceful and meaningful experience. Surrounded by calm nature and beautiful architecture, the great golden chedi immediately creates a sense of serenity. Built to honor Luang Pu Maha Bua Naṇasampanno (also known as Luang Ta Maha Boowa), this sacred place is not only a religious landmark but also a center of faith and reflection. In this temples journey blog, I would like to share my experience and impressions from visiting one of the most important Buddhist sites in northeastern Thailand.

Luang Pu Maha Bua Naṇasampanno (1913–2011), was a highly respected Thai Buddhist monk in the Thai Forest Tradition. He was born in Udon Thani province, Thailand in year 1913. He became a monk and later studied and practiced meditation seriously under Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta, one of Thailand’s greatest meditation masters. Luang Pu Maha Bua was known for his strict discipline, deep wisdom, and clear teachings on meditation and the mind. He taught that true happiness comes from understanding and letting go of attachment. He also played an important role in helping Thailand during the economic crisis in 1997, leading a national effort to collect gold and money to support the country. Luang Pu Maha Bua passed away in 2011 at the age of 97. His teachings continue to inspire many people, and Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua in Roi Et was built to honor his life and Dhamma teachings.

The golden Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua shines beautifully, and its reflection in the pond creates a calm and peaceful view. Seeing the reflection in the pond made the place feel quiet, pure, and deeply spiritual.

Visitors can pay respects at the memorial of Phra Dhammavissumongkol, Luang Ta Maha Bua Naṇasampanno, and enjoy a moment of relaxation by the calm pond nearby.

The magnificent golden lotus pagoda shines brightly when illuminated by sunlight. Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua is a magnificent and sacred landmark in Roi Et, known not only for its stunning golden architecture but also for its deep spiritual significance. What makes it truly unique is that it was the only chedi personally authorized by Luang Ta Maha Bua during his lifetime. He personally oversaw the preparation of the land, laid the foundation stone, and enshrined the Buddha’s relics, ensuring that every part of the chedi reflected his devotion and teachings. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and a calm pond that perfectly mirrors its golden spire, the chedi creates a serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to meditate, reflect, and pay their respects. Every corner of the chedi exudes peace, reverence, and inspiration, making it a truly unforgettable place to visit.

The chedi stands prominently with a golden exterior, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a calm pond, creating a sacred and peaceful atmosphere. It is divided into four levels, each with a special purpose:

1st floor: A room preserving Isan folk songs and local culture (stored digitally). 

2nd floor: A library and audio room with dhamma teachings and sermons by Luang Ta Maha Bua for reading and listening. 

3rd floor: A prayer and meditation area with a life‑like statue of Luang Ta Maha Bua. 

4th floor: The highest level holds the main Buddha image and statues of revered monks, along with sacred relics for devotion and respect.

The 3rd floor features a statue of the revered monk and serves as a meditation area for those seeking tranquility.

A statue of Phra Dhammavissumongkol, Luang Ta Maha Bua Naṇasampanno. He learned many important teachings from Phra Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta, his meditation master. The most important lesson was that real Buddhism is found through serious meditation practice, not only through study. Phra Ajahn Mun taught him to live with strict discipline, simplicity, and mindfulness. He learned to observe the mind carefully and to understand suffering, desire, and attachment through direct experience. Luang Ta Maha Bua also learned that enlightenment is possible in this life if a person practices with effort, patience, and determination. These teachings later became the foundation of his own Dhamma teachings.

The third floor of Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua is a quiet and sacred space where visitors can feel a deep connection to Luang Pu Maha Bua Naṇasampanno. Here, a life-like statue of Luang Pu Maha Bua greets visitors, serving as the centerpiece for paying respect and reflection. Surrounding the statue, you will find portraits that capture important moments of his life, from his early years as a monk to his time as a revered meditation master. In addition to the portraits, the floor displays some of Luang Pu Maha Bua’s personal belongings, carefully preserved to honor his legacy. These items give visitors a sense of his simple, disciplined lifestyle and his dedication to meditation and teaching. The peaceful atmosphere makes this floor perfect for meditation, quiet contemplation, and paying homage, allowing visitors to reflect on his wisdom and spiritual journey. The combination of statues, portraits, and personal items creates a deeply moving experience, reminding everyone of the life and teachings of one of Thailand’s most respected Buddhist masters.

Photo taken with portrait of Luang Pu Maha Bua. Luang Pu Maha Bua was one of the most important Buddhist monks in Thailand. He was a great meditation master in the Thai Forest Tradition and practiced strict discipline. He was a close disciple of Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta and helped preserve his teachings. Luang Pu Maha Bua taught many monks and laypeople about meditation and the true nature of the mind. His Dhamma talks and books are widely studied in Thailand and other countries. In 1997, during Thailand’s economic crisis, he led the “Help the Nation” project by collecting gold and money to support the country. This showed his great compassion and leadership. Because of his contributions to Buddhism and society, Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua was built to honor his life and teachings.

View from the Chedi, the atmosphere within the temple is beautiful and serene. Far away with the wooden traditional Thai-style building.

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Revisited (BE2568) Wat PhaKho (Wat Ratchapraditsathan) ~ Somdet Chao Pha Kho LP Thuad - SongKhla - Thailand - (Part 2/2).

Having the opportunity to visit Wat Pha Kho again, one can truly appreciate why it is a place worth returning to. The atmosphere is both peaceful and refreshing, offering a spiritual and cultural retreat from everyday life.

This edition of our Temples Journey column presents a travel route tracing the history of Luang Pu Thuad in Sathing Phra, Songkhla. It is an ideal itinerary for those who love local cultural tourism or for devotees seeking to combine faith with learning, exploring the life, teachings, and sacred sites associated with this highly revered monk.

Visitors can experience not only the historical and architectural treasures of the temple but also the spiritual aura that has made Luang Pu Thuad a beloved figure for generations.

Wat PhaKho was originally built in 1514 and underwent major renovations in 1610. It was the residence of the highly revered monk Somdet Chao Pha Kho, also known as Luang Pu Thuad Yiap Nam Thalav Chuet, famous monk for walking on fresh water. Wat PhaKho is renowned for its rich history, spiritual significance, and architectural treasures. Chedi Phra Suwanna Malika (Chedi Sri Rattana Mahathat), a pagoda housing relics of the Buddha, built between BE2048–2100 with contributions from Phraya Damthamrongkasat (or Phraya Thammarangkhan) and monks who retrieved relics from Sri Lanka. The Chedi stands 40 meters high and is accompanied by a Wiharn (assembly hall), Ubosot (ordination hall), and Thammasala (sermon hall).

The magnificent Chedi Phra Suwanna Malika rises gracefully over the temple grounds, housing sacred relics of the Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. Its base is adorned with numerous venerated Phra Buddha statues, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere for devotees. This sacred structure symbolizes faith, devotion, and the enduring legacy of Thai Buddhist heritage.

Pay homage to Luang Pu Thuad Yieb Nam Talay Chuet at Wat Phakho, Somdet Chao Pha Kho (Luang Pu Thuad, who walking on fresh water).

This old Pavilion was built during the Ayutthaya period. During the reign of King Phra Kho, it was used as a place for oath of allegiance ceremony of the governer of Phatthalung and also as a place for settling legal cases at the time.

This sacred Lean Chedi was built alongside the Chedi Phra Suwanna Malika and carries a timeless moral lesson for future generations by story telling:

Long time ago, giants attempted to build Chedis to rival human construction. Humans, driven by faith and devotion, constructed the Chedi Phra Suwanna Malika. The giants, despite their strength, built their pagoda as well, but it could not stand as tall or as upright as the human-built one. Today, the giants’ Chedi appears smaller and leans to the ground — a lasting reminder that true strength comes from faith and sincerity, not just power or size.

This story embodies the Buddhist teaching that spiritual devotion and moral integrity outweigh mere physical might.

The sacred Ubosot ordination hall of Wat PhaKho in southern Thailand, showcasing traditional Thai Buddhist architecture with an ornate gabled roof, intricate gold and red decorations, and a peaceful temple atmosphere. At the front stands a powerful Tao Wessuwan guardian statue, furious and imposing, symbolizing protection.

Inside the main altar of the Ubosot at Wat PhaKho, showcasing a stunning golden altar adorned with intricate traditional Thai patterns. A majestic golden Phra Buddha sits at the center, radiating serenity, surrounded by gilded decorations, sacred ornaments, and red carpet floors.

Inside the ubosot (ordination hall) of Wat PhaKho. The interior features rich reddish and maroon decorations with traditional Thai Buddhist motifs and subtle gold accents. Rows of small Buddha statues are embedded along the walls, evenly spaced and serene. The atmosphere is sacred and peaceful, with soft natural light illuminating the hall, polished floors, and a sense of deep spiritual reverence. The Ubosot at Wat PhaKho is adorned with sacred ropes (Sai Sin) and Phayant tied above, used in ceremonial blessings to transmit merit and protection to devotees.

The stunning bell tower of Wat PhaKho, rising gracefully above the temple grounds, a symbol of faith, tradition, and timeless Thai Buddhist craftsmanship.

The Shrine for elephant tethering post (a tie-down post), believed to have belonged to the governor of Sathing Phra, was found in the Pang Lung area of Sathing Phra district by Mr.Charoon Kanjanaphen, who then presented it to Wat PhaKho.

Stunning Phra Pikanet statue in Wat PhaKho.

Banner invitation for Kathina event BE2568 at Wat PhaKho. We're invite to the Kathina robe offering ceremony at Wat PhaKho each year to join in making merit and preserving the Buddhist tradition.

A realistic photo taken at Wat PhaKho featuring revered Luang Pu Thuad (LP Thuad) statues.

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See more LP Thuad  amulets from Wat PhaKho at:

👉 http://thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/search/label/Wat%20PhaKho?m=0

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See more other Thai amulets at:

👉 http://www.thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/?m=0