Readme before you journey
Have you ever felt like you didn't want to travel far from Bangkok on a weekend or long holiday? Nakhon Pathom province is a great option, with its convenient location and proximity to the capital. It offers a wealth of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and ancient temples waiting to be explored. Today, I embarked on a journey from Bangkok to visit Wat Rai King, Wat Don Wai, and the Don Wai Floating Market.
This trip started from the area near Central Pinklao. I took bus number 556, which cost around 23 baht per person. The journey took about an hour and the bus stopped right in front of Wat Don Wai. The bus stop is located on the opposite side of the road from the one shown in the picture.
Another bus route that goes directly to the temple is the 84.
Bus schedule
Getting to Wat Rai King from Bangkok
Public Transportation:
- Bus:
- Route 84 (Euro 2): Wat Rai King - Khlong San (BTS Wongwian Yai Station)
- Route 556 (Euro 2): Wat Rai King - Airport Rail Link Makkasan Station
- Bus from Southern Bus Terminal (Old Station): Take buses to Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Bang Luang, or Suphan Buri. Get off at the Wat Rai King entrance and transfer to a local bus to reach the temple.
Van from Central Pinklao, Pinklao - Rai Khing route
Approximate map
We dozed off and woke up right in front of the temple.
Historical Background of Wat Rai King
The Temple of Ginger Fields: A Historical Gem in Sam Phran
Nestled along the serene banks of the Nakhon Chai Si River in Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom province, lies Wat Rai King, a temple steeped in history and cultural significance. Established in the late reign of King Rama III by Somdet Phra Phuttha Charoen (Phuk), the abbot of Wat Sala Poon in Ayutthaya, the temple initially served as a royal monastery.
Originally known as "Wat Rai King" due to its location amidst ginger fields cultivated by the local Chinese community, the temple's name reflects its deep connection to the surrounding landscape. In 1913, during an inspection of temples in Sam Phran, Prince Wachirayan Warorot bestowed upon the temple the official name "Wat Kongkaram." However, the local populace continued to affectionately refer to it as "Wat Rai King," a testament to the enduring legacy of its original name.
Despite the official renaming to "Wat Mongkol Jindaram" in recent times, the temple remains fondly known as "Wat Rai King" by the community, a testament to its enduring historical and cultural significance.
Wat Rai King, a royal temple, is situated on the bank of the Tha Chin River, also known as the Nakhon Chai Si River, in Rai King Subdistrict, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province. It belongs to the Mahanikai sect of Buddhism. The principal Buddha image is Luang Pho Wat Rai King, a statue in the Mara-Vijaya posture, revered by the people of Nakhon Pathom. Every year, from the 13th waxing moon to the 3rd waning moon of the 5th lunar month and during the Chinese New Year festival, the annual Wat Rai King Luang Pho Buddha Image Gilding Festival is held, a major event for the people of Nakhon Pathom. Originally a temple for the common people, it was later elevated to the status of a third-class royal temple on July 10, 1990.
The principal Buddha image is a bronze statue.
The statue is a Buddha image in the Mara-Vijaya posture, with a lap width of 4 cubits and 2 inches, and a height of 4 cubits and 16 inches. The Buddha's characteristics are in the Chiang Saen style, and it is believed to be the work of craftsmen from the Thai Lanna and Lan Xang periods. According to legend, the statue floated down the river and was enshrined at Wat Sala Pun in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province before being placed on a five-tiered base. In front of the statue, a celestial cloth is spread down to the base of the Luang Pho Wat Rai King, who is enshrined as the presiding Buddha image inside the ubosot, facing north. The front of the temple has the Nakhon Chai Si or Tha Chin River flowing past. According to the history of Wat Rai King, Somdet Phra Phutthachan (Phuk) invited the statue from Wat Sala Pun by floating it down the river on a bamboo raft, or what is known as a "floating gourd raft," to support the statue. When the raft reached Wat Rai King, the statue was enshrined inside the ubosot. It happened to be the 15th day of the waxing moon of the 5th month, which is Songkran Day, so a large number of people gathered. As the Luang Pho statue was being lifted from the raft to the ceremonial platform, a miracle occurred. The blazing sunlight suddenly disappeared, and the sweltering heat of Songkran Day was replaced by dark, stormy clouds, swirling wind, thunder, and rain, bringing coolness and joy to everyone. The people who came all made a wish together, saying, "Luang Pho will bring peace and happiness, extinguish the evil heat, and relieve all suffering, just as the rain from the sky makes the earth moist and fertile with crops." Therefore, the temple considers this day, which coincides with Songkran or Thai New Year, to be an important day and holds an annual festival to worship and gild Luang Pho Wat Rai King.
Upon reaching the front of the church, one should pay respects and recite prayers at this designated spot.
Don't forget to apply gold leaf.
After paying respects to the Buddha and reciting prayers, this is the spot for taking photos. Otherwise, it's like you never came.
There are places to sit and relax.
Fish food is available.
The river behind the temple is the Tha Chin River, also known as the Nakhon Chai Si River. We walked to buy boat tickets, which cost 60 baht per person. The boat departs every 30 minutes and takes 30 minutes to reach Wat Don Wai.
After finishing, I sat down to wait for the boat to depart with two sweet-faced young Western men who had tagged along on the trip.
Enjoy the atmosphere of the Tha Chin River. The boat driver will tell you the history of the river while you relax. It's a great experience.
Anyone who wants to sleep can do so now. Today's weather is very good. Enjoy the scenery as you go.
We haven't had time to sleep yet. We've already arrived at Wat Don Wai.
History of Wat Don Wai
Located in Bang Krathuek Subdistrict, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province, the temple was originally named Wat Khok Whai. According to oral tradition, the area was a high hill covered with a large number of rattan trees. Additionally, it was the name of a village that appeared in old land title deeds during the reign of King Rama V, known as Khok Whai Village.
The original name of the temple may not have sounded pleasant, so it was changed to Wat Don Wai. The principal Buddha image in the temple's viharn is called "Luang Pho Wisahan," a Buddha statue in the Mara-Vijaya posture, sitting cross-legged on a rather high base.
The principal Buddha image faces east, reflecting the artistic style of the early Rattanakosin period. On the left and right sides stand the Arahant disciples, Moggallana and Sariputta, one on each side. Later, after the major renovation and restoration of the ubosot and wihan at Wat Don Wai, which was completed around 2507 BE, ...
The boat will dock here.
We can now enter the market.
History of Don Wai Floating Market
This market retains the atmosphere of an old market from the reign of King Rama VI. The buildings are old wooden structures located along the Tha Chin River. Merchants would row boats to sell goods and food in the area around Don Wai Temple. There is a farmers' market at Don Wai Temple that is open every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM on weekends.
There is a wide variety of food available.
The two young men were very excited to watch the aunt make Thai desserts at this shop.
This place has a wide variety of Thai desserts.
Before leaving, don't forget to make merit at Wat Don Wai.
To return to Bangkok, I took the same boat I used to get there, as the ticket I purchased was valid for a round trip. Alternatively, visitors can opt for a long-tail boat charter from Don Wai Floating Market to visit temples or explore further. For those heading directly back to Bangkok, simply walk to the main road and wait for bus number 556 or 84. I decided to extend my boat ride to enjoy the beautiful evening scenery.
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Golfy The Journey
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 9:13 PM
