After the crowds at nearby Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat, it makes a pleasant contrast to wander round the grounds of this unusual temple, also built during the 14th century, which faces the Nan River but is much less frequently visited.
Besides some intriguing murals in the bot, there is a crumbling bell tower and an octagonal brick chedi that is around 600 years old, but the oddest feature of this temple is King Rama V’s boat, a long dug-out canoe festooned with garlands and sheltered in a purpose-built alcove.
Because of the boat’s regal associations, it is thought that if you crawl under the length of the boat nine times and make an offering, it will bring good luck, so why not give it a go? Beside the boat is curious collection of Hindu gods, including the elephant-headed Ganesh, which seem strangely out of place in this Buddhist temple, though in fact such sights are common in Thailand.
Getting There
You can walk to this temple from anywhere in the center of the city.
Need to Know
- What is it? A quirky temple with unusual features.
- When to go: Any time.
- Don’t Miss: King Rama V’s boat
- Address: Puttabucha Road, beside the Naresuan Bridge
- Opening hours: 06:00-20:30
- Entrance fees: Free