Thailand
With its interior made of teak wood, the sanctuary Wat Bang Khae Noi, accessible by ferryboat from the town of Amphawa, is a striking testament to Thai art. Here's the scoop.
In the Land of Smiles, temples are not just places of worship for religious ceremonies. They also bear the signature of artisans who showcase their craftsmanship and architectural skills. Case in point: the Buddhist sanctuary of Bang Khae Noi, which is a half-hour boat ride from Amphawa, in the central province of Samut Songkhram. The architect emphasized the use of wood species in the construction. Teak wood covers every square inch of the walls and ceiling, even the Buddha statues, and important dates from the Jataka legend are engraved on admirable wood sculptures. Art enthusiasts and professionals will find plenty to admire in exploring this exceptional temple.
History
The creation of the temple of Bang Khae Noi dates back to the mid-19th century, precisely to 1868. Khun Ying Chui, the mastermind behind it, conceived an original plan: the building once rested on a bamboo raft connected by a rope to the sacred Bodhi tree. Later, the building was reconstructed on land. Until 1997, Wat Bang Khae Noi almost fell into ruin several times and underwent phases of embellishment and restoration. Because the quality of materials was lacking during repairs after the War of 1945, further damage occurred. Phrakhru Samut Nanthakhun then ordered the construction of a new chapel.
The Temple Bang Khae Noi
Built entirely of wood, the sanctuary of Bang Khae Noi has several attractions. Its magnificent setting on the banks of the Mae Klong River is a plus, offering the opportunity for a boat tour. Though less grandiose than Wat Bang Kung, the temple merits attention for its rustic and warm ambiance. This result is achieved through the use of wooden elements. The Teak Temple, aptly named, saw artisans from the province of Phethabury participate in its construction. These artisans are renowned for their consummate skill in woodworking. Once visitors reach the sub-district of Kwai Om in Amphawa town and explore the area, they'll understand the hype.
Visiting Wat Bang Khae Noi
Nature is brought indoors, with teak wood adorning every inch of the floor and ceiling. Keep an eye out for wall sculptures—also crafted from wood—that narrate episodes from the Buddha's previous lives before attaining enlightenment. The chapel floor is made of Takhian Thong wood, 2 inches thick, and composed of 40–44 inches of 7 leaves.
If the woodwork is of rare elegance, the statues are equally so. Don't miss, among others:
- The Phra Phuttha Samut Sripichai Wisut-Thimuni
- The statue enshrined on the altar is majestic, at 3 meters high and 4 inches wide. It is made from a local species, Afzelia xylocarpa.
- The main Buddha is seated at the back of the hall, behind which is painted a representation of the cycle of ten incarnations.
- The wooden Buddha in a defensive posture when triumphing over demons, located opposite the main Buddha
- The stone Buddhas have the attitude of a monk holding an alms bowl.
Practical information
Address
7 Khaeo Om, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110 Thailand.
For more information, please call 0 3476 1222.
Best time to visit the Teak Temple?
The Teak Temple is nestled in a village in the Amphawa province with a tropical climate. The temperature, relatively constant from one month to the next, hovers around 29 °C. Precipitation totals 1,342 mm annually, with strong seasonality. It rains more often in the summer than in the winter. To visit Wat Bang Khae Noi under favorable weather, choose your dates during the first quarter or the last two months of the year.
How to get there?
To reach Wat Bang Khae Noi, the easiest way is to board a ferryboat from the Amphawa pier. Boat cruises heading to five different temples depart from downtown. Each of them offers a pleasant view of the teak temple.
What to see nearby?
If you're wondering if there are other attractions in the city of Amphawa, the answer is an absolute yes.
- Amphawa floating market;
- Tha Ka floating market;
- Boating on the Mae Khlong River;
- The sandy beach of Don Hoi Lot.
