Wat Bang Nom Kho

Wat Bang Nom Kho is an active temple in the Sena district of Ayutthaya, famous across Thailand as the temple of Luang Phor Parn. Where the temples in the historical park are roofless ruins, this is a living monastery — resident monks, daily chanting, a steady flow of Thai devotees. Most who make the trip west of the city come for one reason: Luang Phor Parn and the amulets that made his temple a place of pilgrimage. Entry is free.

Luang Phor Parn and the amulets

Luang Phor Parn Sonanto (1875–1938) was one of the most revered monks of his era, known for his scholarship, meditation and traditional medicine. He is best remembered for the amulets he created here, first cast in 1907 (B.E. 2450): small clay and powder tablets showing the Buddha seated on an animal — a garuda, hanuman the monkey god, a cockerel, a fish, a deer. Each animal carries its own meaning, and genuine early pieces are now among the most sought-after (and most faked) amulets in the country. The temple is also associated with his “Diamond Armour” yantra, a protective blessing passed to his disciples.

Insider Tip: This is a pilgrimage temple, not a tourist ruin. Come to observe respectfully — watch the amulet devotion, the chanting and the alms round — rather than expecting signage and ticketed displays. A few minutes of quiet attention tells you more than any plaque.

Visiting

The temple grounds hold an ordination hall with revered Buddha images, offering areas where locals present lotus, candles and food, and a chedi built by Luang Phor Parn to replace an older, decayed one. Morning and evening prayer times bring the loudest sense of a working monastery. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — and remove your shoes before entering any building. A small donation toward upkeep is welcome.

Watch out: It’s out in Sena, roughly 20 km west of Ayutthaya’s island centre, so it’s a deliberate detour rather than part of the historical-park loop. Have your own transport or arrange a driver.

Pair it with the island’s ruins — Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet — for a fuller picture of Ayutthaya’s living and ruined Buddhism.

Wat Bang Nom Kho is located in Bang Nom Kho, Sena District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13110. View on Google Maps.