Wat Nang Nai Thammikaram

Wat Nang Nai Thammikaram, in San Chao Rong Thong subdistrict, Ang Thong, takes its name from the “nang nai” — female attendants of the royal court — who settled in Wiset Chai Chan and founded the temple around 1850. It’s one of the district’s older working temples rather than a ruin or museum piece: the original ordination hall still stands without major rebuilding.

The temple’s modern identity is tied to Luang Pho Num Thammarame, abbot from 1925/26 until his death in 1954. He took over a temple that had fallen into disrepair, restored the grounds, built the local school, and had a bridge put in connecting Ang Thong to neighbouring Suphan Buri across the Sam Chun waterway. Burapacharn Hall — a concrete building designed with input from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology — now displays photographs and artifacts of Luang Pho Num and his predecessor, Luang Pho Chom. Locally, Luang Pho Num is best known today for the bia kae amulets issued under his name during his lifetime, still traded and collected by amulet enthusiasts decades after his death.

Insider Tip: If you’re into Thai amulets, ask at the temple office about Luang Pho Num pieces before you go looking in Bangkok’s amulet markets — genuine ones from the source temple carry more weight with collectors.

Visits are quiet outside of festival days; the main gathering point is Burapacharn Hall rather than a crowded main viharn. Chinese New Year draws the biggest crowds, when devotees apply gold leaf to the statue of Luang Pho Num in a tradition that’s continued for decades.

Watch out: There’s no female Buddha image or fertility shrine here, despite what some older listings claim — the “Nang Nai” name refers to the temple’s female royal founders, not an object of worship inside it.

Wat Nang Nai Thammikaram is located at Wiset Chai Chan, Ang Thong, a short drive from Wat Khian and the Wiset Chai Chan Old Market (San Chao Rong Thong Market). View on Google Maps.

Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees; sarongs may be available at the entrance. Remove your shoes before entering any building, keep your head below seated Buddha images, and avoid pointing your feet at them or at monks.