Wat No Phutthangkun

Wat No Phutthangkun sits on the west bank of the Suphan River in Suphan Buri, still known locally by its older name, Wat Makham No, after a large tamarind tree that once grew on the grounds. The current ordination hall dates to the late Ayutthaya period, with major restoration carried out during the reign of King Rama III — work that local tradition credits partly to Lao people resettled in the area as war captives after the Chao Anouvong rebellion of 1826.

The temple’s real draw is its wall paintings, dated to around 1848 and attributed to an artist from Vientiane. They cover the Buddha’s life story, the Ten Jataka tales, the mythical Chulamani Chedi of Buddhist cosmology, and a gathering of celestial beings — detailed enough that Wat No Phutthangkun regularly appears on lists of Suphan Buri’s nine essential historic temples. Key Facts:

• Entry: Free, daily 08:00-17:00
• Also known as: Wat Makham No
• Murals: Circa 1848, painted by a Vientiane artist
• Location: West bank of the Suphan River, Highway 3507 near km 3
• Nearby: About 2 km south of Wat Phra Loi

Insider Tip: Bring a phone flashlight if you visit outside the brightest midday hours — the murals sit in a dim interior and are easy to miss in a quick walk-through, but reward a slower look at the detail in the Jataka scenes.

This remains a working monastery rather than a museum piece, so expect ordinary temple activity alongside the historic murals — monks going about daily routines, and local worshippers dropping in to make merit. Watch out: flash photography isn’t appropriate near the older paintings; ask before using a camera inside the main hall.

Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Wat No Phutthangkun combines easily with Wat Phra Loi, just south along the same stretch of river, or with the larger Wat Pa Lelai Worawihan if you’re spending a day on Suphan Buri’s temple circuit.