Wat Ratchapaksi

Wat Ratchapaksi sits on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in Pho Sa subdistrict, a few kilometres south of Ang Thong town. The temple’s main draw is a large reclining Buddha image, believed to date from the Ayutthaya period and similar in style to the better-known reclining Buddha at Wat Pa Mok, though smaller. Entry is free and the grounds are open daily 08:00–17:00.

Experience

The reclining Buddha — locally called Phra Phutthai Saiyasana — had deteriorated badly over the centuries and was restored to its current condition; the restoration is visible in the smoother, repainted sections of plaster against the older core. A second Buddha image, dated to the reign of King Rama III, originally stood exposed on the riverbank itself. When erosion damaged the chapel that housed it, monks — among them Luang Pho Proi Thammasaro and Phra Kru Wichian Thammakovit — moved it into the ordination hall with help from the local community. The wat’s supporting buildings are more recent: a two-storey dharma hall (24 x 48 metres) went up in 1992, and the entrance gate was built in 2006 as a merit offering marking the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol’s reign.

Wat Ratchapaksi is also known locally as Wat Nok (“bird temple”), though it’s worth noting Ang Thong has three different temples that go by that nickname — this one is specifically in Pho Sa, on the river.

Atmosphere & Timing

This is a working neighbourhood temple, not a tour-bus stop — expect a handful of local devotees rather than crowds. Mornings are quietest and coolest for walking the grounds; the riverside setting gets a breeze off the Chao Phraya that makes the afternoon heat more bearable than at inland temples.

Insider Tip: Combine the visit with Wat Pa Mok a short drive further south — seeing both reclining Buddhas back to back makes the size and restoration differences between them much clearer.

Watch out: GPS and locals alike may point you to one of the other two “Wat Nok” temples in Ang Thong province. Confirm you’re heading to the one in Pho Sa subdistrict on Highway 309 before setting off.

Practical

Wat Ratchapaksi is located at Mueang Ang Thong, Ang Thong. View on Google Maps. There’s no direct public transport — a car, motorbike or taxi from town is the practical way in, with parking on site. As at any working temple, remove your shoes before entering a building, dress modestly, and keep your head lower than any Buddha image or seated monk.