Wat Rong Chang

Wat Rong Chang is an Ayutthaya-period temple in Mueang Phichit district, built when Phraya Khotrabong ruled the old town. Three large outdoor Buddha images and a 1974 chedi ringed by 108 scripture cabinets are what draw visitors today, more than the temple’s own quiet grounds.

History and name

The site began as an elephant camp — “Kong Chang” in Thai — serving the old town’s military elephant corps. Local pronunciation later shifted the name to “Khlong Chang” (elephant canal), and it settled on its current form, Wat Rong Chang, after the government opened a public school (a “rong rian”) on the temple grounds. The temple building itself dates to the Ayutthaya era, from the period when Phraya Khotrabong governed the town.

What’s there

Three large outdoor Buddha statues anchor the temple: a seated image in the Maravijaya pose (subduing Mara), a standing image in the Ham Yat pose (“forbidding relatives,” palms raised), and a reclining image in the Sai Yat pose. The main chedi, built in 1974, is ringed by 108 cabinets holding scripture texts — visitors can make merit by contributing to them. Inside the chedi itself is an underground vault holding 84,000 inscribed clay tablets recording the Tipitaka, the Buddhist canon — 84,000 being the traditional count temple tradition uses for the complete body of teachings, sealed away here as a safeguard against the scriptures being lost to any single disaster.

Insider Tip: The three outdoor Buddha images are easiest to photograph in the early morning before the light gets harsh — the temple opens at 08:30.

Watch out: As with any working temple, keep your voice down near the Buddha images, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), and don’t point your feet toward a Buddha image or a monk.

Practical

Wat Rong Chang sits in Mueang Phichit district, a short trip from The Old City Park if you’re covering the district’s Ayutthaya-era history, or Wat Tha Luang, Phra Aram Luang for the province’s most prominent royal temple. Both are within easy reach for a half-day loop around old Phichit.