Wat Sao Thong Thong

Wat Sao Thong Thong, situated on Rue de France that connects Phra Narai Ratchaniwet and Ban Wichayen, is an ancient temple separated into two temples: Wat Ruak and Wat Sao Thong Thong. Due to the reason Wat Ruak housed an ubosot (ordination hall), while Wat Sao Thong had a wihan (main hall), Phraya Boran Ratchathanin (Phon Techakhup) reported to Somdet Phra Maha Samanachao Kromphraya Wachirayan Warorot regarding the consolidation of these two temples into one. The recommendation was presented during the latter’s monks’ inspection in Ayutthaya Province and, subsequently, it was renamed Wat Sao Thong Thong. Interesting tourist attraction are as follow: Phra Wihan, built during the reign of King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya, was initially intended for other religious purposes. From the map made by French technicians, the area was the Persians’ residence and a place of worship for Islam. At present, the Wihan enshrined the Buddha image of Luang Pho To in the attitude of subduing Mara, a revered Buddha image regarded invaluable to Lop Buri. The wihan walls are pierced with niches housing various Buddha images, while the principal Buddha image in the ordination hall is in the attitude of stopping the rainstorm. Moreover, structures like Pichu and Khotchasan or Khorasan Buildings are believed to have served as residences for foreign dignitaries and Persian envoys.