Wat Saphan Soong

Wat Saphan Soong is a Buddhist temple on Khlong Phra Udom, a canal in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi — not on the Chao Phraya River itself, despite that claim showing up in some older descriptions of the temple. The name means “high bridge,” after a tall wooden bridge that once crossed the canal behind the temple grounds. Records place its founding around 1852 (BE 2395), when it was known as Wat Sawang Arom before taking its current name.

The compound holds an ordination hall (ubosot), a vihara said to be around a century old, and a chedi enshrining relics, alongside statues honouring past abbots. The temple’s best-known figure is Luang Pu Aem Pathamnam, a monk remembered for composing a protective chant still recited by devotees today; a small museum on site displays objects connected to him. Regular worshippers bring offerings of seven-coloured flowers, particularly on weekends, and the temple sees a steady stream of local visitors rather than tour groups.

Because it sits on a canal rather than the main river, the atmosphere leans quieter and more residential than Bangkok’s better-known riverside temples — expect the sound of the odd longtail boat on the khlong rather than heavy river traffic. Morning is when the temple is most active, with monks going about daily routines and the occasional group arriving for merit-making.

Insider Tip: If you’re combining this with a Pak Kret day out, pair it with the Ko Kret pottery village nearby rather than trying to reach it by river taxi — the Chao Phraya boat network doesn’t serve this canal directly.

Dress modestly — covered shoulders and knees — and remove your shoes before entering the ordination hall or vihara. Keep your feet pointed away from Buddha images, and keep voices low if chanting is underway. The temple is reachable by road from central Pak Kret; there’s no direct pier access since it fronts the canal rather than the Chao Phraya.