Wat Sawang Arom

Wat Sawang Arom sits on the bank of the Chao Phraya River in Tambon Ton Pho, about 3 km from central Sing Buri town. Founded in 1856 by Phra Kru Singhmuni — known locally as Luang Pho Rueang — the temple was originally called Wat Bang Mon, a name derived from the Mon traders who once moored their river boats here. It later became a regional centre for Buddha-image craftsmanship, inheriting sculptural traditions from the Bang Mon artisan lineage of Thonburi.

The temple’s most significant feature is its Nang Yai Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์หนังใหญ่), established in 2002 on the upper floor of the dharma hall. It holds more than 300 large shadow puppets cut from buffalo hide, widely regarded as the most complete performance-ready nang yai collection in Thailand. The figures are organised into four sets depicting episodes from the Ramakien epic, and can be seen displayed in backlit cases. The founding abbot collected the earliest pieces from craftspeople of the late Ayutthaya period, and the master puppet-maker Khru Pia contributed further figures.

Wat Sawang Arom is one of only three communities in Thailand still actively performing nang yai theatre. At weekends, children train in puppet-making, and newly crafted puppets are available for purchase. Visitors wanting to see a performance should contact the temple at least a week in advance (tel. 036-543-150). Admission to the grounds and museum is free. The temple opens Monday to Friday 09:00–16:00 and Saturday to Sunday 08:30–17:00.