Wat Si Roi

Wat Si Roi is a riverside temple on the Noi River in Wiset Chai Chan district, Ang Thong, founded in 1771 in memory of around 400 soldiers who died defending the area against Burmese forces. Entry is free, and it’s open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

The temple’s name — Si Roi means “four hundred” — refers to that group of local defenders, remembered alongside Khun Rong Palat Chu, a senior officer of the old district administration. It was granted formal royal recognition (wisungkhamsima) in 1909, more than a century after its founding, and has functioned since as an active village monastery serving the rice-farming communities along the river.

The centrepiece is a 21-metre seated Buddha image in the Pa Lelai posture — depicted accepting offerings from an elephant and a monkey — with a lap span of just over 6 metres. Known formally as Luang Pho To, the statue is more widely called Luang Pho Rong Hai, “the Crying Buddha,” after a 1987 report of what appeared to be blood running from its nostrils. News of the event drew crowds from across Ang Thong and neighbouring provinces at the time, and the nickname has stuck ever since, even as the temple has settled back into a quieter working rhythm.

Insider Tip: Go on a weekday morning if you want the temple grounds to yourself — weekends bring coach groups making the short detour from Wat Muang, a few kilometres away in the same district.

Watch out: There’s little shade around the main Buddha image itself; the surrounding sala and trees offer the only relief from the sun in the middle of the day.

Wiset Chai Chan district holds several of Ang Thong’s biggest Buddha statues within a short drive of each other — Wat Muang, home to Thailand’s tallest seated Buddha, is the natural pairing with a visit here.

Getting There

Wat Si Roi is located at Mu 4 Wiset-Phak Hai Road. View on Google Maps.

Tips for Visitors

• Remove your shoes before entering any building.

• Keep your voice low and your head below any Buddha images when seated.

• Avoid pointing your feet at Buddha images or monks.

• Visit early morning to see monks collecting alms.