Wat Tha It

Wat Tha It in Pho Thong district carries a working name rather than a royal one: “Tha It” means brick landing, because the site was a kiln and river landing supplying bricks for the nearby Wat Khun Inthapramun in the mid-18th century. The temple itself was founded in 1761 (BE 2304), during the reign of King Ekkathat, the last king of Ayutthaya.

Its modern landmark is the Phrathat Chedi Si Phothong, an octagonal pagoda roughly 40 metres wide and 58 metres tall, built in Sri Lankan-Ayutthaya-Rattanakosin style with 32 tiers of moulding rising to the spire. Phrakhru Sukhonthasilakhun (Luang Pho Hom) began construction in 1995, during the reign of King Rama IX, and offered the finished chedi to the crown — hence the name, which translates roughly as “the glorious relic stupa of Si Phothong.” HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over its opening ceremony in 2000. Inside, nine internal levels hold a Buddha relic at the top and Buddha images in different postures on the floors below, including a Phra Buddha Chinnarat image as the principal figure on the second level.

The older ordination hall and vihara predate the chedi by more than two centuries. The principal Buddha image in the ubosot, known locally as Luang Pho Phet, and the one in the vihara, Luang Pho Khao, both date from the Ayutthaya period.

Insider Tip: Climb as many of the chedi’s nine levels as time allows — each floor has a different Buddha image, and the views over the surrounding rice fields improve the higher you go.

Getting There

Wat Tha It is located at Pho Thong, Ang Thong, not far from Wat Muang and its giant seated Buddha. View on Google Maps.

Tips for Visitors

• 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.

• Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees. Sarongs may be available at the entrance.