Wat Pa Chai Rangsi

Located on the bank of Tha Chin River, Wat Pa Chai Rangsi is at 103, Moo 4, Ban Koh subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Sakhon province. The temple was built on a vast area of 200 Rai in 1982. Phra Thepsitthi Yanna Rangsi or Chan Gavesago is the architect who combined a variety of architectural styles to create a unique constriction. For instance, some parts of the temple resembles stone sanctuaries in the Northeast of the country, while others are decorated in Lanna style.One of the major structures within the temple ground is the ordination hall called Phra Buddhaphum Rangsi, which enshrines Phra Buddha Tosapol Yana Maha Karuna Sakhon. It is circled by a massive fence of Naga. The entrance is also exquisitely embellished with images of 6-headed Naga. It is a 2-storey ordination hall with 3 layers of overlapping roof. Unlike most ordination halls whose pediments are decorated with gables and ridges, the pediment here is decorated with Lanna-style wooden Kalae. The rear wall behind the main Buddha image is installed with an enormous wooden craftwork of the Bodhi tree spreading its branches to symbolize the Enlightenment. The wooden craftwork on the left side presents the birth of Lord Buddha, while the one on the right side is about the Nirvana. The vast area of this temple is filled with trees to provide shady and pleasant atmospheres that suit the name “Wat Pa”. There is also a pond which really enhances the calmness. Moreover, the temple provides a manor house and traditional Thai quarters for dharma and meditation practices.To get to the temple from Mahachai, use the Highway 3091 (Setthakit Road) or Mahachai-Krathum Baen. After driving for about 5 kilometers, turn left at the intersection near KM 16 just opposite the Samut Sakhon power plant. Keep going for 1.5 kilometers, then make a right turn and continue for 200 meters. There are also bus services that pass the temple, namely the blue lines (Mahachai-Wat Bang Pla) and the Bus Terminal-Bang Pla-Patthana T-junction line. Alternatively, you can use Petchkasem Road and make a left turn to enter Phuttha Monthon 4. Next, go straight on Buddha Sakhon Road for 8 kilometers and cross the Setthakit flyover. Then turn right at KM 16 (power plant). For more information, please contact Samut Sakorn Information Center at 0 3441 2992, 0 3481 0123.