Wat Tum

Thong Road, 6-7 kilometres from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, the Temple covers an area of approximately 15 rai. There is no evidence as to when it was constructed and by whom. It is believed to have existed since the Ayothaya period before the establishment of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya and must have once been abandoned after the fall of the Kingdom in 1767, before being renovated in the reign of King Rama I and has resumed a status as a monastic temple ever since.

Wat Toom is located by Wat Toom Canal on Ayutthaya-Angthong Road, about six kilometres from the centre of Ayutthaya. The Temple covers an area of around 15 rai. There is no record of when or by whom the temple was built; only that it is an ancient site existing since the era of the city of Ayothaya prior to the establishment of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Wat Toom has been where the adornment of the ‘Pichai Song Kram’ ornaments or the ornaments of victory took place since the beginning of Ayothaya up to the present, which covers a period of over a thousand-year length. The highlight at the temple is the Buddha image with a particular feature; that is, the forehead can be opened and the hair ornament can be taken off, revealing a hollow space reaching near the neck of the Buddha image where water continuously leaks out as if it were drops of sweat. The water never dries out. It is pure, cool and drinkable without any risk to the health. The image of Buddha is a decorated bronze statue in subduing Mara position The Buddha is formerly named ‘Luang Phor Thong Pu Samrid,’ but now commonly called ‘Luang Phor Suk’. It is 87 centimetre wide and 1.50 metre tall. The period of construction is unknown. Sitting in meditation pose, the statue is decorated in Maha Chakkraphat Raja Adhivas style. The ornaments are comprised of a crown, a long necklace, a breast chain and a set of bracelets, all decorated with nine gems. As the opening of the image’s head takes place on the first day of each month, tourists are recommended to plan their visit in advance. How to get there Drive along Highway No. 32 and turn left into Highway No. 309. Drive past Chedi Sam Pluem Circle and cross Naresuan Maharat Bridge. Head along Rojjana Road and turn left at Pa Thon intersection. When arriving at Wat Suwandawat, turn into U-Thong Road. Drive past Klong Thor t-junction. At the nect t-junction, there is a signpost for Ang Thong. Turn right into Highway No. 309. Head straight for about 2 km, passing the entrance for Somdej Phra Naresuan Maharat Monument. Take a U-turn to Wat Toom on another side of the road.