Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai is situated by Khlong Samrong, Tambon Bang Phli Yai. Over 200 years ago, the River current carried the Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture with beautiful characteristics of the Sukhothai art along from Ayutthaya city to Khlong Samrong.
When the local people found it, they took the image from the water to be enshrined at the old Temple by the Canalside named Wat Phlapphla Chaichana Songkhram and called the image as “Luangpho To”. Since then, it became the auspicious Buddha image of Wat Bang Phli Yai. With the reputation of Luangpho To’s supernatural power, crowds of people come to pay respect.
In addition, they ask for good fortune with Phra Sang Katchai (Katyayana), a figure of the Lord Buddha’s disciple made of large carved Bullet wood installed at the front of the wihan.
The temple accommodates visitors with hi-tech restrooms and a mini Garden in a shady atmosphere. On the 14th day of the waxing moon of the 11th lunar month (October), the Rap Bua Festival (receiving lotus), a long inherited tradition of the Bang Phli community is held annually.
People in the community will take a replica of Luangpho To onto a beautifully adorned Boat and have a procession along the river for the public to make a wish and throw water lilies into the boat as offerings, which is known as “Rap Bua Festival”.
The temple is open daily between 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai
Location: 130 Moo 10 Soi Bang Phli Yai, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540
Phone: +66 (0) 8 1925 2844, +66 (0) 2 3373729
