Attractions
Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram
Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram Worawihan is a second-class royal temple located in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram. The temple is close to King Rama II Memorial Park and Amphawa Floating Market and has an important place in the history of the Bang Chang royal family and early Rattanakosin period.
The temple is particularly significant because the area is associated with the birthplace of King Rama II.
History of Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram
The temple was established in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I. The area was formerly associated with the residence of Luang Yokkrabat, who later became King Rama I, and Khun Nak, who later became Queen Amarindra.
The area of the temple is also associated with the birth of King Rama II, making Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram an important historical and cultural landmark in Amphawa and Samut Songkhram.
What to See at Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram
The temple contains several historic structures and works of Thai architecture connected with the early Rattanakosin period.
Historic Prang
The prang is one of the temple's major historic structures. It was built during the reign of King Rama III and is closely associated with the history of King Rama II. The prang and surrounding historic structures are currently part of the temple's restoration programme.
Reclining Buddha and Other Buddha Images
Several Buddha images and a reclining Buddha can be found within the temple grounds, including around the cloister and the area surrounding the prang. These form part of the historic structures currently receiving conservation work.
Cloister
The cloister, or Phra Wihan Khod, is another important feature of the temple. Buddha images are displayed within the cloister, making it an interesting area for visitors interested in Thai temple architecture and religious art.
Phra Thinang Songtham
Phra Thinang Songtham is another historic structure within the temple grounds associated with the history of King Rama II. It is included in the current restoration and conservation programme.
Murals, Art and Architecture
Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram offers visitors an opportunity to explore Thai architecture, religious art, and historical elements associated with the Bang Chang family and King Rama II.
As an active royal temple, visitors should dress respectfully and follow the temple's rules while visiting.
Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram Opening Hours
Current travel information lists the temple as open daily at approximately 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Opening hours for individual areas may vary, and schedules may change during festivals or restoration work, so visitors are advised to check the latest information before visiting.
Temple Restoration
Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram is currently undergoing conservation and restoration work covering the historic prang, Buddha images, reclining Buddha, cloister, Phra Thinang Songtham, and surrounding landscape.
Visitors may therefore encounter restoration work or restricted access to some areas during their visit.
How to Get to Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram
Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram is located in the Amphawa community area of Samut Songkhram, next to King Rama II Memorial Park and close to Amphawa Floating Market. These attractions can easily be visited together in the same trip.
Visitors arriving by car can search for Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram Worawihan in their navigation app. Those visiting Amphawa Floating Market can also continue to the temple, as it is located nearby.
What to Visit Near Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram
Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram can be combined with other attractions in Amphawa and Samut Songkhram, including:
King Rama II Memorial Park
Wat Bang Kung
Where to Stay for a Visit to Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram
Baan Siriporn Resort in Samut Songkhram is an accommodation option for travelers who want to stay overnight while exploring Amphawa and surrounding attractions.
The Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram is approximately 8.6 km from Baan Siriporn Resort, or around 10–15 minutes by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Guests can ask our staff for directions and travel information to Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, King Rama II Memorial Park, Amphawa Floating Market, and other local attractions.
Photo Credit: Mastertongapollo, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons