Wat Chantharam (Wat Tha Sung)

History & Significance

Wat Chantharam, commonly referred to as Wat Tha Sung, is an ancient Buddhist temple belonging to the Mahanikaya order. It was originally built during the Ayutthaya period, around the reign of King Narai. The temple was named after its early abbot, Luang Pho Chan, a former soldier under King Narai who ordained here after returning from a military campaign in Chiang Mai. Locals called it "Wat Tha Sung" (meaning "log pier temple") because logs were historically floated and bound into rafts along the Sakae Krang River in front of the temple.

In 1789, a pilgrimage monk named Luang Pho Yai arrived and stayed in a forest hut near the village. Impressed by his teachings, the local villagers invited him to reside permanently at the temple. By the mid-20th century, the temple had fallen into disrepair. However, in 1968, Luang Phor Ruesi Lingdam (Phra Ratchaprommayan) became the abbot. He initiated massive renovations and developed the temple into one of Thailand's most famous Vipassana meditation centers.

Highlights & What to See

• The 100-Meter Great Vihara (Wihan Kaew): This spectacular hall is lined with white mosaic tiles and mirrors, reflecting light from 119 crystal chandeliers. It houses a replica of the famous Phra Phuttha Chinnarat image and preserves the uncorrupted body of Luang Phor Ruesi Lingdam in a glass coffin.
• The Golden Palace (Prasat Thong Kanchanaphisek): Built in 1996 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of King Rama IX's accession to the throne, this three-story castle is entirely decorated in gold. The first floor serves as a museum displaying Luang Phor's personal belongings, while the upper floors house donated Buddha images.
• Vihara of Somdej Ong Pathom: This beautifully decorated glass pavilion houses an 87-kilogram gold-alloy Buddha image containing sacred relics of Somdej Ong Pathom.
• New Ordination Hall (Ubosot): An exquisitely decorated hall where King Rama IX personally attended the boundary-marking ceremony. The interior doors and windows feature detailed paintings of angels, and the exterior is surrounded by a crystal wall with statues of Luang Pho Pan and Luang Pho Yai.
• Fish Sanctuary: Located on the banks of the Sakae Krang River, this peaceful area is home to large numbers of iridescent sharks and other fish species, where visitors can relax and feed the fish.

Visitor Information

Admission to Wat Tha Sung is free. However, different buildings within the temple grounds have specific opening hours:

• 100-Meter Great Vihara: Open daily from 09:00 to 11:45 and 14:00 to 16:00. (The evening meditation session from 17:00 to 18:45 is strictly reserved for meditation practitioners).
• Vihara of Somdej Ong Pathom: Open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 10:30 and 13:00 to 16:00; Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays from 09:00 to 16:00.
• Golden Palace (Prasat Thong): Open daily from 08:00 to 16:00.

Visitors are required to dress politely, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered, in accordance with temple etiquette.

How to Get There

The temple is located at 60 Moo 1, Uthai Thani-Manorom Road, Nam Suem Subdistrict, Mueang Uthai Thani District, Uthai Thani Province. It sits on the banks of the Sakae Krang River near its confluence with the Chao Phraya River. Visitors can easily reach the temple by private car or local transport from the Uthai Thani town center.