Wat Chantharangsi

History & Significance

Wat Chantharangsi is a historic temple belonging to the Maha Nikaya sect of Thai Buddhism, located in Hua Phai Subdistrict, Mueang Ang Thong District, Ang Thong Province. Established in 1903 (B.E. 2446), the temple received its Wisungkhamsima (royal granting of temple boundary) on July 31, 1951 (B.E. 2494). Over the years, the temple has grown into a highly revered spiritual center. According to local lore, a monk named Luang Ta Thai once predicted that a beautiful temple elephant named "Chang Mongkhon" would bring great prosperity to Wat Chantharangsi—a prophecy that has manifested in the temple's modern-day renown and development.

Highlights & What to See

The temple is uniquely divided into two sections on opposite sides of the road, each housing remarkable sacred objects:

• Luang Pho Yok: Located in the ordination hall (ubosot), this plaster Buddha image dates back over 300 years to the Ayutthaya period. It is famously called "Luang Pho Yok" (Swaying Buddha) because it can actually be rocked back and forth. Legend says it was originally a solid gold Buddha image that villagers covered in plaster to conceal it from enemies during the Ayutthaya-Burmese war.
• The World's Largest Luang Pho Sot Statue: Across the road stands the magnificent Chaturamuk Viharn, a four-porched pavilion featuring a 5-tiered spire that stands 48 meters high, 24 meters wide, and 33 meters long. Inside is the world's largest metal statue of Luang Pho Sot (Phra Mongkhonthepmuni of Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen), covered in brilliant gold leaf. The statue measures 6 meters 9 inches wide at the lap and 9.9 meters high. Its construction began in 1996 (B.E. 2539), initiated by Phra Thammarattanakon.
• Fragrant Wood Guanyin: Also housed within the temple is a beautiful statue of the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (Guanyin) with 1,000 hands and 4 faces. Standing 5 meters 8 inches tall, it was carved from a massive piece of fragrant wood imported from China and enshrined here on March 15, 2009 (B.E. 2552).
• Stucco Elephant Sculptures: In front of the Viharn, visitors will find large, beautifully crafted stucco sculptures of elephants, commemorating the legendary temple elephant, Chang Mongkhon.

Visitor Information

Wat Chantharangsi is open daily to visitors from 08:00 to 17:00. Admission is free of charge. As this is a sacred Buddhist site, visitors are kindly requested to dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) and maintain a quiet demeanor while exploring the temple grounds.

How to Get There

The temple is situated at Moo 9, Hua Phai Subdistrict, Mueang Ang Thong District, Ang Thong Province. It is easily accessible by car, and spacious parking is available on-site. For inquiries, you can contact the temple at 0 3561 2386.