Wat Don Sak (Wat Singkhon)

History & Significance

Wat Don Sak was established in 1507 during the middle Ayutthaya era. Originally called Wat Singkhong or Wat Singkhon, the area served as a military outpost where troops from Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chaiya were stationed to protect local villagers and traders. Valuables and treasures were safeguarded inside a nearby cave named Tham Singkhon. Over time, following military withdrawals, the site transformed into a peaceful community temple. It officially received its consecrated boundary (Wisungkhamsima) on March 2, 2010.

Highlights & What to See

The centerpiece of Wat Don Sak is the colossal statue of Luang Pu Thuat in a meditation posture (Luang Pu Thuat Yiap Nam Thale Chit), celebrated as the largest of its kind in the world. Initiated by Abbot Phra Khru Phairot Thammaruci (Phra Maha Vilas), the statue features a lap width of 40 meters and a height of 39 meters, situated over a surrounding pond covering more than one rai.

Visitors can explore several key sacred features and attractions across the complex:

• Large outdoor statue of Luang Pu Thuat seated in meditation
• Statue of Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy)
• Shrines dedicated to Thao Wessuwan, Phra Rahu, and Thep Chao Thanjai
• Historic terracotta Buddha statues, red sandstone figures, and a Reclining Buddha
• A large pond area suitable for relaxing walks and feeding fish

Visitor Information

Wat Don Sak welcomes visitors daily with no admission charge:

• Opening Hours: 08:00 - 18:00 daily
• Admission Fee: Free entry

How to Get There

The temple is located in Don Sak Subdistrict, Don Sak District, Surat Thani Province. Due to the massive scale of the outdoor Luang Pu Thuat statue, the landmark is easily recognizable from a distance.