Wat Oi (Historic Maha Ut Ubosot Temple)

History & Significance

Wat Oi dates back to 1527 during the Ayutthaya period and officially received its consecrated boundary in 1537. The temple holds profound historical importance, having served as a sacred venue for the Royal Oath of Allegiance ceremony during the Ayutthaya era. Recognizing its exceptional heritage, Thailand's Fine Arts Department registered Wat Oi as a national ancient monument on February 14, 1989. In addition to its spiritual heritage, the temple grounds host a community shelter project named Baan Dek Klai Wat, founded by the Foundation for Better Life of Children to provide refuge and support for youth in need.

Highlights & What to See

The temple features remarkable architectural and religious treasures, including:

• Maha Ut Ubosot: A grand six-bay brick-and-mortar ordination hall built without windows in the traditional Maha Ut style, reminiscent of classic Ayutthaya-era temple architecture. The wooden roof frame is covered with traditional terracotta roof tiles.
• Luang Pho Dam: The sacred principal Buddha image enshrined inside the ordination hall, cast in bronze and deeply revered by local residents.
• Porch Columns and Boundary Stones: The exterior porch is supported by four large octagonal pillars adorned with lotus-shaped capitals, surrounded by boundary stones (Bai Sema) arranged in eight directions.
• Monastery Structures: The quiet compound features a wooden sermon hall measuring 13 by 18 meters, five wooden monastic residences, a prayer hall constructed in 1976, and a traditional bell tower.

Visitor Information

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
• Admission: Free entry.
• Etiquette: Please wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees when entering the sacred ordination hall.

How to Get There

Wat Oi is located in Tambon San Chao Rong Thong, Wiset Chai Chan District, Ang Thong Province, right along the Noi River. Visitors can easily travel by private car or local transport, with parking available on the temple grounds.