Wat Sang Kratai (Wat Sam Kratai)

History & Significance

Wat Sang Kratai, originally named Wat Sam Kratai, is an ancient temple site in Sala Daeng Subdistrict, Mueang Ang Thong District, with an ubosot dating back over 400 years. The temple was originally founded by Thuad Ti Chanthanasevi, the mother of Phraya Hatsakan. It was once a thriving temple with resident monks. However, internal conflicts among the monks led to the decline of villagers' faith, and the temple was eventually abandoned for about a century. Later, when a new temple named Wat Phai Lom was constructed, the monks' quarters (kuti) were relocated there, leaving only the brick walls of the ubosot behind. Despite being abandoned, local villagers still hold deep faith in the site, often parading ordinand candidates (Nagas) around this sacred ubosot before heading to their ordination temples.

Highlights & What to See

The main highlight of Wat Sang Kratai is the ruined ubosot, which has no roof but remains standing because four large Bodhi trees grew at its four corners, wrapping their massive roots around the brick walls. This remarkable natural phenomenon was recognized in 2017 when the Ministry of Culture registered these Bodhi trees as "Heritage Trees of the Land" (Rukkha Moradok).

Inside, the ubosot is divided into three rooms:

• First Room: Houses "Luang Pho Kaen", a Buddha image restored from a decapitated head brought from Wiset Chai Chan District.
• Middle Room: Houses the main Buddha images, including "Luang Pho Wandee", "Luang Pho Sri", and "Luang Pho Suk", which have also been beautifully restored.
• Third Room: Dedicated to "Pho Pu Ruesi" (the Hermit).

A popular photo spot is looking through the ancient window frames, which align perfectly with the sacred Buddha images inside, framed beautifully by the cascading Bodhi roots.

Visitor Information

Wat Sang Kratai is open daily from 08:30 AM to 04:30 PM. Admission is free. Visitors are advised to dress respectfully as it remains a highly revered sacred site for the local community. Parking facilities are available on-site.

How to Get There

The temple is located in Mu 4, Sala Daeng Subdistrict, Mueang Ang Thong District, Ang Thong Province, approximately 2 kilometers from Ang Thong city center. It is easily accessible by private car or local taxi.