Wat Tawet, Buddhist temple ruins in Samphao Lom, Thailand
Wat Tawet is a Buddhist temple site in Samphao Lom with visible stucco decorations adorning gables and standing walls aligned in cardinal directions. The grounds span roughly 130 meters and reveal the footprints of multiple monastic structures from different periods of construction.
The temple was founded during a period when river commerce shaped the region, then eventually abandoned. Excavation and restoration work in 2015 uncovered hidden monastic layers and revealed architectural details from earlier centuries.
The district name Samphao Lom means capsized junk, reflecting how the dangerous river crossing shaped local identity and memory. This naming captures how water played a central role in shaping the community's past.
Access to the site is through a brick path and stairs that descend about 3 meters below current road level toward the former Khu Cham canal. The ground is uneven with steps to navigate, so sturdy footwear is recommended for any visit.
Scattered Buddha statue fragments and ancient bricks across the grounds show traces of treasure hunting from the 20th century. These telltale marks reveal how the ruins attracted eager diggers seeking valuables over many decades.
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