Wat Wihan Thong, Buddhist temple ruins in Nai Mueang, Thailand
Wat Wihan Thong is a ruined temple that contains the remains of a prayer hall, a large Buddha statue, and the base of a stupa with tall stone columns. The site sits on the opposite bank of the Nan River from Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat and offers views of partially restored structures from different periods.
The temple dates from the 15th century when it was built as a royal sanctuary within the Chan Palace grounds during the Ayutthaya period. This was an era when such temples served as important centers of power and spiritual protection for the ruling family.
The wooden door fragments from the Ayutthaya period show how artisans worked during that time and reveal details about daily temple life. These pieces are now kept in the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, offering visitors insight into the craftsmanship of that era.
The site is open throughout the day with no entrance fee, making it accessible anytime you wish to visit. The grounds are best explored on foot, and visitors should wear shoes with good grip since the terrain is uneven in places.
Excavations in 1992 unexpectedly uncovered the temple foundations and numerous artifacts during construction work for a planned school expansion. This discovery led to the site being preserved rather than demolished.
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