Wat Bang Kung, Buddhist temple in Samut Songkhram, Thailand
Wat Bang Kung is a Buddhist temple in Samut Songkhram, with its main sanctuary entirely enclosed by the roots and branches of a banyan tree. The plant's roots run across the walls and roof, making the structure look like an organic form of wood and stone combined.
In 1765, King Ekkathat ordered a military camp built on the temple grounds and defensive walls erected to protect against advancing Burmese troops. This transformation turned the site temporarily into a fortified position during the conflicts of that period.
The grounds feature life-sized figures showing fighters of the Thai boxing tradition, a reminder of the site's military past. These sculptures offer a glimpse into the martial art once practiced by soldiers stationed here.
Visitors reach the site by boat on the Mae Klong or by road transport from Bangkok, with a journey time of approximately 90 minutes. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and make the most of the light.
Inside the sanctuary, roots form natural columns that support the building while completely encasing the original architecture beneath their organic network. This living construction gives the space an extraordinary appearance, where nature and structure merge inseparably.
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