Wat Yai Sawang Arom

Wat Yai Sawang Arom is a Buddhist temple located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, featuring traditional Thai architecture with ornate roofs, intricate woodwork, and a main prayer hall containing sandstone Buddha statues used for daily worship and meditation by the local community.

Originally constructed around 1963 and known as Wat Noi, the temple was renamed Wat Yai Sawan Arom in 1920 by King Vajiravudh following a visit by Somdet Phra Maha Samana Chao, who stayed in a pavilion built by provincial officials and expressed satisfaction with the temple grounds and surroundings.

The temple serves as a community center for Thai Buddhist traditions, hosting annual ceremonies such as Visakha Bucha and Asanha Bucha, the Kathin Ceremony each October, and merit-making activities where devotees offer robes, candles, incense, and donations to support monks and local charitable projects throughout the region.

Wat Yai Sawang Arom is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm and can be reached via Chaeng Watthana Road, crossing the Rama 4 Bridge, or by local buses and songthaews from Pak Kret Market, with parking facilities available for visitors traveling by car or boat along the river.

The temple's name translates to Great Brightness of Serenity, reflecting the peaceful environment and fragrant gardens cultivated with flowers that create a calming atmosphere for spiritual reflection, while a small museum displays historical artifacts and ancient sandstone Buddha images from the Ayutthaya period for visitors to observe.