Sam Phran: Temples, Markets and River Trips

Sam Phran is known for its temple art, architecture and food culture. Wat Rai Khing combines a royal monastic tradition with a distinctive Buddha image; at Don Wai Floating Market, traditional dishes and boat trips on the Tha Chin take centre stage. Wat Sam Phran, Wat Don Wai and Samphran Elephant Ground and Crocodile Farm each offer further distinctive attractions.

Temple Art and Architecture

Wat Rai Khing, officially Wat Mongkol Chindaram, is a royal monastery in Tambon Rai Khing, Amphoe Sam Phran, on the Tha Chin River, also known as the Nakhon Chai Si. Its principal Buddha image, Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing, is a bronze figure in the Maravijaya posture and Chiang Saen style. It was created by artisans from Lanna and Lan Xang. The image’s material and posture, together with the named artistic traditions, give it a distinctive character.

Each year, Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing is gilded during Chinese New Year and from the 13th waxing day to the 3rd waning day of the fifth lunar month. These two periods follow different calendar systems and are a distinctive part of the monastery’s religious tradition.

The architecture of other temples also offers specific points of comparison. Wat Sam Phran, in Tambon Sam Phran, combines Thai and Chinese art in its striking architecture. Wat Don Wai, in Tambon Bang Krathuek in the same amphoe, offers a different emphasis: its architecture brings together styles from the reigns of Rama III and Rama IV.

Market Dishes and Trips on the Tha Chin

Sukjai Market in Suan Sampran brings together produce from organic farming and processed foods made by farmers who use organic methods. Traditional local dishes are the focus at Don Wai Floating Market. These include braised duck, salted mackerel and salted carp, as well as rice noodles with coconut or forest curry sauce. Steamed fish mousse, authentic fish cakes and traditional Thai desserts round out the selection.

Don Wai Floating Market offers two boat trips on the Tha Chin: one lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the other about 2 hours. This makes it easy to compare the options by their approximate duration. Check the current availability of trips before your visit.

More Travel Highlights

Samphran Elephant Ground and Crocodile Farm is on Phet Kasem Road at kilometre 30 in Amphoe Sam Phran. The attraction puts on an elephant show with sound accompaniment and includes a freshwater fish park.

Nakhon Pathom as a Wider Regional Context

In the wider destination of Nakhon Pathom, the temple Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Ratchaworamahawihan is home to Phra Pathom Chedi, Thailand’s largest pagoda. Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Museum houses artefacts excavated in Nakhon Pathom and dating from the Ban Chiang and Dvaravati periods. Also in Nakhon Pathom, Tha Na Old Market stands on the banks of the Tha Chin and is over 100 years old.

Discover more destinations: Nakhon Chai Si.

Return to the wider travel overview: Nakhon Pathom.