🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Chong Lom sits in Tha Chalom, Mueang Samut Sakhon district, on the opposite bank of the Tha Chin River from the main town of Mahachai. Locals consider it the temple of the town — it's close to 200 years old. Villagers originally called it 'Wat Thai Ban' (the temple at the end of the village) because that's exactly where it stood; the name later changed to Wat Chong Lom, and it was raised to royal-temple status in 1965. What stands out here is the open riverside setting: a breeze blows nearly all day, and the walk along the embankment is an easy, pleasant one.
What to pay respects to at Wat Chong Lom
Wat Chong Lom has several places to pay respects. If you're short on time, focus on these three first — they're the ones locals come back to again and again.
Luang Pho Hin Daeng (the 11-finger Buddha)
A Buddha image in the 'subduing Mara' pose, carved entirely from red sandstone in an old Ayutthaya style. It's called the 11-finger Buddha because the left hand has six fingers while the right has the usual five — eleven across both hands. This is the temple's old principal image, and people from Samut Sakhon have deep faith in it, often coming to ask for blessings around work and stability.
The body of Luang Pu Kaeo (Phra Thep Sakhon Muni)
A former abbot held in high regard across Samut Sakhon. His body rests in a glass coffin inside the shrine hall, and people come to pay respects and ask for blessings around health and safe passage.
The statue of King Rama V
Built to honour King Rama V's royal visit to Tha Chalom, an event that mattered a great deal to this community. People come to pay respects and take a photo to remember it by.
How to pay respects, made simple
Start by paying respects to the principal Buddha in the ordination hall, then move on to the Luang Pu Kaeo shrine. Most spots have incense, candles, flowers and gold leaf for making merit, with offerings left to your own faith. If you're not comfortable with the chants, simply making your wish quietly is enough. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — since this is a royal temple.
Want more out of Samut Sakhon? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
The murals and craftsmanship inside
Inside the ordination hall are wall murals telling stories from the life of the Buddha and the Jataka tales, painted with fine, careful detail and colours still in good shape — you can walk the full circuit of the walls. Luang Pho Hin Daeng, the principal image, has been freshly lacquered and gilded, which makes the figure glow against the murals behind it. Anyone who enjoys Thai craftsmanship and old temple architecture can happily spend a good while in here.
- Ordination hall murals — telling the life of the Buddha, with line work and colour that hold up to a close look; great for anyone who likes traditional craft
- Luang Pho Hin Daeng — the ancient red-sandstone principal image, freshly lacquered and gilded, standing out against the murals behind
- The shrine hall and gateway arches — royal-temple stuccowork and architecture that photograph well in the morning light
The swallows nesting in the shrine hall
What sets Wat Chong Lom apart from your average temple is the inside of the Luang Pu Kaeo shrine: a large colony of edible-nest swallows has moved in and nests here, flitting in and out all day. Locals see it as auspicious and leave the birds to live naturally. Come in the early morning or evening and you'll see them wheeling around most clearly — a sight you won't easily find at other temples. While you watch, please keep quiet; no loud voices or flash that would disturb the birds.
Crossing by ferry from Mahachai
Part of the appeal of coming to Wat Chong Lom is the journey itself, because the temple sits on the Tha Chalom side, across the river from Mahachai town. From the Mahachai bank, the municipal ferry runs across — the fare is just a few baht — and it's only a few minutes over the Tha Chin River before you arrive. Along the way you get a close-up look at the fishing boats and riverside life of this fishing town. It's a short crossing, and a lot more fun than driving the long way around.
Take the ferry
From the Mahachai side, the municipal ferry crosses to Tha Chalom. The fare is very cheap and you get the full riverside atmosphere.
Drive or ride a motorbike
Take Highway 35, then turn onto Sutthiwat Withi Road heading toward Tha Chalom. There's parking inside the temple.
Keep exploring around Tha Chalom
Once you leave Wat Chong Lom, there's plenty more to see around the Tha Chalom area — it's an old community with a lot of stories, and an easy place to wander and take photos all day.
- Tha Chalom old community — Thawai Road was the first street King Rama V opened on his visit; walk past the old buildings and the original shophouses
- Mahachai market — cross back to the town side to eat fresh seafood and pick up things to take home
- Tha Chin River embankment — sit in the breeze and watch the fishing boats come and go; best in the late afternoon before sunset
Best time to go
Go in the early morning, before it gets late, for nice light and air that's still cool — good for photos and for watching the swallows. If you'd rather catch the fishing boats in full swing, late afternoon by the embankment is lovely too. Avoid midday when the sun is harsh, since the temple grounds are fairly open.
Plan a full Samut Sakhon trip — food, sights and places to stay
See the Samut Sakhon guide →