🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you're visiting Sing Buri and stop by the Bang Rachan Heroes Park, don't head home yet. Right across the road sits Wat Pho Kao Ton, a temple tied to the same story but often overlooked. It was built back in the Ayutthaya period, and in 1765, when the village of Bang Rachan rose up to fight the Burmese army before the second fall of Ayutthaya, this temple was the villagers' spiritual anchor. Phra Ajarn Thammachot lived here, and it was he who lifted the spirits of those brave villagers before they went out to fight.
The old name, Wat Mai Daeng, comes from the redwood (mai daeng) trees that fill the grounds. Many are old, and some are said to have stood here for over a hundred years. The moment you walk in you feel the shade and the quiet, a real contrast to the crowded famous temples. This place suits anyone who actually wants a calm atmosphere.
The heroes' story, and why this temple matters
Around 1765, before the second fall of Ayutthaya, roughly 400 people from Bang Rachan and the surrounding villages banded together and built a camp to fight the Burmese army marching through. At that time Phra Ajarn Thammachot, a revered monk originally from Suphan Buri, was living at this temple. He was deeply respected and became the heart of the resistance, raising the villagers' morale and making protective amulets to hand out so they'd have the courage to fight.
The villagers of Bang Rachan held out through several battles despite being heavily outnumbered. The camp eventually fell, but the story of their courage became a legend that Thai people still remember, and Wat Pho Kao Ton is the real place tied to those events. Walking through the grounds, try to picture how, over two hundred years ago, ordinary people stood together here to fight for their home.
See the whole story in one trip
Wat Pho Kao Ton sits directly across from the Bang Rachan Heroes Monument, just a short walk or drive across the road. We'd suggest visiting both in one go. You'll understand the story far better than seeing them separately.
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What to pray to and where to walk in the temple
- The Phra Ajarn Thammachot shrine hall — a four-gabled (jaturamuk) hall housing the image of Phra Ajarn Thammachot, the main spot where people come to pay respects and make wishes
- The old hall and the Ayutthaya-style chedi — old brickwork and a chedi with a three-flower motif that gives off a genuine Ayutthaya feel
- The sacred pond — an old pond on the grounds tied to the water-carrying vow tradition
- The large white Buddha image — a clear landmark as you enter, a good place to pay respects before walking around
- The replica camp in front of the temple — a wooden mock-up camp that shows how the Bang Rachan villagers set up their defenses
The old trees on the grounds are a big part of the charm. Sunlight filters through the leaves in patches, and it stays cool and pleasant even at midday. If you like shooting calm photos with big trees as a backdrop, you'll get great shots here without fighting anyone for the angle.
The water-carrying vow tradition
What sets Wat Pho Kao Ton apart from other temples is its own particular way of fulfilling a vow. People who make a wish to Phra Ajarn Thammachot and have it come true return to fulfill the vow by carrying water on a shoulder pole to offer, counting out the number of loads they pledged. It's a sight you'll often see at the temple, and it's become a signature that people mention in real reviews.
If you plan to make a vow, know this first
The tradition is simple: however much you pledge is exactly what you fulfill. If you intend to make a vow, pledge a number of water loads you can realistically come back and carry. The temple usually has the carrying poles ready, so just ask the people there.
Opening hours, getting there, and nearby spots
- Hours — roughly 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily, free entry
- Location — Bang Rachan subdistrict, Khai Bang Rachan district, Sing Buri province, about 15 km from Sing Buri town
- Getting there — driving is easiest, via Highway 3032; there's parking at the temple, with the Bang Rachan camp monument right across the road
- Nearby — next to the Ban Rachan retro Thai market, where you can stroll, grab a bite, and pick up souvenirs
Bang Rachan Heroes Monument / Park
Sits directly across from the temple and tells the full Bang Rachan heroes' story, so you can carry on right away
Ban Rachan retro Thai market
An old-style market with local eats and souvenirs, perfect for a relaxed wander after paying your respects
When to go and how to make the most of it
Morning to late morning is the best time. It's not hot yet and the light is just right for photographing the old trees. Coming from Bangkok, it's about an hour and a half by car, which makes it a good day trip combined with other Sing Buri spots. Weekdays are quiet and you get the calm atmosphere in full, while weekends bring more people coming to pray and fulfill their vows.
- Dress modestly, since this is a temple where people genuinely come to pray
- Bring a hat or umbrella if you come around midday, as the sun in the temple courtyard can be strong
- Plan to combine the Bang Rachan camp and Ban Rachan market in one go to save time and get the full story
Plan a full day in Sing Buri, temples, markets, and food
See the Sing Buri travel guide →