🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Ubosatharam sits on Ko Thepho island, on the east bank of the Sakae Krang River within Uthai Thani town. Originally named Wat Bot Manorom, it was founded as a temple around 1781, in the early Rattanakosin period. Locals are so attached to it that its image turns up on shops, restaurants and souvenirs all over town. If you're wandering the old riverside quarter of Uthai Thani, Wat Bot is just across the bridge.
What to see inside the temple
What makes Wat Ubosatharam special is that the old pieces are all still here, in one place — this isn't a temple that's been over-restored into something brand new. If you like art and history, there are plenty of corners worth a slow look.
Murals inside the ordination hall
All four walls are painted with the life of the Buddha, from his birth through to his passing, by craftsmen of the early Rattanakosin period. Some sections have faded with age, but you can still make out the fine lines and original colours. Inside sit five Buddha images in the Subduing Mara pose.
Scripture hall over the water
An old wooden scripture hall built out over the water — designed this way to keep termites and insects from reaching the Tripitaka scriptures stored inside. It's considered one of the most complete and beautiful over-water scripture halls in Thailand.
Floating chapel raft
A wooden raft floating in front of the temple, once used to receive royal visits and hold water-borne ceremonies. It's a slice of Sakae Krang riverside life you'll only find in a handful of places. Sit by the raft in the late afternoon and the breeze off the river is lovely.
Octagonal mondop
An eight-sided building blending Thai, Chinese and Western styles, decorated with stucco of the Buddha in the Looking-Back pose, surrounded by foliage, swans and herons. It's detailed stucco work that rewards a closer look.
Chedis from three eras
Behind the ordination hall and the vihara stand several chedis reflecting different periods — Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin styles. You can compare the shapes side by side in a single temple.
Red stone boundary markers + mother-of-pearl alms bowl
The red stone boundary markers (sema) around the hall hint at the temple's age, while the mother-of-pearl-inlaid alms bowl was a royal gift from the reign of King Rama V. Small details that lovers of old things will appreciate.
Tip
If you can manage an early start, the temple's monks still paddle out to collect alms along the Sakae Krang by boat — a water-borne alms round that gets harder to catch every year. Watch quietly from the bank or the bridge; you'll see it just fine without going in and disturbing them.
Want more out of Uthai Thani? 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.
How to get there and opening hours
The temple is on Ko Thepho island, on the east bank of the Sakae Krang River. The easiest way is to walk from the Uthai Thani municipal fresh market, cross the bridge over the river to the other side, and you're there in a few minutes. If you've driven, park near the market and walk across, or take the longer road route around onto Ko Thepho.
- Location — Ko Thepho island, on the Sakae Krang River, Uthai Thani town
- Opening hours — open for visits during the daytime, daily (it's still a working temple, no entry fee; it's worth checking the ordination hall's hours when you arrive)
- Dress code — it's a temple, so dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and take your shoes off before entering the ordination hall
- Best time — early morning for the water-borne alms round, or late afternoon when the sun softens and the riverside is more comfortable
What's nearby
The nice thing about Wat Bot is that it sits right in the middle of Uthai Thani's riverside quarter, so you can keep going to several more spots in half a day without driving far.
Sakae Krang morning market
Across the river from the temple is the municipal fresh market and the riverside quarter, with plenty of breakfast options — eat before or after your temple visit.
Sakae Krang houseboats
The houseboat and fish-pen way of life is still visible along the river. Wander on from the temple to take in the riverside scene.
Trok Rong Ya old town
A lane of old buildings, cafes and browsable shops in Uthai Thani's old town, not far from the river — finish the trip with a coffee.
Plan a full day in Uthai Thani — temples, old town and the riverside
See the Uthai Thani travel guide →