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Bang Riang Temple, also known as Ratsat Upatham Temple, stood as a testament to ancient wisdom and craftsmanship. Nestled in the heart of Thap Put District, Phang Nga Province, its architectural splendor was a sight to behold.

The temple complex was thoughtfully divided into two distinct sections. The first portion encompassed a low-lying expanse, where a prominent structure in the form of a majestic swan boat stood tall. Adjacent to it was the awe-inspiring Phra Mahathat Chedi, a pagoda that seemed to touch the very sky, perched atop Khao Lan Hill.

In a previous post, I detailed our visit to the remarkable Phra Mahathat Chedi atop Khao Lan. Now, in this post, I'm excited to share our exploration of the second section - the flat area of the temple grounds. Here, a different kind of beauty awaited us.

Following our enchanting visit to the magnificent Phra Mahathat Chedi perched atop Khao Lan, we descended the mountain, covering a distance of approximately 5 kilometers. To our left, the sprawling expanse of Bang Riang Temple awaited, a broad and level area, adorned with the comforting shade of towering trees. As we stepped inside, a serene tranquility enveloped us. Not a single monk was in sight; they had all ascended the mountain for their meditation practice. The stillness was a testament to the temple's deep sense of spirituality and reverence.

In the forefront stands the architectural marvel of Luang Pu Thuat's temple, dedicated to Phra Phutthachan To and Luang Phor Khlai, both revered figures in Thai Buddhism. They are held in high esteem by Thai Buddhists for their profound spiritual influence and teachings.

The sizable statue of Luang Pu Thuat, Phra Phuttha Chan To, and Father Klai is striking in its complete blackness. It sits in a meditative posture, emanating an air of deep devotion and unwavering faith.

Having paid our respects and sought blessings from Luang Pu Thuat, Phra Phutthachan To, and Luang Phor Klai, we made our way to the chapel. It was fashioned in the likeness of a Suphannahong boat, majestically afloat in the center of the water. Regrettably, the interior of the chapel was inaccessible to visitors, leaving us unable to witness the beauty within. Undeterred, we strolled around the temple, taking in its architectural splendor from the outside.

The Suphannahong boat, with its soaring head and tail, exudes a captivating beauty and regality. It holds a significant role as one of the esteemed royal barges used in the royal procession ceremonies. This vessel is of immense importance and is currently on display at the National Museum, a testament to its cultural significance.

Bang Riang Temple boasts a magnificent replica of this vessel, graciously carrying the chapel, further adding to the temple's splendor and reverence.

Adjacent to the Suphannahong Boat Chapel stood a spacious sermon hall. As we marveled at its architectural grace, we noticed an elderly man diligently sweeping up fallen leaves. With a warm smile, he kindly invited us inside to pay our respects.

Stepping in, we found ourselves in a generously proportioned room. At the center, a grand Buddha image sat in serene meditation, while a smaller standing Buddha graced the foreground. Before the statues lay an array of prayer books, neatly arranged. It occurred to us that they might belong to a monk who visited for evening prayers, adding to the sanctity of the space.

Bang Riang Temple stands as one of Thailand's oldest and most architecturally magnificent temples. We felt immensely gratified to have made this journey to pay our respects and bask in the temple's splendor. After our moments of reverence and admiration, we set off promptly for our home in Phuket.

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