The Mystery of Wat Pa Krathum

Less than ten minutes from the traffic of Highway 305, a forgotten Buddhist chapel (Ubosot) sits quietly beneath the branches of a giant Bodhi tree. Surrounded by water and hidden among fields and village lanes, Wat Pa Krathum is one of Nakhon Nayok’s most intriguing historical sites. Little is known about its origins, yet its weathered walls and ancient roots hint at a story stretching back more than two centuries.

Historic Temple Revealed

Turning off the main highway to Nakhon Nayok over an elegant canal bridge, and then immediately left again, it feels odd seeing the fast moving traffic across the canal whizzing past in the other direction, the drivers oblivious to the hidden ancient temple they are passing by. The road is narrow, a couple of fishermen are lowering a traditional fish trap into the water on one side, and rice fields are brushed by the warm breezes on the other.

After a couple of kilometers, the road turns away from the canal and we are immediately in a pretty tree-lined country road, home to the tiny community of Ban Wang Ton; a few children are playing under the trees, where it’s cooler from the heat of the day. The road bends left, then we see it.

Wat Pa Krathum feels like a place that time has almost forgotten. Reached by narrow but well maintained local roads winding through fields and scattered homes, the temple sits in an atmosphere of remarkable peace. Apart from the occasional sound of birdsong, rustling leaves, and the gentle tinkling of small bells, little disturbs the tranquillity.

While no clear information appears to exist in either Thai or English regarding the temple’s origins, local reports commonly suggest that Wat Pa Krathum is more than 200 years old. If true, its construction may date to the late Ayutthaya period or the early years of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, making it one of the area’s oldest surviving religious sites.

Preserved By The Tree Trying To Destroy It.

The ancient ubosot, or ordination hall, is the last remaining feature of the temple. Weathered brick walls still stand despite centuries of exposure to the elements, while an enormous Bodhi tree has gradually wrapped itself around the structure.

Thick roots cascade over the old masonry, creating the impression that the tree is both consuming and preserving the building at the same time. The scene is reminiscent of the jungle temples of Southeast Asia, yet it remains largely unknown outside the local community.

Hints Of The Past

The surviving ubosot is only one part of what was once a much larger temple complex. Although no archaeological excavations are evident today, the landscape provides intriguing clues to the site’s past.

The Ubosot itself occupies a small island surrounded by water, connected by a simple but strong bamboo walkway. Beyond it lies a second island dominated by a large earthen mound. Whether this mound marks the location of a former chedi, a large Buddha image, or another important structure is unknown, but it hints at a far grander complex than the quiet ruins visible today.

Visitors who step inside the crumbling but elegant ruin of the ancient ubosot will find several Buddha images still receiving respect and offerings from local residents. Despite the age of the building and the encroaching roots, the site remains a place of worship rather than simply a historical relic. This continuing connection between the community and the ancient structure gives Wat Pa Krathum a special character that many abandoned ruins lack.

Ancient Atmosphere

Walking around this ancient temple in Nakhon Nayok, shaded by the sprawling canopy of the Bodhi tree, it is easy to understand why it leaves such a strong impression on visitors.

Sunlight filters through the leaves onto centuries-old brickwork, reflections shimmer on the surrounding water, and the air feels noticeably cooler beneath the branches. The combination of nature, history, and mystery creates an atmosphere that encourages quiet reflection.

With so little recorded history available, many questions about Wat Pa Krathum remain unanswered. Yet perhaps that uncertainty is part of its appeal. In an age when information is instantly available about almost every destination, this secluded temple retains an enduring sense of mystery, inviting visitors to imagine the generations of monks, villagers, and travellers who once passed through its grounds.

Whether Wat Pa Krathum is 200 years old or considerably older, its greatest attraction is not what is known, but what remains unknown. Hidden among the fields of Nakhon Nayok, this quiet chapel continues to guard its secrets beneath the shade of an ancient Bodhi tree.

We made a YouTube video about this special place two years ago – take a look here.

Getting There

The Ancient temple of Wat Pa Krathum has a Google maps location of 64FM+J93, and is located in Ban Wang Ton village, Prommani subdistrict, of Nakhon Nayok city district, just off Highway 305, better known as Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road.

Other fascinating places in Nakhon Nayok include Ancient House By The River and Beautiful Wat Don Yo and Dong Nakhon Ancient City