Wat Huay Mongkol

Who is Luang Phor Thuad?

Lang Phor Thuad was born in the late Ayutthaya period, in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Like the stories about the fall of Ayutthaya, Luang Phor Thuad’s story is imbued with legends and myths. The most famous story is about the miracle he performed while on a boat journey from Thailand’s south to Ayutthaya, during which he turned seawater into fresh drinking water, saving the entire crew from dehydration. Other miraculous stories recount how he helped avert fatal accidents or fire.

What Else to See at Wat Huay Mongkol?

Surrounding the statue is a Thai-style pavilion dedicated to the spirits of teak trees, behind which you will see an enormous fallen teak tree believed to have magical powers. Worshippers gather here, pray with incense sticks and ask for their wishes to be fulfilled. This is partly the animist belief in nature as the guardian spirit; every tree, rock, plant, river, mountain, and basically every piece of nature, is supposedly protected by its own guardian spirit who has the power to grant wishes or evoke disasters (should you intentionally damage it).

There’s also a small elephant sanctuary, a lake and sunflower fields (in January) on the same ground. It’s a good idea to combine your temple visit with Pa La-U Waterfall, which is further down Highway 3218.

Opening Hours: 05:00 – 22:00
Location: From Phetkasem Road (Highway 4, heading to Prachaub Kirikhand), take Highway 3218 and continue about 15km.
Tel: +66 (0)32 576 187, +66 (0)32 576 297