Wat Kamphaeng Laeng Temple

The temple with the name Kamphaeng Laeng meaning "sandstone temple", was built in the late 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, one of the greatest Kings of Angkor, at the time of the empire. The Khmer stretched west as far as Burma and as far south as the Malay Peninsula. Wat Kamphaeng Laeng was built as a Hindu sanctuary and later converted into a Buddhist sanctuary.

The ancient temple is surrounded by a wall made of huge blocks of sandstone, most of which are still standing. Within the wall were the gopura, the gates leading to the grounds. Like most Khmer temples in Thailand and Cambodia, Wat Kamphaeng Laeng faces the East.

The temple consists of five Bayon-style prangs and a small chapel, which was a later addition. During excavations by the Department of Fine Arts of Thailand in 1987, several images were found, including Nak Prok (Buddha sitting on Mucalinda snake body and covered by its hood) and images of Lokeshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion.

Wat Kamphaeng Laeng is located within the grounds of a working Buddhist temple built in the 1950s. Surrounding the ancient structures are the modern ubosot (ordaining room) and kuti, the living quarters of the temple. monks.

Originally, the temple had five laterite prangs. The largest prang stands in the center surrounded by four smaller prangs in the corners. Today four remain, one has collapsed. The top of the prangs is a classic cob shape, tapering towards the top. All structures are completely covered with mortar. Some intricate stucco decoration in floral motifs remains to this day. A few of the nooks and crannies in the prangs museum have been badly damaged and the images of the Buddha are weathered. The main tower, the South tower and the North tower stand on a high base. Each prang holds an image of an idol like Shiva and Vishnu, Hindu gods worshiped by the ancient Khmers.

The main shrine is the largest and stands in the center, surrounded by four corners. It stands on a stand with the corners highlighted in red. On each side of it is an archway with an entrance. The collapsed top section consists of five parts. Most of the grout is gone, although some intricate floral motifs remain. The sanctuary is dedicated to Shiva. Today, the prang holds an image of the Buddha meditating.

On each side of the southern shrine is an archway. The east gate has an entrance, while the west gate worships an idol. The arches of the North and South gates are decorated with plaster sculptures. The North Temple is similar to the South Temple, but the top has collapsed. There are very few vestiges of the Western shrine, which has the same layout as the North and South shrines. The East shrine has archways in all four directions. Both the East and West gates have entrances, while the other two are false entrances. On each side of the eaves is a false balustrade window.

The temple is located on Pho Karong Road in Phetchaburi town. The easiest way to get there is by chartered songthaew. Alternatively, you can also use a pre-booked taxi at the hotel.

Opening hours: daily, from 06:00 to 18:00

Ticket price: free