Wat Bang Khae Yai

Wat Bang Khae Yai is a historic Buddhist temple located on the Mae Klong River in Bang Khae Subdistrict, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. Dating to the late Ayutthaya period and restored in the early Rattanakosin era, it is noted for its well-preserved ubosot, traditional Thai architecture, and early 19th-century mural paintings depicting Buddhist cosmology and Jataka tales. The riverside temple remains an active religious site and cultural landmark near Amphawa Floating Market.

Visitors can expect a tranquil riverside temple compound with a traditional Thai ubosot (ordination hall), viharn, and chedi set along the Mae Klong River. Inside the ubosot, well-preserved early Rattanakosin-era murals cover the walls, depicting Jataka tales and Buddhist cosmology, along with principal Buddha images. The grounds are shaded by mature trees, with open courtyards for walking, photography, and merit-making. The temple is active with local worshippers and is less crowded than nearby floating market attractions.

Wat Bang Khae Yai is believed to have been established in the late Ayutthaya period and was restored during the early Rattanakosin period. Its ubosot retains early 19th-century mural paintings that reflect the artistic style of that era and depict Buddhist cosmology and Jataka tales, representing an important example of central Thai temple art.

The temple is an active Theravada Buddhist temple serving the Bang Khae community. It functions as a religious, cultural and community center for merit-making, festivals and traditional ceremonies, and is valued for its preserved murals and architecture that illustrate regional Buddhist heritage.