Wat Chomphuwek

Wat Chomphuwek is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Tha Sai Subdistrict, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Nonthaburi Province, just north of Bangkok. Built in the late Ayutthaya period by Mon immigrants, it is notable for its well-preserved Mon-style architecture, historic ordination hall (ubosot) and rare mural paintings. Registered as an ancient monument by the Fine Arts Department, it remains an active temple and cultural heritage site.

Visitors can expect a compact, active temple compound centered on the historic old ubosot with its distinctive Mon-style curved base, wooden doors and interior mural paintings depicting Buddhist cosmology and Jataka stories. The grounds include a Mon-style chedi, newer prayer halls, Buddha images, and shaded courtyard areas. The atmosphere is quiet and residential, with opportunities to observe traditional architecture, view conserved murals inside the old ubosot, and explore the temple grounds.

Wat Chomphuwek was established in the late Ayutthaya period, traditionally dated to around 1682 (B.E. 2225) during the reign of King Narai, by Mon immigrants who settled in the Nonthaburi area. The old ubosot and its murals reflect Mon artistic traditions and Ayutthaya craftsmanship. The temple was later restored in the early Rattanakosin period and is registered as an ancient monument by the Fine Arts Department for its historical and artistic value.

The temple is an important center of Mon Buddhist heritage in Nonthaburi, reflecting the Mon community's migration and settlement along the Chao Phraya River. It serves as an active place of worship and merit-making for local Buddhists and preserves Mon-style religious architecture and mural art that illustrates Buddhist cosmology, Jataka stories and traditional beliefs.