Wat Matchimawat

Wat Matchimawat, commonly known as Wat Klang, is a first-class Royal Temple in Bo Yang, Mueang Songkhla, Songkhla City. Located on Sai Buri Road in the old town area, it is one of Songkhla's most important Buddhist temples. Notable for its traditional southern Thai architecture, historic murals, principal Buddha images and its former role as the site of the Songkhla National Museum building.

Visitors can expect a tranquil active Buddhist temple compound in central Songkhla with an ordination hall (ubosot), viharn, chedi, and historic auxiliary buildings set around paved courtyards. The grounds feature classic Thai temple architecture, gilded Buddha images, wall murals, and shaded areas for prayer and merit-making. The temple is within walking distance of Songkhla Old Town and the Songkhla National Museum, offering a quiet cultural stop.

Originally known as Wat Liap, the temple was established in the early Rattanakosin period and developed as a central temple of Songkhla town under the governors of Songkhla. It was later granted status as a Royal Temple and renamed Wat Matchimawat by King Rama V. The temple complex historically housed important religious and educational functions and its former pavilion now forms part of the Songkhla National Museum complex nearby.

Wat Matchimawat is the principal Royal Temple of Songkhla Province and an important centre for Theravada Buddhism in southern Thailand. It serves as a venue for major Buddhist ceremonies, merit-making and community events, and is respected for its Buddha images and murals that reflect southern Thai Buddhist art and local heritage.