Wat Nang Phaya

Wat Nang Phaya is a historic Buddhist temple in Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang Phitsanulok District, Phitsanulok, located on Phuttha Bucha Road adjacent to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. Built during the Ayutthaya period when Phitsanulok served as capital, it is renowned for its Sukhothai-influenced architecture, three-spired prang and the famous Phra Nang Phaya votive tablets, one of Thailand's most revered Benjapakee amulets.

Visitors can expect a compact, active temple compound beside the Nan River with a whitewashed ubosot featuring a distinctive three-prang facade, Sukhothai-style stucco decoration and revered Buddha images inside. The grounds are paved and shaded with small shrines and nearby amulet stalls. Visitors can walk around the ubosot, view historic architecture, observe local worship and merit-making, and photograph the exterior. The temple is directly across the street from Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Wat Yai), allowing easy combined visits.

Believed to have been built during the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat (1448-1488) when Phitsanulok was the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, traditionally attributed to his mother or Queen Phra Wisut Kasattri. The temple shows Sukhothai and Ayutthaya architectural influences and is historically significant as the discovery site of Phra Nang Phaya votive tablets created in the 16th century.

An active Theravada Buddhist temple revered for the Phra Nang Phaya amulets, considered one of the Benjapakee set of five most sacred votive tablets in Thailand. It remains a center for worship, merit-making and cultural preservation and is closely associated with the religious heritage of Phitsanulok alongside the adjacent Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat.