Can you imagine all the bricks of Wat U Ta Phao being transported to Bangkok? Wat U Ta Phao once stood proudly in Ayutthaya. It resided off the city island in the northern area. This was in the Pho Sam Ton Sub-district of Bang Pahan. It sat on the east bank of the old Lopburi River between Wat Sing and Wat Chedi Hak. Today it is called Khlong Ban Muang or Khlong Pho Sam Ton.
Now let’s explore what remains of Wat U Ta Phao. You’ll find an earthen mound dotted with broken old bricks. Sadly there are no Buddha images or sema stones to be seen.
Now picture this. A local resident near Wat Chedi Hak shared an interesting story. He said that in the early 1950s all the bricks from Wat U Ta Phao were gathered. Then they were transported by boat to Bangkok. What a journey those bricks must have taken.
The history of Wat U Ta Phao remains a mystery. The period of its construction is not known. The name “U Taphao” has an interesting connection. It shares its name with the Dvaravati era settlement Mueang U-Taphao in Nong Saeng. That is in Saraburi Province.
One translation of “Taphao” could mean “Chinese junk”. It is also known as Samphao. Therefore U-Taphao could be translated as “Cradle of Chinese Junks”. This may refer to a harbour that once existed here.
Wat U Taphao’s coordinates are 14° 25′ 31.96″ N and 100° 33′ 2.47″ E. Take a moment to visualize what once stood here. A thriving temple connected to river trade and ancient settlements. Though little remains on the surface the story of Wat U Ta Phao still echoes through time.