Floating gently. That’s how you might arrive at Wat Ko.
Wat Ko is a serene Buddhist temple. It is over 320 years old. Let me tell you more about this special place.
Wat Ko is in the Bang Chueak Nang Subdistrict. This is in the Taling Chan District of Bangkok. The temple dates back to the late Ayutthaya period. However, the name of the builder remains a mystery.
Wat Ko enjoys a unique location. It sits on land bordered by two waterways. These are Khlong Bang Chueak Nang and Khlong Bang Noi. This island-like setting gives Wat Ko its name. “Ko” means island in Thai.
Wat Ko’s principle Buddha is Luang Pho Dam. The Buddha is enshrined in a sanctuary. It has a Chinese-styled roof. This is a unique blend of architectural styles.
One notable feature is the ancient chedi. It stands on the right side of the sanctuary. It rims Khlong Bang Noi.
Wat Ko is quiet. It is small. Cars cannot reach it. Long-tail boats from Taling Chan floating market serve Wat Ko. These boats operate only on weekends and holidays.
Local people visit Wat Ko. They come on major Buddhist days. They offer food to the monks. The temple grounds hold many Buddha statues.
Luang Pho Dum commands great respect. This Buddha statue dates from the Ayutthaya era. It resides in an old concrete sermon hall. The hall features a Chinese-style roof.
The ordination hall is yellow-orange. It was built in 1978. Luang Pu Thong was the abbot then. The paintings inside grabbed attention.
Luang Pu Thong’s body rests in a one-story wooden house. It is behind the ordination hall. His body is in a glass coffin. Devotees worship there.
Luang Pu Thong passed away in 2009. Many people visited Wat Ko during his time. Today, mostly locals and devotees visit.
Luang Pu Thong was a respected monk. Even Khun Phan visited him often.
The temple became famous for its amulets. These were made in 1978. Donors tested the amulets. A gun misfired when aimed at one.
Wat Ko offers a peaceful escape. It is a place of history and devotion. Remember its island origins. Remember Luang Pho Dam. Remember Luang Pu Thong.