Wat Ku (Phra Nang Ruea Lom) is an ancient riverside temple on the Chao Phraya River in the Pak Kret area of Nonthaburi Province, with a history that can be traced back to the late Ayutthaya period. It is believed that the temple was originally called “Wat Tha Son” and once formed part of a riverside community where both Thai and Mon people lived together for many generations. Over time, the temple became highly significant during the early Rattanakosin period, especially in the reign of King Rama V, due to a major historical event in 1880 (B.E. 2423), when the royal barge carrying Queen Sunanda Kumari Ratana (Sunanda Kumari Ratana) capsized in the Chao Phraya River while traveling to Bang Pa-In Palace. The incident caused a great tragedy for the royal court, and the nearby Wat Ku area was temporarily used as the place where the royal body was brought ashore for initial rites. This led the site to be remembered as the place of “recovery of the royal body,” which eventually gave rise to the name “Wat Ku,” while also becoming popularly known in local memory as “Phra Nang Ruea Lom” (the Queen of the Capsized Boat), referring to this historic event.

In terms of architecture and layout, Wat Ku is a traditional riverside temple that reflects an old community settlement pattern along the Chao Phraya River. Its old ordination hall holds significant artistic value and features mural paintings created in the Mon folk style, which are simple in form but culturally rich, depicting Buddhist stories and Jataka tales while clearly reflecting Mon cultural influence in the Pak Kret area. The temple also includes a memorial pavilion dedicated to Queen Sunanda Kumari Ratana, constructed in later times as a commemorative structure designed in the style of a Thai pavilion over water, housing a life-sized statue of the queen as a place of remembrance for the historical event. In addition, there is a large reclining Buddha image located along the riverbank, over 30 meters in length, serving both as a sacred object of worship and as a prominent landmark that reflects the Thai artistic concept of the Buddha’s final passing (Parinirvana).From a community perspective, Wat Ku is not only a religious site but also a long-standing riverside community center. The surrounding area was historically inhabited by the Mon community of Pak Kret, with traditions related to riverside merit-making and a lifestyle closely connected to the Chao Phraya River. The temple’s pier once served as an important transportation hub before the development of modern road networks. As a result, Wat Ku contains multiple historical layers spanning from the Ayutthaya period to the Rattanakosin era and into the present day. The royal barge accident is also considered a significant event in the reign of King Rama V, influencing later improvements in royal river transportation systems and safety standards, which further reinforces the temple’s interpretation as a “site of memory” rather than just an ordinary temple.

Today, Wat Ku continues to function as both an active religious site and a historical tourism destination. It attracts visitors who come to pay respect and learn about the history of the Thai royal court during the reign of King Rama V. The riverside atmosphere remains peaceful and is especially suitable for historical learning and experiencing local river life. In the late afternoon, visitors can clearly observe the traditional lifestyle along the Chao Phraya River. As a result, Wat Ku is not merely a riverside temple, but a place where Mon community history, royal historical events, and collective memory of the Pak Kret people are deeply interconnected in a single meaningful cultural landscape.

• Dress modestly and appropriately as this is a temple and sacred site.

• It is recommended to visit in the late afternoon, when the riverside atmosphere is cooler and more comfortable.

• Allow enough time to explore the Queen Sunanda memorial pavilion, the ordination hall, and the riverside reclining Buddha.

• You can feed the fish at the pier area, which adds a relaxing experience during your visit.

• Taking photos during the late afternoon (Golden Hour) is best for capturing the most beautiful views of the Chao Phraya River.