Wat Chedi Hoi is one of the most famous temples in Pathum Thani province, known for its unique "ancient shell pagoda." This pagoda was constructed from a massive collection of seashells discovered buried beneath the temple grounds. The temple was founded and developed by Phra Khru Sunthorn Khunthada, or Luang Pho Thongklueng Suntharo, who pioneered the area and dug a well for water storage. During this research, he discovered a large layer of ancient seashells buried underground. These shells were then used to construct the pagoda, giving rise to the temple's name, "Wat Chedi Hoi" (Shell Pagoda Temple). It has since become a renowned religious and geological tourist attraction in Thailand.

The most striking feature of the temple is the large pagoda adorned with ancient seashells, estimated by various sources to be approximately 5-8 million years old. These shells resemble large oysters and have been buried in vast quantities, indicating that the area was once a sea. The sight of the pagoda covered in millions of shells is striking and distinct from other temples, earning it the title of one of Thailand's "Unseen" temples. Many tourists visit to witness this marvel of fossils and to photograph the uniquely beautiful and detailed pagoda.

The temple grounds are spacious and serene, ideal for relaxation and merit-making. Tourists can stroll around the temple, which features a large pond, bridges, walkways, and areas for feeding fish and turtles—a popular activity for families and those seeking spiritual guidance. There are also several important Buddha statues to worship, most notably "Luang Pho Dam," a sacred Buddha image highly revered by locals. People often visit to pray for health, career success, and good fortune, making this temple a blend of tourism, learning, and religious faith.

Another highlight is the temple's antique museum, which houses a large collection of ancient artifacts, traditional household items, old Buddha statues, agricultural tools, and rare collectibles from various eras. Tourists can explore the museum to learn about the traditional Thai way of life and the local history of Pathum Thani province. Parts of the temple also feature a herbal garden and agricultural areas designed for educational purposes and to disseminate local wisdom, reflecting the vision of Luang Pho Thongklung, who wanted the temple to be a community center for learning and spiritual practice.

Besides its striking architecture and fossils, Wat Chedi Hoi is conveniently located near Bangkok, easily accessible in a short time from the city center, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into nature amidst rice fields. This makes it popular with religious devotees, families, students, and tourists interested in geology and natural history. The uniqueness and beauty of the shell pagoda ensures that this temple remains one of the important landmarks of Pathum Thani province, attracting visitors continuously throughout the year.

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How to Get There

• From Bangkok, take the Bang Bua Thong-Suphan Buri road (Highway 340). Turn onto Highway 346 towards Lat Lum Kaeo and follow the signs for Wat Chedi Hoi. The access road is paved and suitable for all types of vehicles.

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Travel Tips

• Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the temple grounds.

• Bring fish food for merit-making at the pond area.

• Don’t miss taking photos of the shell pagoda from the front view.

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Admission Fees:

• Free admission.

Opening Hours:

• 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Daily)