Wat Prot Ket Chettharam is a third-class royal temple of the Rajawarawihan grade, established in 1822 during the reign of King Rama III by Phraya Phet Phichai (Ket), an influential nobleman who played an important role in the administration of Phra Pradaeng. The temple was originally built to serve as the Buddhist center for the Thai community in the area, where the majority of the population at the time consisted of Mon settlers who had migrated since the Thonburi period.Because of this unique background, the temple holds exceptional historical and cultural significance. It is regarded as the only traditional Thai Buddhist temple among numerous Mon temples in Phra Pradaeng District. As a result, Wat Prot Ket Chettharam became a gathering place for Thai nobility and the original Thai community in the area, while also reflecting the harmonious coexistence between Thai and Mon cultures.Architecturally, the temple is considered an outstanding example of the “Royal” art style of King Rama III’s era, strongly influenced by Chinese aesthetics. Important structures such as the ordination hall and viharn do not feature traditional Thai decorative elements like chofa, bai raka, or hang hong. Instead, the buildings emphasize solid, elegant rooflines adorned with Chinese porcelain mosaics, glazed ceramic tiles, and colorful stucco decorations, reflecting the flourishing trade relationship between Siam and China during that period.

Inside the ordination hall is the principal Buddha image, “Phra Phuttha Chinnat Satsada,” seated in the Mara-Vijaya posture. The hall is decorated with murals believed to have been created by or influenced by the school of Khrua In Khong, a pioneering Thai artist known for introducing Western perspective and shading techniques into Thai mural painting. The paintings inside the temple therefore display depth, light, shadow, and composition styles that differ significantly from traditional Thai murals, marking an important transition in early Rattanakosin art.Another major highlight of the temple is the Reclining Buddha Hall, which houses a magnificent reclining Buddha image measuring approximately 32 meters in length. The Buddha’s serene facial features reflect the elegance of early Rattanakosin artistic style, while the soles of the feet are intricately decorated with mother-of-pearl inlays depicting auspicious symbols and celestial beings. Many art historians believe that this reclining Buddha served as an important prototype that later influenced the famous reclining Buddha atWat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan, commonly known as Wat Pho.

At the center of the temple pond stands the beautiful “Water Pavilion,” a twelve-cornered mondop structure that houses a mother-of-pearl-inlaid replica of the Buddha’s footprint. This structure perfectly showcases the refinement of Thai craftsmanship during King Rama III’s reign, especially through the harmonious integration of woodwork, gilding, and intricate mother-of-pearl decoration.

• By Car: Cross the Bhumibol Bridge and head toward Songtham Road. The temple is located near the Phra Pradaeng District Office.

• By Ferry: Take a ferry from the Rama III or Bang Na side to Phra Pradaeng, then continue by local transport.

• By Public Transport: Take bus routes 82 or 138 and get off at Phra Pradaeng Market, then continue by motorcycle taxi.

• Dress respectfully, as the temple is a royal monastery.

• Visiting in the morning is recommended for the best lighting around the beautiful water pavilion.

• You can also visit Wat Phichaiyatikaram Worawihan on the same trip.

• The temple is ideal for photography enthusiasts and those interested in Thai–Chinese art and architecture.

Admission Fee:

• Free of charge.

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.