Bot Temple is a Third-Class Royal Monastery (Common Type) and is recognized as the first royal monastery in Sing Buri Province. The temple was officially elevated to royal monastery status on 27 December 1982. Bot Temple has played a vital role in the religious, educational, and social development of In Buri District, particularly through the contributions of Phra Thep Suthamoli (Phueng Rojano), a highly respected former abbot who greatly advanced the temple and the surrounding community.

Bot Temple is located in Village No. 1, In Buri Subdistrict, In Buri District, Sing Buri Province, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The temple grounds form a rectangular area on low-lying river plains. Its northern boundary extends approximately 140 meters adjoining local communities, the southern boundary about 285 meters along the Chao Phraya River, and the western boundary about 290 meters adjacent to a road behind the temple. This geographic setting has supported settlement and temple development since ancient times.

Historically, Bot Temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period but later became abandoned. In 1873, during the reign of King Rama V, three monks from Wat Prayurawongsawat—Phra Ajarn Khong, Phra Ajarn Phaen, and Phra Ajarn Tai—arrived to reclaim the site, clearing the land and constructing temporary dwellings. Local villagers, led by Khun Cha Mueang (Nil) and the lay devotee Kham, assisted in building monks’ residences and pavilions, establishing the temple once again.

Phra Ajarn Khong served as abbot for four years before disrobing. He was succeeded by Phra Cham, and later Phra Ajarn Aem, who repaired and expanded temple buildings, including the ordination hall, under the supervision of Phra Sak Buri In. Initially affiliated with the Mahanikaya order, Bot Temple later converted to the Dhammayut order after monks studied monastic discipline at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Bangkok and received royal support from Somdet Phra Maha Samanachao Krom Muen Vajirananavarorasa. In 1895, Dhammayut monks were officially appointed to reside at Bot Temple, marking a major turning point in its administration and education.

Bot Temple received royal boundary consecration (Wisungkhamsima) in 1948. On 5 June 1976, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen, together with members of the Royal Family, presided over the consecration ceremony of the ordination hall and graciously donated 30,000 baht for the temple’s maintenance. Subsequently, on 27 December 1982, Bot Temple was elevated to the status of a Third-Class Royal Monastery.

Today, Bot Temple serves as a major educational center, housing Bot Temple Primary School, the In Buri National Museum, the National Library, and a Buddhist Scripture School offering secondary education (Grades 7–12) for monks and novices in both secular and religious studies. Currently, approximately 90 novices are enrolled.

The present abbot is Phra Ratcha Winai Wethi (Prayong Pabhaso), who has served as abbot since 1983 and currently holds the position of Ecclesiastical Governor of Sing Buri, Uthai Thani, and Chai Nat Provinces (Dhammayut Order).

Private Car:

• From Sing Buri city center, take Highway 311 (Old Route) heading north towards In Buri. The temple is on Wilai Chit Road, adjacent to the Chao Phraya River.

Public Transport:

• Take the Sing Buri-Chainat bus or a van passing through In Buri. Get off at the In Buri clock tower and walk or take a motorcycle taxi to the temple.

Best Time to Visit:

• Accessible year-round. If you wish to visit the museum, plan your trip between Wednesday and Sunday. Mornings are best for cooler weather.

Preparation:

• Wear modest clothing as it is a Royal Monastery. Bring a hat or umbrella for exploring the riverside areas.

Recommended Activity:

• After paying respects and visiting the museum, walk to the river embankment in front of the temple for a scenic and breezy viewpoint.

Notice:

• The National Museum is closed every Monday and Tuesday, as well as some public holidays. Please check the schedule before traveling.

Admission Fee

• Local Visitors: Temple Free / Museum 10 THB

• Foreign Visitors: Temple Free / Museum 30 THB

Opening Hours

• Temple open daily 08:00 – 17:00.

• National Museum open 09:00 – 16:00 (Closed Mon-Tue).