Sakaeo Temple is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period, established around 1699. It was originally known as “Wat Sarakae” and is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River in Pa Mok District, Ang Thong Province. In the past, this area was lush and fertile and frequently served as a resting place for royal processions due to its strategic riverside location. As a result, the temple has long played an important role in both religious life and the local community up to the present day.

Today, Sakaeo Temple is widely recognized throughout Thailand as a center of generosity and compassion. The temple operates a welfare institution for orphans and underprivileged children, caring for a large number of youths for many decades. Therefore, the temple is not only a place of religious practice but also a place of opportunity and hope, providing education, care, and moral guidance so that children can grow into valuable members of society.

The most distinctive feature that makes Sakaeo Temple well known is the Wat Sarakaeo Children’s Likay Troupe, a project that promotes traditional Thai performing arts among the children under the temple’s care. The children receive serious training in Likay performance, including singing, dancing, acting, and stage etiquette, enabling them to develop professional skills and earn income to support their education. Their performances are graceful, refined, and full of charm, earning invitations to perform at major national events and widespread admiration from audiences across the country.

The atmosphere within the temple grounds is warm, compassionate, and filled with spiritual devotion. Visitors often pay respect to the statue of Luang Pho Aor (Phra Khru Sathaphon Phutthamont), the former abbot who was the key benefactor in founding the child welfare institution and devoted his life to helping disadvantaged children. The temple also features a beautiful ordination hall and a viharn enshrining sacred Buddha images that have long been revered by the local community.

In addition to making merit and paying homage, visitors can also donate supplies or educational funds to support the children, an act that brings deep fulfillment to both donors and recipients. Sakaeo Temple is therefore more than a riverside temple; it stands as a powerful symbol of kindness, selflessness, and social support deeply rooted in Thai culture.

Everyone is warmly invited to share happiness, make merit with sincerity, and appreciate the valuable traditional performing arts that harmoniously unite religious faith and social compassion at Sakaeo Temple.

By Private Car:

• From Ang Thong city center, take Highway 309 (Ang Thong-Ayutthaya) toward Pa Mok. Wat Sakaeo is located in Bang Sadet sub-district, with its entrance clearly marked on the main road.

By Public Transport:

• Take a Bangkok-Ang Thong van, get off at Bang Sadet sub-district, and take a local taxi or motorcycle taxi to the temple.

Best Time to Visit:

• Accessible year-round. If you wish to see the children's Likay rehearsals or performances, it is best to check their schedule in advance.

Charity:

• If you plan to host a lunch or donate large quantities of supplies, please contact the temple's office beforehand for coordination.

Activity:

• Take a walk to see the residential and learning areas for the youths to understand their communal way of life.

Souvenirs:

• Support the children and the community by purchasing handmade products, which helps fund scholarships and local vocational training.

Planning:

• The temple is located near Wat Tha Sutthawat and the Ban Bang Sadet Court Doll Center, making it convenient for a combined visit.

Admission Fee

• Local Visitors: Adult Free, Child Free

• Foreign Visitors: Adult Free, Child Free

Opening Hours

• Open daily from 08:00 – 17:00.