Ku Daeng, Chaiyaphum

“An ancient Khmer sanctuary over a thousand years old within Wat Kut Yang, distinguished by its laterite foundation and valuable Baphuon-style carved lintels.”

Ku Daeng is an ancient Khmer archaeological site located within the grounds of Wat Kut Yang in Ban Khwao District, Chaiyaphum Province. It is believed to have been constructed around the 11th century during the Baphuon period of Khmer art, when the influence of the Khmer Empire expanded into northeastern Thailand. As a result, Ku Daeng serves as an important historical landmark reflecting the prosperity of ancient Khmer civilization in present-day Chaiyaphum Province.One of the site’s most distinctive features is its laterite base, built in a square plan with recessed corners and elevated firmly above the ground. Stairways once connected all four cardinal directions, following the symbolic layout commonly found in Khmer religious architecture. The upper structure, originally built from brick, has mostly collapsed over time. However, sandstone door frames and several architectural fragments still remain, showcasing the refined craftsmanship of ancient Khmer artisans.

Archaeologists also discovered fragments of a sandstone lintel carved with the scene of “Krishna wrestling an elephant,” a notable example of Baphuon-style Khmer art. The intricate carvings reflect the influence of Hinduism, which once flourished throughout the region. Scholars believe the sanctuary may originally have functioned as a Hindu temple used for religious ceremonies before gradually becoming a spiritual center for the local Buddhist community.Later, local villagers and Wat Kut Yang helped preserve the site and installed a seated Buddha image in the Mara-Vijaya posture on the northern side of the sanctuary. This transformation has allowed Ku Daeng to become a harmonious blend of Buddhist faith and ancient Khmer heritage. Each year, the community also organizes the traditional “Boon Song Ku Daeng” festival, where villagers gather to make merit, perform sacred water rituals, and pray for prosperity and good fortune.

Today, Ku Daeng is officially registered as a national archaeological site by Thailand’s Fine Arts Department. It remains one of the most significant historical and archaeological attractions in Ban Khwao District, ideal for visitors interested in ancient Khmer art, local history, and the cultural traditions of Chaiyaphum Province.

How to Get There

By Car: From Chaiyaphum city, take Highway No. 225 (Chaiyaphum–Nakhon Sawan route) through Ban Khwao District. Continue straight for about 30 kilometers until reaching Ban Lum Pho area, then turn right onto the local community road leading to Ban Kut Yang village. Drive approximately 8 more kilometers to Wat Kut Yang, where Ku Daeng is located within the temple grounds.

Travel Tips

Dress modestly, as Ku Daeng is located within the grounds of Wat Kut Yang.

Visit in the morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and better photography conditions.

Do not climb, step on, or carve into the laterite structures and ancient ruins.

Walk around the base of the sanctuary to observe the details of ancient Khmer architecture.

Visit during the full moon of the 5th lunar month to experience the annual “Boon Song Ku Daeng” festival.

Admission Fee:

Free admission (no entrance fee). Visitors may make donations to support the maintenance of the archaeological site and Wat Kut Yang according to their faith and generosity.

Opening Hours: