“Inside the temple's old ubosot, there are murals painted by local craftsmen over the full century and with great artistic and historical value.”
Noen Sung Temple is an ancient temple in Chanthaburi Province with significant historical and artistic importance, with evidence suggesting its founding around 2373 B.E. (1830 A.D.), corresponding to the reign of King Rama III of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The temple is located in the Khlong Narai Sub-district, Mueang District. The name of the temple reflects its location on a high hill (Noen Sung means High Hill), establishing it as the center of the community since ancient times. The highlight that makes this temple well-known is the ancient mural paintings still preserved within the original ordination hall (Ubosot). These paintings not only depict Buddhist stories, such as the Jataka tales, but also serve as a cultural record that uniquely and valuably conveys the lifestyle, attire, and social conditions of the people of Chanthaburi in that era.
The mural paintings of Wat Noen Sung are the work of local folk artists, making them a rare and crucial artistic heritage of Thailand's Eastern region. Visiting the old ordination hall is like traveling back in time to experience the worldview and wisdom of people from the past. The temple offers a shady and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those interested in ancient art, history, and meditation. A new ordination hall was built for current religious ceremonies, but the invaluable ancient site continues to be maintained alongside the temple. A visit to Wat Noen Sung is therefore an excellent opportunity to appreciate the beauty of ancient artwork and experience the firm devotion of the people of Chanthaburi, passed down for over a century.
How to Get There
-
Private Car: Travel along Sukhumvit Road. The temple is located on the road that branches off to the right from Km. 338, approximately 900 meters, heading into Khlong Narai Sub-district.
-
Public Transportation: You can take a songthaew (local minibus) or a motorcycle taxi from Chanthaburi city center. Inform the driver you are going to Noen Sung Temple, Khlong Narai Sub-district.
Travel Tips
-
Attire: You should wear polite and respectful clothing when visiting a religious site, especially inside the ordination hall.
-
Photography: You should inquire with temple staff first before taking photos of the murals inside the old ordination hall to ensure permission is granted and to confirm that flash, which can damage the paintings, is not used.
Admission Fee:
- No admission fee
Opening Hours:
-
Open Daily: Approximately 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM