Kai Temple is an ancient temple with a long history dating back to the Ayutthaya period. It is located in Bang Pahan District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The temple has long been closely connected to the local community and continues to serve as a spiritual center for residents today. The surroundings are lush and peaceful, with large trees and a sizeable pond nearby, creating a cool, calm atmosphere that is ideal for relaxation and making merit during a journey along the main road.

The most distinctive feature that makes Kai Temple widely known is its large population of long-tailed macaques living within the temple grounds and the surrounding wooded areas. These monkeys have coexisted with the temple and the local community for many years and are generally accustomed to people. While they are not as aggressive as monkeys found in some other locations, visitors are still advised to follow the temple’s guidelines carefully for the safety of both humans and animals.

A popular activity among visitors is feeding the monkeys. The temple provides designated stalls selling appropriate monkey food such as bananas, peanuts, and corn, allowing visitors to make merit and experience close interaction with wildlife. Beyond the monkeys, Wat Kai also features traditional Thai architecture and sacred Buddha images that reflect ancient artistic styles and remain highly revered by local residents.

According to local legend, the name “Wat Kai” originated during the Ayutthaya period, when a disease outbreak caused a large number of chickens raised by villagers to die, and their remains were brought to this temple area. The temple later fell into abandonment for a time before being restored and redeveloped into a religious and community center once again. This story reflects the passage of time and the deep connection between the temple and the lives of the people in the area.

Although its name refers to chickens, Kai Temple is now best known for its monkeys, which have become a symbolic representation of compassion, coexistence with nature, and mutual support between humans and wildlife. For families, groups of friends, and travelers heading north along the Asia Highway, Wat Kai is an appealing stopover. Children can observe natural animal behavior, while adults can make merit and relax in the atmosphere of a historic roadside temple.

Everyone is warmly invited to visit Kai Temple to experience the charm of its friendly monkeys, pay respect and seek blessings, and gain a deeper appreciation of compassion and harmonious coexistence between faith, nature, and the local community.