Two temples . .

. . and a strange hotel

By Grant Cameron

December 3^rd, 2017

A surprise in the end

On the same morning that we we visited Wat Muang, we found two more temples, each of which was attractive in its own right. The first was Wat Khun Inthapramun, an ancient temple that was constructed during the Sukhothai period.

Longest reclining Buddha

Thailand's largest and longest reclining Buddha statue is enshrined here, and is roughly 50 meters from topknot to feet.

Tax officer sentenced to death

According to legend, Khun Inthapramun was a revenue officer who secretly embezzled from the government to build the massive Buddha image.

When the King asked how he obtained the funds, Khun Inthapramun did not reveal the truth because he was afraid that merit from the construction of the image would be passed on to the King.

He was finally sentenced to death.

Beautiful buildings

As can be seen, the modern pavilion buildings are very attractive.

What's that . . afar?

In the distance we saw another temple building; a tower with a Chedi atop.

We had to go and investigate.

The "brick port" temple

Wat Tha It, meaning “brick port temple”, and houses a 73 meter high pagoda.

12 storeys high

Being 73 meters tall and 40 meters wide the pagoda was made in the art style of Lanka-Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin, constructed in an octagon shape with bell and 32 turban bands.

Construction commenced in 1992 and was completed in 2000 when Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn came to open the pagoda.

The golden Chedi is called “Phra that Chedi Sri Pho Thong”.

The temple was originally built in 1761, and it is assumed that the area had been used to burn the bricks for Wat Khun Inthapramun’s construction.

A STRANGE HOTEL

Coming south on Highway 32 you may have noticed a strange building on the left as the road crosses over a bridge.

At long last we decided to get out of the fast lane and discover what it was.

Pngpetch island Hotel

It turns out the building is the elaborate gateway to a rather plain hotel building outside of which stands several Chinese figure statues. While the plot may be considered in bad taste, the good news is that it is only Baht 500 a night. Perhaps it is haunted!