Wat Sothon, the marble temple

They are in even in the smallest hamlet Thailand to be found in great numbers, temples large and small. Very colorful and also more modest in nature. In Chachoengsao, about a hundred kilometers east of Bangkok, Wat Sothon is located near the river Bang Pakong, fully called Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan.

This temple houses one of the most famous Buddha statues in Thailand. The statue in question is 1.65 meters wide and almost two meters high and is one of the most sacred images in the country. The Thai attributes a special healing effect to this Buddha statue and many people will think they are relieved of their ailments here. The temple itself is beautifully constructed with the special feature of the 84 meter high tower, surrounded by five golden umbrellas with a weight of 77 kilos of gold.

Stories

There are a number of stories surrounding the origin of this temple, which is so revered by the Thai population. One is that three Buddha statues floated down the river from Prachinburi and one statue washed ashore near Chachoengsao. It was impossible to lift it out of the river until one of the inhabitants had made a modest shelter for the statue. If a feather lays like this, the statue could then be lifted out of the water.

Compare the story with Noah's ark on which, according to the legend of all animals, a couple came aboard and survived the flood. Nothing new under the sun in that regard. Especially on weekends it is very busy, which even causes traffic jams. This also indicates the great degree of veneration that the Thai express to this Buddha statue, which is so special to them. The old temple, then called Wat Hong, was probably built around 1765 and dates from the end of the Ayuttaya period (1350-1767). The old temple has unfortunately had to make way for the contemporary, albeit very impressive, temple complex.

The construction time of no less than 15 years says enough about the style and beauty of the white marble whole. The daughter of the current king, Princess Chakri Sirindhorn (*2-4-1955), much loved by the Thai, selected the marble for this temple in Italy. When you visit, let your eyes wander over the floors with the beautifully inlaid marble parts in different colours.

Phongsak Meedaenphai / Shutterstock.com

The fringe event

As in all places where many people come, there is also plenty to do around the temple. For example, there is a room where the offerings are placed. The large number of eggs offered with trays full is particularly striking. Of course there are also many stalls with all kinds of trinkets. The gambling-hungry Thai can buy lottery tickets and in this holy place Buddha looks down on you with pleasure and luck can smile on you.

At the front of the complex you will find a large covered market and at the rear you can walk within 200 meters to the Bang Pakong river. From there you can take a boat trip on the river. The trip takes two hours, but that is a bit of a hoax. You sail within 30 minutes to a small covered market where you can stay for an hour and then accept the certainly unexciting return trip. The only reason to take this short boat trip would be to have lunch at the waterfront market.

However, the temple Wat Sothon is more than worth a visit.

Tip:

From Bangkok you can take the train to Chasoengchao from Hua Lamphong station journey. The distance is approximately one hundred kilometers and the journey time is one and a half hours. There are 9 trains per day from 6 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm.

The price: 3^e class 13 baht with fan and if you prefer aircon then you pay 40 baht. Arriving in Chachoengsao, a large number of taxis, songthaews and motorcycles are waiting for the short ride to Wat Sothon.

A nice trip, especially from Bangkok.