Wat Suan Kaew is a hidden gem located in Nonthaburi, Thailand, just a short drive away from downtown Bangkok. It’s a beautiful Buddhist temple that offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors to explore. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and features stunning architecture that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
One of the unique features of Wat Suan Kaew is its antique market, which is considered to be one of the best second-hand markets in the area. The market is home to a variety of vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to rare collectibles. It’s a great spot for travelers looking to find unique souvenirs or gifts to take back home.
In addition to the antique market, Wat Suan Kaew is also home to a beautiful waterfall that is perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. The waterfall is surrounded by stunning scenery, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers alike. Whether you’re looking to explore the temple, shop for antiques, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area, Wat Suan Kaew is definitely worth a visit.
History of Wat Suan Kaew
Origins
Wat Suan Kaew is a Buddhist temple located in Nonthaburi, Thailand. The temple was founded by Phra Phisal Dhamma Phati, also known as Phra Phayom Kanlayano, an innovative monk who sought to improve the living standards of the poor and develop society. The temple was built on land donated by the government, and construction began in 1989. The temple was completed in 1992 and has since become a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Significance
Wat Suan Kaew is a significant temple due to its focus on Dhamma, or Buddhist teachings. The temple offers a variety of programs and activities designed to help visitors learn about Buddhism and improve their spiritual well-being. These include meditation classes, Dhamma talks, and other educational activities. The temple also has a large library filled with Buddhist texts and other resources.
In addition to its focus on Dhamma, Wat Suan Kaew is also significant due to its unique architecture. The temple’s main building, known as the Rom Pho Kaeo, is a beautiful structure made of white marble and decorated with intricate carvings and other details. The building houses a large Buddha statue and is surrounded by a beautiful garden filled with flowers and other plants.
Overall, Wat Suan Kaew is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Buddhism or Thai culture. Its focus on Dhamma, unique architecture, and beautiful surroundings make it a truly special place to visit.
Community Outreach Programs
Wat Suan Kaew is renowned for its community outreach programs, which aim to improve the living standards of the poor in Thailand. The Suan Kaew Foundation, founded by Phra Pihisal Dhammaphadi, has initiated several projects for social development, including a supermarket for the poor and nursery projects.
Supermarket for the Poor
The Supermarket for the Poor project is an initiative that provides affordable groceries to low-income families. The supermarket is located in the temple grounds and is open to the public. The store offers a variety of products, including fresh produce, meats, and household items. The prices are significantly lower than those in regular supermarkets, making it easier for families to access healthy food.
Nursery Projects
The Suan Kaew Foundation also runs several nursery projects in the local community. These projects aim to provide education and support to young children and their families. The nurseries offer a safe and stimulating environment for children to learn and play while their parents work. The projects also provide parenting classes and support to help families raise healthy and happy children.
Overall, Wat Suan Kaew’s community outreach programs are an excellent example of how a temple can make a positive impact on society. By providing affordable groceries and education to low-income families, the Suan Kaew Foundation is helping to improve the living standards of the poor in Thailand. If you’re interested in supporting these programs, be sure to visit the temple and learn more about how you can get involved.
Facilities at Wat Suan Kaew
Wat Suan Kaew is a Buddhist sanctuary located in Bangkok, Thailand. The temple is known for its innovative projects that aim to upgrade the living standards of the poor and develop society. Here are some of the facilities available at Wat Suan Kaew:
Shelter for the Elderly
One of the successful projects initiated by the temple is the Rom Pho Kaeo, which is a shelter for the elderly. The shelter provides a safe and comfortable living environment for seniors who have no family or support system. The facility is equipped with basic amenities such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and a common area for socializing. The shelter also provides medical care and daily meals for the residents.
Other Facilities
Apart from the shelter for the elderly, Wat Suan Kaew also has other facilities that visitors can enjoy. These include:
Antique Market: The temple hosts an antique market where visitors can find unique and rare items. The market is open on weekends and offers a variety of antiques, including furniture, ceramics, and artwork.
Waterfall: The temple also has a waterfall that visitors can enjoy. The waterfall is located within the temple grounds and provides a peaceful and serene environment for meditation and relaxation.
Buddhism Diffusion Center: Wat Suan Kaew is also a Buddhism diffusion center. The center offers courses and workshops on Buddhism and meditation. Visitors can learn about the teachings of the Buddha and practice meditation under the guidance of experienced monks.
Accommodation: The temple also offers accommodation for visitors who want to stay overnight. The rooms are simple but comfortable and provide a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection.
In conclusion, Wat Suan Kaew is a unique temple that offers a range of facilities for visitors. Whether you want to learn about Buddhism, enjoy the beauty of nature, or find unique antiques, this temple has something for everyone.
Location and Directions
Wat Suan Kaew is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. It is situated in Moo 1, Bang Len, Bang Yai, Nonthaburi 11140. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene environment for meditation and relaxation.
Getting to Wat Suan Kaew from Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and is located approximately 20 kilometers away from Wat Suan Kaew. Visitors can take a taxi, bus, or train to reach the temple. Taxis are the most convenient and comfortable mode of transportation. However, they can be quite expensive. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the traffic.
Buses are the cheapest mode of transportation. Visitors can take a bus from the Victory Monument Bus Terminal to Bang Yai, which is the nearest town to Wat Suan Kaew. From there, they can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the temple.
Trains are also an option. Visitors can take the BTS Skytrain to Bang Wa station and then change to the MRT subway to Bang Yai station. From there, they can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the temple.
Getting to Wat Suan Kaew from Bang Yai
Bang Yai is the nearest town to Wat Suan Kaew and is located approximately 10 kilometers away. Visitors can take a taxi or tuk-tuk from Bang Yai to reach the temple. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Alternatively, visitors can take a local bus from Bang Yai to Wat Suan Kaew. The bus stop is located near the temple, and visitors can easily walk to the temple from there.
Overall, Wat Suan Kaew is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Nonthaburi Province. The temple’s serene environment and beautiful architecture make it an ideal place for meditation and relaxation. Visitors can easily reach the temple from Bangkok or Bang Yai by taking a taxi, bus, or train.