Wat Kamphaeng Laeng (Wat Thep Prasat Sila Lang), Mueang Phetchaburi District | Phetchaburi

Tourist Attractions: Wat Kamphaeng Laeng (Wat Thep Prasat Sila Lang), Mueang Phetchaburi District | Phetchaburi

The oldest ancient temple in Phetchaburi, this Khmer-style structure was built around the 18th Buddhist century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire. This temple serves as important evidence of the influence of Khmer civilization in central Thailand, particularly the Bayon style of architecture that remains in the laterite prangs and walls. Three of the original five prangs remain, each of which once housed important deities such as Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Khandakumara, reflecting its roots in Brahmanism before being transformed into a Buddhist temple in later times.
Wat Kamphaeng Laeng (Wat Thep Prasat Sila Lang)
Wat Kamphaeng Laeng, also known as Wat Thep Prasat Sila Lang, is an important historical site and a still-in-use temple located in Mueang Phetchaburi District. This is historical evidence demonstrating the influence of the Khmer civilization that extended to the lower central region of Thailand. Historical and Architectural Highlights
Lateral Wall: The temple's name comes from its distinctive laterite wall surrounding the ancient site, which remains relatively intact.
Prasat Khmer (Former Temple): This ancient site was originally a Brahmin temple and was later converted into a Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary during the Khmer Empire.
Bayon Art: It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII (18th Buddhist century), a period when the influence of the Bayon style spread. Four Prangs: Originally, there were five laterite prangs. Today, four relatively complete prangs remain, standing side by side, with the principal prang in the center. It is believed that these prangs were built to enshrine Mahayana Buddha images, such as the Vajrasattva Naga Prok. (main tower) and Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Lokeshvara) (southern tower).
Antique finds: Sculptures representing Mahayana Buddhist beliefs have been unearthed, such as the four-armed Bodhisattva Lokesvara, Vajrasattva Naga, and a bridgehead depicting a Garuda subduing a Naga.
General information
Location: Phra Song Road, Tha Rap Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phetchaburi Province
Getting there: Approximately 2 kilometers from the Provincial Hall
Opening hours: Generally open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (may vary slightly depending on the time of day).
Address: 4 City Wall, Tha Rap Subdistrict, Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi Province
Tel: 0 3242 3742
Admission fee: Free