Wat Khao Yi San
(วัดเขายี่สาร สมุทรสงคราม)
Samut Songkhram
WatKhao Yi San is an ancient temple believed to have been constructed in late Ayutthaya period. A boat-shaped sacred structure, or Wihan, sits on top of the mountain. There, enshrined, are the four overlapping footprints of the Lord Buddha. Inside the compound, a square structure, known as the Mondop, and its wooden doors feature stunning feats of art. Original paintings and figures from Chinese tales adorn the interior of the Ubosot, or sacred hall, renovated to include stucco from Phetchaburi. There is also the LuangphoPu Si Racha Shrine, containing a statue highly revered by all. A fair to worship the image is held annually in the middle of November.

Also on the temple grounds is the Ban Khao Yi San Museum, which features the history of the area and its inhabitants, a community that dates back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom. There are displays describing local folk wisdom, life and culture, tools for making herbal medicine, and household utensils. The museum is open only on weekends from 9.00 am-3.00 pm, save for Buddhist holy days during Buddhist Lent. Advance permission must be given at least one week in advance for admission on Monday to Friday. Admission is 30 baht. For a group visit of not more than 20 people, admission is 200 baht with a guide provided.

To get there, take Rama II Road. At Km 72, watch for the PTT petrol station on the left. Turn left to follow the direction sign to WatKhao Yi San for around 7 kilometers.

For more information, contact KhunSiri-a-phaRatchatahiran at 0 2433 1547 or 08 1859 3195; alternatively, contact the Khao Yi San Sub-district Administration Organization by calling 0 3476 3108 or faxing 0 2433 1547.