Visiting Temples on Holidays - Paying Respects to 'Somkhan' and Exploring Wat Khae in Suphan Buri

Wat Khae in Rua Yai Sub-district, Mueang District, Suphan Buri Province is a well-known tourist destination famous for its appearance in the classic Thai literature 'Khun Chang Khun Phan'. The temple was built in 1491, situated on the western side of the Tha Chin River, covering an area of 7 rai. It is the location where the legendary character Khun Phan learned magical spells from Monk Khong, using tamarind leaves to create magical transformations. The temple features a massive 9-person-wide tamarind tree believed to be the same one where Monk Khong taught his magical techniques. The Suphan Buri province has also constructed a traditional Thai house called 'Khun Phan House' near this historic tree. Notably, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visited the temple's pier on August 4, 1904, for a midday meal. The temple also houses valuable ancient artifacts including a teak book cabinet, bronze Buddha footprints, and a historic Bodhi tree brought from India in 1965.