🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If Wat Muang and Wat Khun Inthapramun are the out-of-town pins you drive out to tick off, Wat Ton Son is the in-town temple you barely have to detour for — it sits inside Ang Thong's municipal area, near the market and the Chao Phraya. A lot of people make it their first stop, paying respects for a bit of good luck before heading off elsewhere. The main draw is the big gilded cast-metal Buddha out in the open, visible from a distance, plus the old Buddha in the ordination hall that locals have revered for generations.
Somdet Phra Sri Mueang Thong — the giant cast-metal Buddha
The temple's open-air main Buddha has a long full name — Somdet Phra Phuttha Nawalokuttara Thammabodi Sri Mueang Thong — but most people just call it Somdet Phra Sri Mueang Thong. It's a Buddha in the Maravijaya pose, which many also call the "subduing Mara" pose, cast entirely in brass and then gilded. The lap span is around 6 wah (about 12–13 meters including the base) and the figure itself stands nearly 10 meters tall, seated high on a raised platform so you can spot it from far off before you even reach the temple.
Construction began around 1973, led by the abbot and the Ang Thong monastic community of the time, and casting and restoration carried on for several years before the whole image was finished. What people remember it for is being a large gilded cast-metal Buddha right in the middle of town — different from the usual stucco or brick-and-mortar images. In the soft morning or evening light, the gold catches a nice shine, which makes for good photos.
- Form — Maravijaya pose (subduing Mara), right hand resting palm-down on the knee, cast in brass and gilded all over.
- Size — lap span around 6 wah, height roughly 9–10 meters, one of central Thailand's larger cast-metal Buddhas.
- Where it sits — out in the open on a raised platform; you can walk up close to pay your respects.
- Its pair — Somdet Phra Sri Mueang Ngoen, a silver-colored Buddha in the same Maravijaya pose, stands in the same area.
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Luang Pho Dam, the old Buddha in the ordination hall
Besides the big open-air Buddha, the temple's Ayutthaya-style ordination hall holds Luang Pho Dam, an old Buddha image over a hundred years old that Ang Thong locals hold in high regard. Many come specifically to pay respects to Luang Pho Dam, often praying for safety and for wishes to come true. This ordination hall is an old structure that's been part of the temple for ages — step inside and you'll feel the atmosphere of an old temple, quite different from the open courtyard of the big Buddha outside.
How to ask for a blessing from Somdet Phra Sri Mueang Thong
The custom the temple suggests is to touch your forehead to the fingers of the Buddha's hand and make your wish. The temple has printed prayers available. Most people pray about work, money, health, and good fortune. Just follow the signs around the temple — there's nothing you need to bring yourself.
What not to miss at the temple
Wat Ton Son isn't just the big Buddha. With a little time to wander, you'll find several more spots to pay respects, plus riverside corners, all in the same compound.
Somdet Phra Sri Mueang Ngoen
A silver-colored Buddha in the Maravijaya pose, set as a pair with the golden one. People like to pay respects to both for good fortune in money and work.
Ordination hall — Luang Pho Dam
An old Ayutthaya-style ordination hall holding Luang Pho Dam, a more-than-century-old Buddha. This is the spot locals make a point of coming to.
Chao Phraya riverside — fish raft
The temple sits by the water, with a spot to catch the breeze and feed the fish at the riverside raft. A cool, easy place to rest after paying respects.
Opening hours, entry fee, and dress code
- Opening hours — roughly 06:00–17:30 daily. Mornings and evenings have softer light, nicer for walking and photos than midday.
- Entry fee — none. You can make a donation as you wish at the boxes inside.
- Dress code — dress modestly, cover your shoulders, knee-length or longer, especially when entering the ordination hall.
- Parking — there's a lot inside the temple, though some gates aren't always open; if it's full, park along the road near the market and walk in.
- Time needed — about 30–45 minutes to see the whole temple, just right for a stop while touring in town.
Getting to Wat Ton Son
The handy thing about this temple is that it's right in Ang Thong town — No. 1 Thetsaban 10 Road, Talat Luang subdistrict, Mueang district — so you don't have to drive out of town like you do for Wat Muang or Wat Khun Inthapramun. If you arrive in town by bus, you can walk or hop on a songthaew or a motorcycle taxi and be there in a few minutes.
- From Bangkok — drive Highway 32 (the Asia Highway) past Ayutthaya, turn off into Ang Thong town, about 1.5 hours total, then head for the riverside Talat Luang area.
- From Ang Thong town center — it's within the municipal area, near the market and the provincial hall; an easy walk from the market district to the temple.
- Public transport — vans and Bangkok–Ang Thong buses drop you in town, then take a songthaew or motorcycle taxi to the temple.
Make the most of an Ang Thong temple trip
Wat Ton Son is in town, so it's a good place to start or end the day. From there, drive out to the Big Buddha at Wat Muang toward Wiset Chai Chan, and the reclining Buddha at Wat Khun Inthapramun toward Pho Thong. You can easily do all three in a single day. If you get hungry along the way, the in-town market area has boat noodles and riverside snacks to stop for.
Plan a trip mixing temple visits and good local food across Ang Thong in one go
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