Wat Khot Thimtharam – Ancient Ubosot in Rayong, Thailand

Wat Khot Thimtharam is a historic temple in Rayong, known for its ancient ubosot and centuries of local faith.

When I arrived, the old ordination hall was under restoration.
Perhaps this was the last chance to see it in its original form.

Weathered walls, old wooden beams, and the faith of generations still remain here.

For a moment, Won Cub Life stops to remember these fading traces of time…

and then rides on.

Why This Ancient Ubosot Matters

Wat Khot Thimtharam is more than a historic temple in Rayong. Its old ubosot reflects the faith, craftsmanship, and everyday life of the local community. The weathered walls and traditional wooden structure show how Buddhist architecture once developed outside Thailand’s grand royal temples.

During my visit, restoration work was already underway. Preserving a building like this is important, but restoration also changes the atmosphere that has accumulated over generations. That is why recording the temple before the work is completed has special meaning. These photographs and videos preserve not only the architecture, but also a brief moment in the temple’s long history.

Visitors should walk quietly around the old ordination hall and observe the roofline, wooden beams, windows, and traces of age on the walls. Wat Khot Thimtharam offers a peaceful opportunity to understand Rayong through local faith and architecture rather than through famous tourist attractions alone.

Ancient ubosot at Wat Khot Thimtharam in Rayong, Thailand

📍Wat Khot Thimtharam, Rayong, Thailand

Google Maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JY83APBfQdDzyuoX9

🏛 History

According to local tradition, the temple was founded by Phraya Rayong, the former governor of Rayong, whose name was Thim (ทิม). This is believed to be the origin of the name “Thimtharam.”

Local people often refer to the temple simply as Wat Khot (วัดโขด). The word “Khot” (โขด) describes a sandy mound or elevated ground along a riverbank, reflecting the temple’s location near the Rayong River on a natural riverside rise.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Thai Tourism Directory, the temple was founded in B.E. 2007 (A.D. 1464).

However, another source, Manager Online, notes that Thailand’s Fine Arts Department (กรมศิลปากร) dates the temple to B.E. 2113 (A.D. 1570).

Because historical records vary, it is safest to describe Wat Khot Thimtharam as an Ayutthaya-period temple with a history of approximately 400–500 years.

🏛 Archive

The Fine Arts Department of Thailand has published a study titled “Important Historic Sites in Rayong Province – Part 4: Wat Khot Thimtharam.” The publication includes photographs of the Ancient Ubosot along with descriptions of its architectural features.

According to the Fine Arts Department, the Ancient Ubosot originally had:

A traditional roof covered with rounded clay tiles (Krabuang Hang Mon).
Chinese-style ceramic ornaments and decorative stucco work.
A roof extension and entrance porch (muk) that were added during later renovations.
Interior mural paintings that, although heavily faded with age, have survived to the present day.

These remaining architectural details offer valuable insight into the temple’s original appearance before its recent restoration.

🙏 Highlights

Wat Khot Thimtharam is regarded as one of—if not the oldest—temples in Rayong Province.

Its Ancient Ubosot (Ordination Hall) preserves the temple’s historical character. Inside stands the revered Luang Pho Khao, an ancient Buddha image that has long been an object of local devotion. Faded mural paintings can still be seen on the interior walls, offering a glimpse into the temple’s rich artistic and religious heritage.

🧭 Visitor Information

📍 Province – Rayong

⏰ Opening Hours – 08:00 – 17:00

🎫 Entrance – Free

🚗 Parking – Available

🙏 Dress Code – Please wear respectful clothing.

📍 Google Maps – Link

For official information about Thailand’s historic sites, visit the Fine Arts Department.