Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai

Wat Bang Phli Yai Nai, beside Samrong Canal, is better known locally as Wat Luang Pho To. The temple's focal point is a large bronze Buddha image and the annual canal procession connected with the Rap Bua, or lotus-throwing, festival.

Luang Pho To and the canal

Samut Prakan government records identify the image as a Sukhothai-style bronze Buddha in the Mara-vijaya posture. The temple was formerly called Wat Plapphla Chai Chana Songkhram.

Local tradition says the image floated to this place with images now associated with Wat Sothon and Wat Ban Laem. That is a devotional origin story, not a dated archaeological record.

The Rap Bua procession

On the 14th waxing moon of the eleventh lunar month, a replica of Luang Pho To travels by boat along Samrong Canal. People throw lotus flowers towards the boat as an offering. The festival is a particular event, not an everyday sight, so confirm dates and arrangements locally.

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