Wat Bang Kung (Amphawa)

We took a trip to Amphawa and we took time to visit Wat Bang Kung.

It did look like it may be busy at times because there were some coaches but I think that we missed them!

What is special with this is that it is hidden within the roots of a Banyan Tree! YourThaiGuide has a wonderful piece about visiting here.

"The temple building dates from the Ayutthaya period and, aside from the golden buddha image it houses, is quite simple in design. The remarkably majestic banyan trees are the crowning glory of the site, dominating the temple and shading much of the landscape, a landscape that served as a battleground for Siamese and Burmese warriors in the 18th century. Today, the temple and nearby area is preserved as a memorial to those heroic warriors of the past.

Some of the more unique items you will see at Wat Bang Kung:

• Statues of soldiers in 18th century dress.
• Statue of General Taksin (he would eventually become King Taksin).
• A pier to enter the temple if arriving by boat from the Mae Khlong river.
• A small zoo with birds and monkeys.

The Wat Bang Kung temple area served as an army stronghold of the Siamese after the ancient city of Ayuttahya was overrun by the Burmese in 1767. During this time, Burmese forces had blockaded the Mae Khlong river and the Siamese General Taksin managed to gather his army at the area of Wat Bang Kung."

So we have visited here more than once and will visit here again!!