One of central Thailand’s most beloved temple fairs returns for nine days and nine nights at Wat Rai Khing temple of Nakhon Pathom province. The Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing Gilding Festival has its roots in the region’s Buddhist tradition, drawing worshipers from across the country to pay respects to the revered Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing.
Amidst the lively atmosphere of a traditional Thai temple fair, visitors can make merit, seek blessings for luck, health, and prosperity, and enjoy a colorful (and delicious) mix of food, performances, and community festivities.
Wat Rai Khing
Founded in 1851 during the reign of King Rama IV, Wat Rai Khing is a historic riverside temple along the Tha Chin River, originally named Wat Mongkol Chinda Ram.
This temple is perhaps best known for its revered Buddha image, the Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing. This bronze statue in the Subduing Mara posture features a combination of Chiang Saen, Sukhothai, and Rattanakosin artistic styles.
Aside from the Luang Pho Buddha image, the temple complex features classic early Rattanakosin architecture, including an ornate ordination hall and muralized pavilions, as well as a riverside area for merit-making.
Today, Wat Rai Khing is both a spiritual center and community hub, hosting its famous annual gilding festival.
What to expect at Wat Rai Khing
Across nine days and nights, the Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing Gilding Festival brings together spiritual rituals, cultural traditions, and classic temple fair experiences:
- Buddha-gilding ceremony: Make merit and apply gold leaf to the sacred Buddha image for good fortune and protection.
- Festive processions: Grand parades take a replica Luang Pho Buddha image over land as well as the Tha Chin River.
- Temple fair: Visitors immerse themselves in the flavors, sights, and sounds of over 100 food stalls, local products, and classic fairground experiences.
- Cultural concert: Expect traditional Thai performances alongside live music from popular Thai artists.
- Merit-making activities: Candlelight processions, prayers, and almsgiving throughout the festival.
- Day-to-Night Experience: Visit in the morning for a peaceful spiritual atmosphere or in the evening for a lively fair with lights and entertainment.
Together, these activities create a uniquely Thai celebration where devotion, culture, and community come alive from morning through midnight. Visit during the day (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.) for a calmer experience, or in the evening for the full festive atmosphere. During the festival, the temple stays open until midnight.
How to worship at Wat Rai Khing
For those seeking blessings, the Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing Gilding Festival offers several traditional rituals believed to bring luck, health, and prosperity.
- Pay respects to Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing: Begin at the ordination hall. Offer lotus flowers or gold leaf and pray for health, protection, and peace in family life.
- Visit Luang Pho Ong Dam (at secondary assembly hall): Here, you’ll find a lesser-known black Buddha image believed to bring luck, wealth, and business success. Offerings often include boiled eggs or fruit.
- Refill oil lamps & donate roof tiles: This ritual symbolizes dispelling obstacles and strengthening one’s fortune and life path.
- Make merit by the river: Feeding fish along the Tha Chin River is thought to release negativity and invite calmer waters in life.
- Optional rituals for good fortune: Passing under the ordination hall is believed to cleanse bad luck and boost fortune, especially for those who are experiencing setbacks or are in a Chinese zodiac conflict year (pee chong).
Nonetheless, whether you follow every step or simply take a quiet moment to reflect, each act of merit-making adds to a meaningful and personal experience.