Wat Uposatharam, formerly known as Wat Bot Manorom or simply Wat Bot (a name still used by many locals), is an old Buddhist temple dating back to the 18th century, the beginning of the Rattanakosin era. Its murals are particularly noteworthy. Located directly across the Sakae Krang River on RiKoh Thepho Island, opposite the town of Uthai Thani, it is connected to the town market and Uthai Thani town center by a narrow bridge accessible only to pedestrians and two-wheeled vehicles. Admire the ancient murals depicting the legend and life of Buddha, from his birth through enlightenment to his death. In addition to the two ordination halls, there is also the octagonal mondop, a blend of Western and Thai architectural styles. It was originally built to house the remains of a revered monk.

Free entry. Open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Note that every morning around 7:00 AM, a monk from the temple arrives by boat at a pontoon in front of the temple on the city side to collect the morning offerings—the only daily meal for Buddhist monks. The alms-giving ceremony on a boat in Uthai Thani is very popular on weekends and holidays. From this platform on the river, you can also hail a boat for a trip on the Sakae Krang River. I particularly recommend a sunset river cruise in Uthai Thani (50 THB per person for 1 hour).

If you are staying in a city hotel in Uthai Thani or on the island of Koh Thepho, you can reach Wat Uposatharam either on foot or by bicycle (which is usually provided by the hotel or host family).

Wat Uposatharam (Wat Bot) is a temple. When visiting a temple in Thailand, there are some rules to observe: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), remove shoes upon entering the building, be quiet, no hugging or kissing, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, and do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Uposatharam (Wat Bot)? If you are staying in a city hotel in Uthai Thani or on the island of Koh Thepho, you can reach Wat Uposatharam either on foot or by bicycle (which is usually provided by the hotel or host family).