https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/2308 ... rlds-apart (Many Photos)
The gentle winds cooled the summer heat as I sat on the bank of the Nakhon Chai Si River, taking in a beautiful view of the waterside hamlet and lush landscapes of the small town of Sam Phran in Nakhon Pathom province. It's only a 90-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bangkok in order to breathe in some fresh air on the weekend.
Despite being concealed from the crowds of tourists, this vantage point provides a peaceful haven for worshippers who come to Wat Thampanyaram Bang Muang to pray and participate in traditional Chinese religious rituals. This temple is a mixture of Mahayana and Annam Nikaya beliefs.
In the past, this area was once home to Chinese immigrants who grew coconut, mango and other fruits as far as the eye could see. People and merchants travelled by boat and this place functioned as a stopover for those cruising from Maha Chai, Nakhon Chai Si and Mae Klong to sell their agricultural goods and seafood at Talat Tha Na.
When riding through the waves put them in peril, they built a holy Teochew-style shrine to house a local god and pray for protection and safe sailing between the reigns of King Rama IV and King Rama V. It has undergone several repairs and now houses an original wood carved statue of a local god in warrior costume stepping on a tiger and dragon to protect the neighbourhood and passers-by....
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