อ่านภาษาไทย
If you have the opportunity to visit Pranburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, and are looking for a tourist destination that perfectly combines faith with nature, "Wat Summanawas" or better known as "Wat Khao Kra Lok" is a destination not to be missed. This temple is located next to "Thao Kosa Forest Park" (Khao Kra Lok), making the surrounding atmosphere shady, peaceful, and surrounded by the scent of the sea and mountains, perfect for making merit and relaxing at the same time.
The highlight that attracts tourists to visit this temple is the architecture of the "Golden Vihara", which is exquisite and has a unique shape, unlike any other. It resembles a golden mountain or cave with delicate Thai patterns, standing majestically in front of the temple entrance. In front, there are 2 giants guarding the door sternly. Inside is the location of sacred objects to worship and ask for blessings. It is considered a popular photo spot in Unseen Thailand that reflects the refinement of contemporary Thai art very well.
In addition to its beauty, Wat Khao Kra Lok also has historical anecdotes and legends about the famous "Crocodile Legend", which appears on the history sign inside the temple. It tells the origin of the creation of amulets and the worship of crocodiles, which is related to the legend of a stingy millionaire in the past who, after his death, became a crocodile guarding his treasure until he had to dream of his descendants to bring the property to make merit for the Kathina ceremony. That crocodile then swam after the procession until it died and was reborn in a better realm. This moral is conveyed through the crocodile statues inside the temple to remind Buddhists about abandoning stinginess and creating merit.
After making merit and learning about local legends, you can also take a stroll and enjoy the cool breeze at Khao Kra Lok Beach or study nature in the Thao Kosa Forest Park area next door. It's a short trip that brings both happiness and freshness from nature back to your bag.
