Wat Mahabutr
NileGuide Expert Says:
This is a telling look at the Thai belief in ghosts
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Address:
Sukhumvit Soi 77, On Nut Soi 7
Bangkok, Thailand
Description:
While this canal-side temple is dedicated to a monk who came here in the late 18th century, it is most famous for Nang Nak or Mae Nak (Mother Nak). The legend is that Nang Nak was about to give birth as she waited for her husband to return. He didn't make it in time and she died in childbirth. Inside the temple is a collection of statues and artwork with her figure on them -- though no one really knows what she looked like. This ghostly notoriety has even supplanted the temple's true name and it is often referred to as Wat Mae Nak Phra Khanong. The locals believe the myth very strongly and come to make offerings, get fortunes told, and buy lottery tickets. Of further macabre note, there is a mummified child in a glass cabinet on site as well. Take the BTS Skytrain to On Nut station. Follow Sukhumvit Soi 77 to On Nut Soi 7 and the temple is at the end of the road. Canal boats from Phra Khanong Bridge pier also stop at the temple.
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