History of Ayutthaya - Temples & Ruins

WAT KAMPHAENG 2 (วัดกำแพง)

Wat Kamphaeng is located north of the city island. It is situated on the western bank of
is unmarked and usual surrounded by jungle vegetation. It is easier to see when
approached from a small walking path beside the canal.

Wat Kamphaeng is a temple ruin, which has suffered much damage from seasonal
flooding. It is often entrenched by water from the overflowing Khlong Sra Bua in
September and October. As a result, there is not much left of it. It is aligned in an
east/west axis, and a small chedi is closest to the canal. This chedi reflect the Late
Ayutthaya period style. It has several redented layers leading up to a bell-shaped relic
chamber (also with redented corners). This chedi is missing its spire and holes have been
dug into it by looters.

The sermon hall is located behind this chedi. This has mostly eroded to a brick mound,
but there are still traces of its walls in situ. The most important structure on site is a large
Buddha image on the sermon hall’s altar. The Buddha image sits on top of a high
pedestal, which is still well-detailed and covered with patches of stucco. The Buddha
image is sitting in a Taming Mara pose, but is missing one arm. The lower portion of
Buddha’s face is still in situ. Local families sometimes wrap this Buddha image with
yellow cloth. There are also fragments of Buddha images found in the grassy area of the
sermon hall. Additional excavations could prove useful and informative.

There is very little known about this monastery and its history. The structures in situ
suggest that it was established in the Late Ayutthaya period. Its close proximity to Wat
Na Phra Men may also yield some clues about its former historical significance.