Wat Klang Pak Kran, or the Monastery in the Middle of Pak Kran, is an active temple located off the city island in the southern area of Ayutthaya in the Pak Kran Sub-district (1).
The monastery, also known as Wat Klang Khlong Takhian, is situated at the confluence of the Chao Phraya River and Khlong Takhian (2), on the west bank of the latter at its mouth. The St Joseph Church and the ancient Cochin Chinese Settlement lie just opposite the other bank of the canal. The old Wat Klang is situated to its west, opposite the road. Wat Nak lies just south of Wat Klang. Opposite the Chao Phraya River is Wat Wang Chai.
In situ, we find the classic monastic structures. The monastery is quite large but dates from the post-Ayutthayan period. The ordination hall was built in the late Ayutthaya style (1629-1767 CE). The hall has two elevated porches with each two entries, and four columns support the two-tiered roof. The longest walls of ubosot have five windows each. The hall is surrounded by an inner wall demarcating the sacred area.
Historical data about the monastery and its construction are unknown.
The site is not indicated on Phraya Boran Rachathanin's map drafted in 1926 CE, which could suggest that this monastery was constructed after 1926 CE as a substitute for the old Wat Klang.
Based on the Temple Registration System of the National Office of Buddhism, Wat Klang Pak Kran was established in 1887 CE in the Rattanakosin period and received its Wisung Kham Sima in 1898 CE. It is thus a post-Ayutthaya-era monastery.
Near Wat Klang and Wat Nak was one of the six former ferry crossings across the Chao Phraya River, linking the monasteries with Tha Wang Chai (Wang Chai landing). (3) [1]
Wat Klang Khlong Takhian is in geographical coordinates: 14° 20' 16.1" N 100° 32' 51.3" E.