Wat Ban Kao () is a submerged historic temple in Ko subdistrict, Li district, Lamphun province, Thailand. It is located at Kaeng Ko in Mae Ping National Park, in the area of the former Ban Ko Chok and Ban Ko Nong communities. The remains of the temple are normally submerged by the reservoir formed by Bhumibol Dam and become visible when the water level falls.
History Wat Ban Kao was built in 1955 (B.E. 2498) and originally served the communities of Ban Ko Chok and Ban Ko Nong along the Ping River. The temple was later submerged after the construction of Bhumibol Dam raised the water level of the Ping River, and residents of the two communities moved to higher ground.
The former temple and settlement are now within the reservoir at Kaeng Ko. The Lamphun Provincial Office for Local Administration describes Wat Ban Kao as a historic site in the middle of the Ping River. The remains are normally underwater and become visible when the reservoir level falls.
The site is associated with Khruba Chaiyawongsa Phatthana, who was born in the former Ban Ko community. Mae Ping National Park officials identify Wat Ban Kao as his birthplace temple. A local ceremony known as Song Nam Wat Ban Kao is held there in April each year, with devotees from several areas taking part.
Remains
The temple ruins include old bricks, sections of the temple wall, and an image associated with Khruba Chaiyawongsa Phatthana. A large rain tree () also stands in the reservoir near the ruins.
When the reservoir level falls, parts of the temple become visible, including the entrance arch and the top of a chedi. The site can be reached by boat from Kaeng Ko when the water level permits access.
In 2026, the Lamphun Provincial Administrative Organization surveyed Wat Ban Kao and the large rain tree at Kaeng Ko as potential historical tourism attractions.
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