Wat Nak Prok was established around late Ayutthaya period in 1748. A hundred year afterward (approximately in the reign of King Rama III or IV), the temple was restored by Phra Boriboonthanakorn (Pook Tan), a wealthy Chinese merchant, who married to Thai lady and settled down in Siam. He had the great gratitude to Siam and a strong believe in Buddhism that inspired him to renovate this monastery.

In the beginning Phra Boriboonthanakorn directed to construct the first building, Uposatha hall or chapter house. Inside this hall, there was an attractive Chinese style mural. Subsequently he managed to build a repository of Buddha images, Vihara or shrine-hall. Interior of this Vihara, there was a beautiful Thai style mural telling the story of the Buddha ("Return from Tavatimsa heaven" and "Victory over Mara or demon"). He also respectfully invited a principal Buddha statue from Sukhothai province to be enshrined here.

The principal Buddha statue was cast from bronze in Mara Vichai style (Victory over demon style). This statue has a 7 heads great serpent over the head of the Buddha statue. The temple was named from this image. In Thai language, 'Wat' means temple, 'Nak' means the great serpent and 'Prok' means to cover.

Wat Nak Prok is a private Theravada temple under Council of Elders (the Sangha Supreme Council) in Mahanikaya (the Great branch). It is located on 342 Toetthai49 Road, Pak Klong Pasicharoen sub-district, Pasicharoen district, Bangkok. Canals, school and another temple surround the temple. The north is adjacent to Wat Nak Prok canal. To the east of the temple is Wat Nang Chee. The south of the temple is Bang Wah canal, and to the west of the temple is Wat Nak Prok School. The total area of the temple is 4.884 acres.