temple in khao yai
Khao Yai is a natural tourist destination filled with yummy Thai street food, dining options, various activities, and comprehensive shopping. Whether it’s the night market in Khao Yai, catering to the lifestyle of everyone who travels to this destination, or even during the winter season, which is perfect for harvesting grapes in Khao Yai vineyards, making this period popular among travelers for both tourism and learning, as well as stopping to buy souvenirs to bring back ho me.
In addition to enjoying the natural scenery, another recommended tourist destination for everyone to explore is 15 temples in Khao Yai. Besides being significant Buddhist sites, visiting and paying respects to the Buddha at Khao Yai is also a way to make merit and enhance one’s spiritual well-being.
1. Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram
Many people who have come to pay respects at Khao Yai must have heard the name Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram, as this temple is known for housing the white-colored Buddha statue known as Phra Phutthasakon Si Maha Mongkol, or commonly known as Luang Pho Khao. The height of the statue is more than 112 meters above ground.
Along the pathway leading to worship Luang Pho Khao, there are a total of 1,250 steps, corresponding to the Makha Bucha Day when 1,250 monks gathered without prior arrangement. In addition, within this temple, there are places for making merit, paying respects to the Buddha, as well as small shops for dining, touring, and shopping.
- Location: Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram
- Address: Klang Dong, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: 06.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram
2. Wat Ban Rai
Wat Ban Rai, also known as Wat Luang Pho Khun, is a temple in Khao Yai area that has been established since the 5th reign of King. Initially, it served as a meditation center before being developed into various religious structures over time. Particularly significant is the period when Phra Thephawitthayakhom or Luang Pho Khun, Prisutthatho, took residence as the abbot. The temple received support from devotees for the construction of Buddha statues and other religious artifacts.
Currently, Wat Ban Rai includes the Thep Witthayakhom Hall, surrounded by water. The four-story building features beautiful elephant sculptures and houses the complete teachings of the Buddha.
- Location: Ban Rai Temple, Luang Phor Koon
- Address: Kut Phiman, Dan Khun Thot, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: 08.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: –
3. Wat Tham Phet Phiman
Tham Phet Phiman Temple is another temple in Khao Yai area, known for its natural beauty. Apart from the naturally occurring stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave, the temple also houses various Buddha statues, including the Emerald Buddha and other sacred objects, arranged in an orderly placed along the walking path. It has become a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims seeking blessings and spiritual enlightenment.
- Location: Wat Tham Khao Prang
- Address: Nikhom Lamnarai, Chai Badan, Lopburi
- Opening Hours: 07.00 a.m. – 08.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Tham Phet Phiman
4. Wat Pa Phu Hai Long
Another temple in Khao Yai area that offers a peaceful atmosphere is Wat Pa Phu Hai Long. The temple is located high on a mountain surrounded by lush greenery and morning mist. It is famous for its large pagoda and large Buddha statue. Create a heavenly atmosphere, It was originally built as a residence for monks, and later developed into a temple with important religious relics.
- Location: Wat Pa Phu Hai Long
- Address: Wang Katha, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: 05.30 a.m. – 05.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Pa Phu Hai Long
5. Wat Khao Wan Chainawarat
Wat Pa Khao Yai, also known as Wat Khao Wan Chainawarat, It features a sandstone pagoda carved with Meticulously carved wood patterns that withstands a variety of weather conditions. The temple is divided into three levels: the first floor is for meditation; The second floor is for Buddhist ceremonies and spiritual training. and the third floor is for containing relics and a large Buddha statue.
- Location: Wat Khao Wan Chainawarat
- Address: Tambon Pak Chong, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: 08.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Khao Wan Chainawarat
6. Wat Tham Sap Muet
Tham Sap Muet Temple It was originally a cave that the villagers used for agriculture. It was converted into a temple after Luang Pu Muni visited the area while meditating. The temple has a nine-tiered stupa. Therefore, there is a quiet atmosphere for worship. Inside the temple there is a statue of Luang Pu Muni and various exhibitions. related to Buddhist teachings.
- Location: Wat Tham Sap Muet
- Address: Ro Pho Cho Nakhon Ratchasima 3017 Rd. (Ban Soi Dao-Ban Nong Sai), Pak Chong, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: 05.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Tham Sap Muet
7. Wat Salawan
Discover Wat Salawan One of the oldest temples in Khao Yai, which is famous for practicing meditation. The temple has a pagoda decorated with sandstone carved figures of important people in the spread of Buddhist teachings. The surrounding area is decorated with beautiful greenery trees and colorful flowers. This makes it a popular place to meditate and reflect on Buddhist principles.
- Location: Wat Salawan
- Address: Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom
- Opening Hours: 07.00 a.m. – 07.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Salawan
8. Wat Saeng Tham
Wat Saeng Tham, also known as Wat Wang Khao Khiao, is a temple in Khao Yai area that is notable for its sandstone sanctuary. The temple is surrounded by natural beauty with water. There is a peaceful atmosphere that visitors can enjoy. With the absorption of Buddhist teachings, the temple has three floors, each with a different purpose including meditation Buddhist rituals and where the Buddha’s relics are enshrined.
- Location: Wat Saeng Tham Wang Khao Khiao
- Address: 26 Moo 19 Wang Nam Khiao, Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: 06.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Saeng tham
9. Wat Makut Khiriwan Khao Yai
Wat Makut Khiriwan Khao Yai is a temple in Khao Yai that is characterized by a sandstone pagoda carved with intricate wood carvings. This pagoda not only adds beauty to the temple, but is also durable against the elements. The temple provides a peaceful environment for meditation. It helps to clarify the mind and spiritual being.
- Location: Wat Makut Kiri Wan
- Address: 86 Soi Ban Sai Thong Mu 24 Soi 2, Pong Ta Long, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: 06.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Makut Khiriwan Khao Yai
10. Wat Tham Pho Thong
Tham Tham Pho Thong Temple, also known as Tham Wong Khiao Temple, is a temple in Khao Yai area, located near Khao Yai National Park. This temple is famous for the Sri Sapphasit sandstone pagoda. It is a 9-story pagoda with an octagonal base. Inside the temple there are many Buddha statues. Tourists can enter to worship and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Location: Wat Tham Pho Thong
- Address: Nong Nam Daeng, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: 07.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Tham Pho Thong
11. Wat Noen Kum
For those who like to make merit and pay homage to the Buddha, Wat Noen Kum or Wat Luang Pho To is a must-visit temple in Khao Yai. Founded by famous artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple area surrounded by lush greenery and its architectural beauty makes it a popular destination. Moreover, The temple serves as a spiritual center. The main attraction is a giant statue of Luang Pho To.
- Location: Wat Non Kum
- Address: 20 Thanon Mittraphap, Mittraphap, Sikhio, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: 09.00 a.m. – 04.30 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Noen Kum
12. Wat Charoen Thamyan Sampanno
Khao Yai Wat Charoen Thamyan Sampanno Temple is a peaceful temple. If anyone comes here, we recommend that you pay homage to Luang Pu Uthai Siritharo, a disciple of Luang Pu Pan Acharok Rab, considered an important person in Buddhism. At present, Luang Pu Uthai Siritharo acts as the spiritual leader and gives blessings. The temple itself is quite quiet and well maintained. For those seeking a more intense and peaceful merit-making experience. Highly recommend this temple.
- Location: Wat Khao Yai Yannasampanno
- Address: Village Moo. 1, Pong Ta Long Subdistrict Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: Dhamma practice ; Morning 8:00-9:30 a.m. Afternoon 1:00-6:00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Charoen Thamyan Sampanno
13. Wat Pang Chang
Wat Pak Chong is a small temple that serves as a focal point for religious ceremonies of the local residents in the nearby area. This temple features a prominent shrine that is clearly visible when driving by. The shrine stands out beautifully amidst well-maintained grass fields, offering a comfortable and pleasing view. If you travel towards the pagoda, you will encounter a stunning golden-yellow Buddha statue gracefully situated under a large Bodhi tree. It is truly magnificent.
- Location: Wat Pang Chaeng
- Address: Klang Dong, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: 06.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Pang Chang
14. Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung
Wat Pa Pha Sung is another beautiful temple in Khao Yai, serving as a serene meditation place on the mountain. This temple was constructed by Phra Ajahn Jetsadabodhi, who initiated the establishment of the meditation center on Pha Sung Mountain. Later, he invited Ajahn Jai, a spiritual friend, to join him in practicing meditation at this location. A significant feature within the temple is the Chom Pha, or the sacred pagoda named Phra Maha Thad Chedi Sri Phu Pha Sung, holding great importance.
- Location: Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung
- Address: Makluea Mai, Sung Noen, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: 06.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung
15. Wat Sa Nam Sai
Wat Samsa Sai is famous for its stunning surroundings – mountains and green trees. The temple has a tranquil pond which enhances its natural beauty. Inside the temple there are many caves, each with its own importance. Including caves housing 3 Buddha statues, various shapes including round, square and octagonal.
- Location: Wat Sa Nam Sai
- Address: Pong Ta Long, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima
- Opening Hours: 06.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.
- Facebook page: Wat Sa Nam Sai
Summary
Thailand is known as a country of Buddhism. Characterized by a long history in Buddhism. There are also many interesting Buddhist sites throughout the country. These places are popular destinations for many people, especially those who want to make merit and pay homage to the Big Buddha.
If you’re someone who wants to make merit at a temple in Khao Yai and wishes to stay in a resort amidst nature, Rancho Charnvee Resort Khao Yai & Country Club is recommended. Here, the accommodations are decorated in European style, resembling a castle in the midst of the mountains. There are also various activities available, such as horseback riding, zip-lining, and many more, waiting for you to come and create experiences and lasting memories.