June 2023 – WeavingLight

Wherever you travel in Thailand, you will see large signs over the road with suggested places to visit. There was one in Rayong that we drove past most days and on it were three temples, Wat Lahan Yai and Wat Lahan Rai, which we had been to before, and Wat Nong Krap. Because I have the sense of humour of a 13 year old, that one always made me chuckle. Since we were going to be leaving Rayong, I suggested we actually go visit it and see what the fuss was all about.

Wat Nong Krap is located north of Muang Rayong and Ban Khai and is well off the beaten track, which is actually a good thing as the Wat is quiet and not overflowing with tourists.

The Walls, entrance and buildings are decorated in white and gold and they look stunning. The interior of the main Viharn is dark wood and a great contrast to the exterior walls. Surrounding the viharn are a number of Yaksha guardians standing watch around the building and you can place coins in boxes at their feet for a variety of blessings such as money, love, happiness, peace and luck.

There are a number of smaller buildings – a smaller viharn being repaired, bohts and pagodas and a cross-eyed buddha – spread out over quite a large site, along with the usual collection of Garuda, Naga, Yaksha and Pixiu that you often see around Buddhist wats.

Entrance leading to Wat Nong Krap Rayong Thailand

Carved details of a budhist temple tower

Outer Wall of Wat Nong Krap painted in white and gold

A small temple building having a roof repaired

Woman stands in front of carved wooden doors

It’s not the grandest or busiest or most popular wat, but I have to say, so far, it’s my favourite. The white and gold looks special without being overly grandiose and the atmosphere was so peaceful – perfect for quiet contemplation. The people volunteering there were also really nice.

It’s defintely out of the way, but if you ever find yourself in Rayong province and wondering what temple to visit, You won’t regret placing this top of your list.

Tucked away in the north western corner of Udon Thani, sandwiched between Loei and Nong Khai is Wat Pa Phu Kon, also known as the blue temple of Udon Thani.

Located on top of a mountain, it is a fairly new temple, and an absolutely magnificent place to visit.

Boy stands in front of the temple at Wat Pa Phu Kon, Udon Thani, Thailand

Monks exiting temple site at Wat Pa Phu Kon in Udon Thani Thailand

Pixiu statue outside the temple at Wat Pa Phu Kon

Cars are left at the base of the mountain and all transport up to the top is by songthaew over winding roads. Our driver felt it best to approach these tight twists at light speed, so not a comfortable ride. (The driver got scolded by a couple of the older women in the back, so he was humbled at the end).

Once at the top you are presented with a series of steps leading to the temple site. As you climb the stairs, the blue roofed temple buildings reveal themselves. It’s an amazing sight.

Obviously the first job was to start taking some pictures. I composed a shot of the Viharn when a boy walked into shot. His mother chided him saying I was taking a photo, but he thought I was taking a photo of him, so he gave his best pose before being dragged away by his mother.

There are several buildings on the site, but the biggest building is the Viharn and this is the one to see. Here you will find the reclining buddha made from Italian marble. It’s one of the most beautiful Buddha’s in Thailand. There was a very peaceful atmosphere at Wat Pa Phu Kon, but the feeling inside the Viharn was very special. It was like stepping out of the histle and bustle and craziness of the world, into a world of tranquility.

I’m not sure how busy the temple gets during the high season, but on the day we visited it was fairly quiet, which just added to what were feeling up there in the mountains.

There is a shop selling food and drink as well as souvenirs, and even buying a commemorative mug is a peaceful experience.

It’s out of the way for sure, but if you are ever up in that corner of Isaan, you won’t be dissapointed.