Wat Lahan Yai is a quiet temple just up the road from Wat Lahan Rai. It is known for it’s big sitting Buddha. It also has a beautiful raised Viharn decorated in red, gold, blue and white. It was closed when we visited and had the place to ourselves, so it was very peaceful.
I thought it was a real shame that this didn’t attract as many visitors as Wat Mahan Rai, because the site is quite compact and the Viharn is spectacular.
Wat Lahan Rai is one of more popular and well known temples in Rayong. Depending on where you are in the city, you will see tourist signs for it. Known mostly for the large golden statue of the revered master Luangpu Thim (Which is actually a really good likeness), the temple is a large site with a variety of buildings.
I actually like this Wat. My wife and I visited here when we were both going through a difficult patch and the peace and calm and clarity we felt here was just what we needed, so this place is a special one for us. Looking forward to returning here one day.
Wat Taphong Nok is a small temple to the east of Rayong (on the way to the boats for Kho Samet) with a big sitting Buddha. The Wat is one of the quieter temples in Rayong and apart from the big Buddha, there isn’t much there to see. The Viharn was closed, which is why it was probably so quiet when we visited.
It was actually nice to be able to visit without battling the crowds you get at some of the more popular Wats. There is something about the stillness and quiet of places like this that adds something to the experience and lets you focus on your thoughts. All in all, rather a nice visit.
WeavingLight 