Wat Pa Phu Kon

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.

Wat Taphong Nok

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.

Close up of the big Buddha at Wat Taphong Nok

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.

The King Taksin Shrine, Rayong

The Taksin Shrine at Wat Lum Mahachai Chumpon in Rayong commemorates the great king who tradition tells rested here, tying his Elephant to a Satue tree and gathering his troops and planning the strategy that would ultimately drive the Burmese out of Siam. The tree still stands on the temple site.

Temple building at Wat Lum Mahachai Chumpon

Little Statue greets visitors to Wat Lum Mahachai Chumpon

A man prays at the Taksin Shrin in Rayong

Close up of the Taksin Shrine covered in gold leaf

The Taksin Shrine itself is a fairly small building with the statue of the King sitting, covered in gold leaf. The rest of the temple seemed to be closed, but the shrine was still fairly busy. Worth a visit if you’re in Rayong.