Wat Pho Chai temple in Nong Khai is the head or main temple of Nong Khai. Lay people of the Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhist tradition come from all over the province to make merit and pray to the bronze and golden Buddha statue (Luangpho Phra Sai).
- A visit to Wat Pho Chai is one of the various things to do in Nong Khai and attractions to choose from when planning activities. It’s also worth noting that this is one of many Temples in Nong Khai.
Open: Daily 8.00am – 17.00pm
Address: Pho Chai Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Nong Khai, Chang Wat Nong Khai 43000
This temple can get very busy and was when I visited. Coaches and cars of visitors arrive and leave throughout the day. It can get hot at certain times of the year and day in Nong Khai – so choose the coolest time (early morning) and less busy if needed.
About Wat Pho Chai
Wat Pho Chai is a very important temple to the Nong Khai people. The bronze Buddha with a solid gold head enshrined within the alter area is said to have been brought over from Laos and fell in the Mekong River and was then recovered 25 years later to be kept in another temple until it was later enshrined in Wat Pho Chai.
Each year on the full moon day in the seventh lunar month the people of Nong Khai hold a merit-making of rockets event to honour Luangpho Phra Sai (Buddha statue).
For most travellers visiting Wat Pho Chai, the main attraction is the painted murals that tell the story of the Buddha statue and other mythical Buddhist stories that are important to Buddhist scriptures and teachings. The decorative painted walls are quite outstanding and colourful.
Visiting Guide
As with all temples, they are not just tourist attractions. They are a place of worship and we must follow any codes of dress, and leave shoes outside.
It’s fine to take pictures inside of the murals and shrine with the Buddha statue enshrined.
As mentioned, it can get quite busy with people, but not overcrowded, and temperatures soar high at certain times of the year after early morning.
For most travellers, it’s the colourful murals that are the attraction; otherwise, it’s probably just another temple to them like the many others.
I’m Jonesy. The one responsible for whole lot of things including having this Thailand site up and running. I first arrived in Thailand in 2008 and being a web developer it made sense to create a website and write some stuff about my second home. Enjoy your travels!
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