Located in the forest areas of the Nong Khai province just 65 kilometers from the city of Nong Khai and overlooking the Mekong river is the Buddhist temple – Wat Hin Mak Peng.
I had the opportunity to visit Wat Hin Mak Peng on a day trip. This was the first attraction we stopped off at before heading to the wonderful Wat Pha Tak Suea Skywalk and the even more wonderful and unique Wat Pa Phu Kon temple.
About Wat Hin Mak Peng
A revered monk of the Northeast of Thailand named Luang Poo Thet Thetrangsri lived at Hin Mak Peng practicing and teaching the Dharma there. He is still deeply respected by the people of Thailand today.
You will notice statues paying respect to the late monk and shrine areas where people kneel and pray. After the death of Luang Poo Thet Thetrangsri a Chedi (Buddhist stupa) was built which enshrined his remains.
Wat Hin Mak Peng was a place for deep and concentrated mediation practice before the monk Thetrangsri passed away. I’m not sure of the Buddhist activities and practice here since his passing, although it is now visited and busy with many Thai people paying respect, praying and viewing the beautiful surroundings.
Surrounding Area and Views
The temple area and surroundings makes it an ideal location to relax for a while and eat some food you could bring along. It’s a great meditative and peaceful environment.
Views of the Mekong river and the bordering country of Laos can be seen from the temple area.
This little monkey statue caught our attention and it was pointed out to me that he represented holding his head with a hangover looking over the Mekong river after a night on the booze. You can see they have placed a bottle of beer next to him.
Worth Visiting Wat Hin Mak Peng?
Wat Hin Mak Peng is definitely worth visiting for just the views of the Mekong and the peaceful forest surroundings.
I would say it not worth a visit as a stand alone attraction on a day out for the average tourist or visitor, but if you could fit this in on a trip to Wat Pha Tak Suea the skywalk it’s well worth it. Hin Mak Peng is on route to Pha Tak Suea (only 17 km apart) so it makes sense to stop by.
Getting There & Info
It’s about 65 km from Nong Khai city on route 211 and take about 1 hr 15 minutes. There is a bus you could inquire about that can stop of here, but they’re not frequent.
I visited on a day trip with the owner of the Rim Guesthouse as mentioned above. Great trip, worth every penny.
The map below includes Wat Pha Tak Suea and the distance to there. You will see both of these are in close proximity to each other.
Open: 08.30 – 16.30 daily
Address: Phra Phutthabat, Si Chiang Mai District, Nong Khai 43130
Phone: 094 307 7055
