Wat Pa Phu Kon, also known as the forest temple is an outstanding place situated in the province of Udon Thani, but closer to the city of Nong Khai than the city of Udon.
This place is unique and would not fail to impress even those that had seen enough temples to last a lifetime since visiting Thailand.
Most tourists do not get to visit here because of its location and the need for transport. Most of the foreign visitors to Wat Pa Phu Kon are expats in Thailand or people that are married to a Thai person.
If you are staying in Udon Thani or even better Nong Khai it’s most definitely worth trying to visit if possible.
About Wat Pa Phu Kon
Located in the hilly forests of the Na Yung (Udon district) Wat Pa Phu Kon is unlike most religious buildings, including Wats (Temples), which are usually many years old with plenty of history that can certainly add to the attraction of these places.
Pa Phu Kon was only completed in the year 2013 and lacks history, but certainly makes up for the lack of history in its appearance and location.
Despite its lack of history, the temple itself is beautiful in appearance and set in the idyllic surroundings of the northeast of Thailand (at its best) that take contemporary religious buildings to another level.
As with all Buddhist temples, the sculptures and artworks at Pa Phu Kon represent some mystical, philosophical or other meaning related to historical Buddhist scriptures.
Inside the temple is just as impressive as the outside. The large reclining Buddha displayed that’s made from marble in Italy was transported in sections to Wat Pa Phu Kon to be erected. Over 40 blocks of marble was shipped by sea to Thailand, with each weighing up to 15 – 30 tons.
As tourists, we must be mindful that all temples are places of worship and respect for many Thai people. There is an altar area in front of the marble reclining Buddha for people to prey.
While the inside of the temple with the reclining marble Buddha is quite impressive the outside and its views are really superb. Great architecture and set within the hillside make it perfect.
There is not much else to write about the temple as pictures speak louder than words. Inside Pa Pha Phu Kon there is more information about the building work and the transportation of the marble reclining Buddha.
Worth Visiting Wat Pa Phu Kon?
If you have access to transport and you’re staying in Udon Thani or Nong Khai then it’s a great day out. Even if you do not have transport there are options to book privately (as I did with the owner of The Rim Guesthouse). Or car rental costs around 1000 THB a day.
You will have to dress appropriately for the visit as with all temples. No vests and wear shorts and skirts below the knee. The temple can provide extra covering if required.
Although situated in the Udon Thani province the temple is actually closer to Nong Khai city rather than Udon city.
Nong Khai
Udon Thai
Open: 08.00 am – 17.00 pm daily.
Address: Ban Nakhamyai | Ban Kong Subdistrict, Na Yung 41380, Thailand (link to Map).
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!
