Wat Pa Phu Kon is a hill top Buddhist temple located within a forest reserve in a isolated part of Udon Thani Province in the north east of Thailand, not far the border with Laos. Wat Phu Khon is, along with Wat Tham Pha Daen, a strong contender for being the most beautiful temple in the North Eastern Region of Thailand.
About Wat Pa Phu Kon
Not so many foreign visitors make it to Wat Pa Phu Kon. Its a long way from the nearest large city of Udon Thani, If you don’t have your own vehicle then you have too options for getting there: a taxi from Udon Thani which is likely to cost around 1,500 for the round trip, or to take a bus to Na Yung. From Na Yung Bus Station its then a further 8 km to Wat Pa Phu Kon. Its a relatively expensive and time consuming excursion for day trip from Udon Thani but well worth as Wat Pa Phu Kon is an extraordinary temple in a location of enormous natural beauty.
Wat Pa Phu Kon in Udon Thani ProvinceWat Pa Phu Kon is a recently built temple, completed in 2013. It features a large tiled concrete platform on a hillside with 6 buildings. The platform is encircled by a concrete rail over which you get excellent views of the Na Yung-Nam Som National Forest Reserve. The largest building, which is near the centre of the platform, is the most interesting. Inside is 20 metre long statue of the Lord Buddha in a reclining position. As well as being very large, the statue is impressive as its made from large blocks of white marble imported from Italy. Construction of the temple was an expensive project reputedly costing the equivalent of $10 million USD, funded by a wealthy private donor. The main building also features 22 impressive copper plates each with a scene from one of the stories of the life and death of the Lord Buddha. Other impressive features of the temple include the wide stairway leading up to the podium, a 4.5 metre tall statue of the Lord Buddha in a seated position, and a 25 metre tall chedi tower with a golden globe containing what are believed to be relics of the Lord Buddha.
- Opening hours: 08:30 to 17:00 every day
- Entrance Fee: Free
Location of Wat Pa Phu Kon
- Wat Pa Phu Kon is located 121 km by road from Udon Thani Railway Station.
