The north-east region of Isaan is known for its culture and deep-rooted traditions. Although this area sees fewer tourists than Thailand’s better-known destinations, Isaan is a fascinating region for culture lovers to explore. Home to national parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Isaan is also the location for some of Thailand’s most spectacular and unusual temples. These temples stand out not just for their architecture but also for their intriguing histories, spiritual significance, and artistic details. Here are some of the most distinctive temples you shouldn’t miss on your journey through Isaan.
Bueng Kan
Wat Phu Tok
Wat Phu Tok offers an adventure unlike any other temple in Thailand. Built on the side of a sandstone hill, the temple’s distinctive feature is its wooden walkways that cling precariously to the cliffside, winding around the mountain at different levels. The climb to the top is both physically challenging and spiritually rewarding, as it represents the Buddhist journey towards enlightenment. Visitors are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding forests and fields of Bueng Kan. This temple is ideal for those seeking solitude and spiritual reflection in nature.
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Khon Kaen
Wat Nong Waeng
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Wat Nong Waeng, also called Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, is a multi-story temple located near the large lake of Bueng Kaen Nakhon. The nine-tiered pagoda symbolises Buddhist cosmology, with each floor displaying murals and artefacts related to Buddhist teachings and the history of Isaan. The top floor offers panoramic views of Khon Kaen. What makes this temple unique is how it blends spiritual significance with local folklore through colourful murals that depict scenes from ancient legend.
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Nakhon Phanom
Wat Phra That Phanom
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Wat Phra That Phanom is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Isaan. The temple’s main attraction is the towering 57-metre-high stupa, which houses a relic of the Buddha, attracting devout Buddhists from across Thailand and Laos. The original structure dates back over 1,500 years, though it has been rebuilt and restored several times. Adorned with golden motifs, the stupa’s grandeur shines brightest during the That Phanom Festival, held annually, where visitors offer flowers and candles as a show of devotion.
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Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
Wat Ban Rai Luang Phor Koon
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This temple in Nakhon Ratchasima stands out for its distinctive shrine set in the water. The structure, shaped like an elephant, is adorned with millions of ceramic mosaic tiles. Its ingenious design reveals a dual perspective: from the ground, it resembles an elephant, but from above, it transforms into the shape of a turtle.
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Phetchabun
Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew
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Completed in 2004, this modern temple in Phetchabun province is a stunning addition to Thailand’s collection of unique and awe-inspiring sacred sites. Although reaching Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew can be a challenge by public transport, a visit is well worth the effort. The breathtaking white wat and the striking statue of five Buddhas perfectly complement the scenic mountain backdrop of Khao Kho. A standout feature is the lotus-shaped pagoda, its surfaces adorned with intricate mosaics and vibrant pottery shards.
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Si Sa Ket
Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew
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One of the most eccentric temples in all of Thailand, Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew is better known by its nickname of Wat Larn Kuad which translates as the ‘Temple of a Million Bottles’. As the nickname suggests, the temple is almost entirely made from recycled beer bottles that have been set against a concrete frame. Located in Si Sa Ket, the temple is an eco-friendly marvel built by monks to raise awareness about environmental sustainability. The walls, shrines, and even the washrooms are lined with green and brown bottles and bottle tops, creating a mosaic-like effect that shines in sunlight. The temple serves as a symbol of mindfulness and simplicity, reminding visitors of the importance of conservation in Buddhism.
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Ubon Ratchathani
Wat Sirindhorn Wararam
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Wat Sirindhorn Wararam is known as the ‘Glow-in-the-Dark Temple’. Perched atop a hill in Ubon Ratchathani province near the Laos border, this temple is renowned for its intricate design and serene atmosphere. Its most captivating feature is the ‘Tree of Life’ mural on the temple’s rear wall. At night, the luminescent paint glows bringing the wall and the floor in front to life, creating a magical ambiance. The temple’s architecture reflects elements of traditional Thai and Laotian styles, blending beautifully with the surrounding landscape. Visitors are encouraged to stay until sunset to witness the temple’s glowing transformation, making it one of Isaan’s most enchanting spiritual sites.
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Udon Thani
Wat Pa Phu Kon
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Hidden amidst the lush forests of Udon Thani province, Wat Pa Phu Kon is a modern temple known for its tranquil setting and impressive 20-metre-long reclining Buddha statue made from Italian marble. The temple’s location on a mountaintop offers visitors serene views of the surrounding forest, making it a perfect place for meditation and reflection. With its blue roofs and elegant designs, Wat Pa Phu Kon stands out from traditional Thai temples. It’s a unique blend of modern architecture and spiritual purpose, promoting inner peace and mindfulness.
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Wat Pa Dong Rai
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Construction work on Wat Pa Dong Rai was finished in 2019. Located near the excellent Ban Chiang National Museum in Udon Thani, this temple is distinctive because of its design which mimics that of a lotus flower sitting on a lake. Impressive outside, it’s also beautifully decorated inside with large glass windows designed to look like lotus petals while colourful murals on the walls depict scenes from the past lives of the Buddha.
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