Wat Pho Chai Sri

Udon Thani Province


With brightly painted statuary that's even more bizarre than Nong Khai's Sala Kaew Ku, this wát is a perfect add-on to Phu Phrabat if you have your own transport. The life-size figures around the temple grounds are acting out scenes from Isan fables and demonstrating the punishments awaiting the wicked in the Buddhist hell.

Also known as Wat Ban Waeng, the temple is about 5km out of Ban Phue. A túk-túk from town costs about 100B round-trip with waiting time.

The temple is also home to Luang Po Naak, a very holy 1200-year-old Buddha image shaded by a seven-headed naga that locals believe is responsible for many miracles.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Udon Thani Province attractions

1. Phu Phrabat Historical Park

5.65 MILES

Steeped in mythical intrigue and peppered with bizarre rock formations, Phu Phrabat Historical Park is one of the region’s highlights. The formations are…

2. Wat Phra That Bang Phuan

17.5 MILES

Boasting a beautiful chedi that locals believe holds 29 Buddha relics, Wat Phra That Bang Phuan is one of the region's most sacred temples. Nobody knows…

3. Wat Hin Mak Peng

20.82 MILES

Overlooking a lovely stretch of the Mekong, this vast forest temple is centred on a small cliff rising out of the river. It's respected by Thais because…

4. Din Phiang Cave

21.09 MILES

Thirteen kilometres past the road to Wat Pha Tak Sua is an interesting cave that many locals believe is the home of a naga king. If you can speak Thai you…

5. Wat Chanthabuli

22.8 MILES

This beautiful riverside wat was built in the 16th century, destroyed during the Siamese invasion of 1828 and later fully restored to its present glory…

6. Wat Xieng Nyean

22.86 MILES

This centrally located temple has a convenient entrance on Rue Fa Ngoum, the riverfront road.

7. Nong Khai Aquarium

22.93 MILES

Although it's looking a little shabby these days, this large aquarium offers a fairly interesting collection of freshwater and ocean-dwelling fish from…

8. Presidential Palace

22.94 MILES

It's not possible to go inside the Presidential Palace, as unsurprisingly it is reserved for the president and government officials. It is, however, a…