Wat Phothisomphon
A serene Buddhist temple in Udon Thani, featuring a stunning gilded chedi with viewing platforms and intricate Naga sculptures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Wat Phothisomphon
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist temple in Udon Thani, featuring a stunning gilded chedi with viewing platforms and intricate Naga sculptures.
"Beautiful, clean and quiet temple with a majestic chedi offering great views."
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Remove shoes before entering buildings. :pray:
Climb for Views
Ascend the Chedi's levels for stunning temple and city vistas. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gilded Central Chedi
Main temple grounds
A majestic, multi-tiered stupa adorned with intricate gold and red details, offering panoramic views from its upper levels.
Naga Staircase
Entrance to the Chedi
Serpentine mythical creatures guarding the steps, adding a dramatic and traditional Thai architectural element.
Meditation Level
Top floor of the Chedi
A serene space for quiet reflection, featuring beautiful murals on the walls, offering a spiritual retreat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Remove shoes before entering buildings. :pray:
Climb for Views
Ascend the Chedi's levels for stunning temple and city vistas. :camerawithflash:
Free Entry
Enjoy the temple's beauty without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:
Peaceful Escape
Visit during off-peak hours for a truly serene experience. :dove:
Tips
from all over the internet
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Remove shoes before entering buildings. :pray:
Climb for Views
Ascend the Chedi's levels for stunning temple and city vistas. :camerawithflash:
Free Entry
Enjoy the temple's beauty without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:
Peaceful Escape
Visit during off-peak hours for a truly serene experience. :dove:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wat Phothisomphon for its beauty, cleanliness, and serene atmosphere, particularly noting the majestic gilded chedi and the Naga-lined stairs. Many appreciate the free entry and the opportunity to climb the chedi for panoramic views. Some mention that certain halls might be closed, but the overall experience is highly positive.
"Beautiful, clean and quiet temple. We came when there was an event on the main hall so we just went around the other side where there was not people at all.
The buildings are all well maintained. It was just recently repainted and the gold/red paint are perfect combination of classy and regal. The grounds are also clean and there's a lot of trees and plants. Worth the short visit."
Belle
"The Temple grounds cover a large area and include many attractive buildings, but the centre piece is the beautiful Pagoda. You can climb the steps of the Pagoda where there are galleries on two levels. It's worth going upto the 2nd level for the best view of the whole site. Plenty of space for parking and free to visit. I noticed that apart from buildings like the Ordination and Assembly Halls which unfortunately were closed for access, there is also a funary building complete with Crematoria."
Miles Macdonald
"The Wat looks so majestic with the Naga lining the stairs. You can climb to the top that gives you a commanding view of the compound. There are 3 floors where you can enter the temple to pray. On the 3rd floor, the mural on the wall is beautiful. You will have removed your shoes to enter. After the temple visit, you can walk over to the Nong Prajak Park, which is across the road."
peter liew
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Phothisomphon is conveniently located close to the city center of Udon Thani. You can easily reach it by taxi, songthaew (shared taxi), or even a short motorbike ride. Many visitors find it a quick and accessible destination from their accommodation.
Yes, there is ample space for parking available at the temple grounds, making it convenient for those arriving by private vehicle.
Yes, Wat Phothisomphon is located across the road from Nong Prajak Park, making it easy to combine a visit to both attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific hours aren't always listed, temples in Thailand are generally open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the site.
No, Wat Phothisomphon is free to visit. This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly attraction for all travelers.
There is no need to book tickets in advance as entry to Wat Phothisomphon is free. You can visit spontaneously.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's important to dress modestly when visiting any Buddhist temple. This means covering your shoulders and knees. You will also need to remove your shoes before entering any of the temple buildings.
Yes, you can climb the steps of the central chedi. There are galleries on two levels, and the second level offers the best views of the entire temple complex.
The Naga statues are mythical serpent-like creatures that often guard temple entrances in Thai Buddhism. They add to the majestic and traditional aesthetic of the temple.
The temple grounds are well-maintained with plenty of trees and plants. While some buildings like the Ordination and Assembly Halls may be closed for access, the main chedi and grounds are open for exploration.
While it's a famous temple, it's not typically as crowded as major tourist attractions, especially if you visit during off-peak hours. Some visitors have found areas with no people at all, allowing for a peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The gilded central chedi, especially with the Naga staircase, makes for iconic photos. The views from the top of the chedi also offer great photographic opportunities of the temple grounds and surrounding areas.
Generally, photography is allowed in the outdoor areas and on the exterior of the buildings. Be respectful and avoid taking photos inside areas where people are praying or meditating, and always be mindful of local customs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
The belief in the 'Guardian Dragon' adds another layer of spiritual interest, particularly for those curious about local amulets and protective deities. The temple provides an authentic glimpse into the spiritual life of Udon Thani.
+1📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Central Chedi
Inside the chedi, particularly on the third floor, you'll find beautiful murals adorning the walls, depicting religious scenes and stories. This space is often designated for meditation, offering a quiet and spiritual atmosphere for reflection. Remember to remove your shoes before entering any of the temple buildings, including the chedi, as a sign of respect.
The chedi's grandeur is further enhanced by the Naga statues that line the stairs leading up to it. These mythical serpent-like figures are a common motif in Thai Buddhist art and architecture, symbolizing protection and prosperity. Their presence adds a dramatic and sacred aura to the ascent.
Spiritual Significance and Local Beliefs
One of the notable spiritual aspects highlighted is the belief in the 'Guardian Dragon' (龍母Yai), a powerful protector. This entity is believed to ward off evil, protect against danger, and even substitute for its owner in times of peril. Consequently, people who work in high-risk professions or face potential conflicts often pray to this guardian for safety and protection.
+1Visitors seeking blessings for warding off evil, avoiding danger, and ensuring safety may find a particular connection to the spiritual practices and beliefs associated with Wat Phothisomphon. The temple offers a glimpse into the living traditions and faith of the Thai people.
+1
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