Several years ago, during my most extensive trip to date through the Isaan region of Thailand, I missed an important destination on my wish list: Wa Pa Phu Kon, also known as the “blue temple” of Udon Thani.

A combination of factors led to this result. I hadn't devoted nearly enough time to the vast northeast of the kingdom in general. As for the temple specifically, it was simply too far removed from the rest of Jangwat Udon Thani for me to realistically reach.

The good news? I finally made it to the Blue Temple, Wat Pa Phu Kon, a few weeks ago, so before I'm writing this. The even better news? You can easily follow me… er, my tire tracks.

How I learned about Wa Pa Phu Kon

To be honest, I first came across the Blue Temple in Thailand (in Udon Thani, not the more famous one in Chiang Rai) when I was planning my trip to Isaan. However, instead of finding it on the list of places to visit, only a picture of it appeared in the search results. I had to do a reverse image search to find out its name. Naturally, I immediately added it to my list after learning this.

As I already mentioned in the introduction (and will explain in more detail later), logistical difficulties in traveling to this temple unfortunately prevented my original visit. My trip began and ended in Udon Thani; I had assumed I would have time for a short detour to the temple before my flight back to Bangkok. On the positive side, however, I appreciated the temple much more in 2025 than I did in 2022.

What you should know about visiting the Blue Temple in Thailand

It is located in Udon Thani

One reason for my initial skepticism about visiting Wat Pa Phu Kon in 2022 was a simple misunderstanding. Since the temple appeared in my search for places to visit in Udon Thani, I assumed it was simply a matter of getting there from Udon Thani city center.

(Province of Udon Thani)

Unfortunately, it turned out that although Wat Pa Phu Kon is officially located in Jangwat Udon Thani (i.e., the province of Udon Thani), it is actually closer to Loei than to the city of Udon Thani. Therefore, it was simply not possible for me to travel there in the time I had available.

It is (probably) not possible to get there by public transport.

That was true, even though I (or rather, my travel partner and now husband) had a car. Anyone relying on public transport can almost never reach the Blue Temple unless they speak excellent Thai and have an enormous amount of time.

You can combine it with other travel destinations.

That's the bad news. The good news? You can easily combine a visit to the Blue Temple in Thailand with other destinations, whether in Udon Thani (more on that later) or in neighboring provinces like Loei, Nong Khai, or even Chaiyaphum if you're traveling in July.

That's somewhat disappointing.

Like many places in Thailand that have become famous on social media, Wat Pa Phu Kon is a disappointment. Not because it isn't unique or beautiful, but because much of its visual appeal only becomes apparent from a bird's-eye view, i.e., via drone. This is especially unfortunate since drone photography is prohibited.

Other activities in Udon Thani

Udon Thani is an underrated corner of Thailand, even though the city center itself might give the impression that there is nothing to do there:

  • Start or end your journey at the Train Night Market, which, as the name suggests, is just a short walk from Udon Thani train station.
  • If you come in early February, take a trip (ideally at sunrise) to the Red Lotus Sea, which is called Talay Bua Daeng in Thai.
  • Although Nong Khai is not directly in Udon Thani, the riverside town is only a short distance away and well worth a visit.

    • As you can see, the Blue Temple of Udon Thani is just the beginning of what there is to discover in this exciting, underrated province.

    More frequently asked questions about the Blue Temple in Thailand

    What is the Blue Temple in Udon Thani?

    The Blue Temple in Udon Thani, Thailand, is officially known as Wat Pa Phu Kon. It owes its name to its roof, which shines in a beautiful blue-green hue. Many of the decorations in and around the temple are also in this color.

    How much does a trip to Wa Pa Phu Kon cost?

    Entry to Wat Pa Phu Kon is free. However, you will need either a rental car, a motorbike, or a taxi to visit the mosque. The total cost of your trip is therefore expected to be at least 1,000 baht and may be even higher depending on various factors.

    How do you get to Wat Pa Phu Kon?

    Wat Pa Phu Kon can be reached by car or taxi. The journey from Loei and Udon Thani takes approximately two hours each way, so please allow plenty of time. While it is theoretically possible to reach the temple via day trips or shared taxis like songthaews, having your own vehicle is the most reliable option.

    Conclusion

    The truth about the Blue Temple, Wat Pa Phu Kon, isn't quite so glamorous. While architecturally unique, it's not nearly as impressive in person and from the ground as it appears in drone footage on social media. Add to that its remote location from the rest of Udon Thani, and getting there is, to say the least, difficult. The lack of reliable public transport to and from the temple only exacerbates the situation. Fortunately, after reading this article, you'll at least know whether it's worth a visit or not. Want to learn more? Then book me to help you plan your Thailand trip!