Wat Kham Chanod is a very popular temple among Thai Buddhists. It lies just under 100 kilometers east of Udon Thani on the shores of a lake. This sacred site is revered not only by the inhabitants of the surrounding regions but by all Thai Buddhists, as it is said to be the entrance to the underworld for the legendary Phaya Nak (the great Naga serpent) believed to reside there. The most important and sacred part of the complex is the island, accessible via a path lined with long Naga serpent statues. A high density of Kham Chanod palms grows there, giving the temple its name. The island also contains the Chaohu Sri Sutto shrine, a giant tree, and a sacred well. Near the parking area, shops sell food, clothing, and pictures of Phaya Nak. Not to be forgotten are the lottery ticket vendors, as some even come to Wat Kham Chanod hoping to find their lucky numbers. A large standing Buddha stands before the entrance to Phaya Nak Island. For the ten kilometers leading up to the temple, numerous stalls line the roadside, selling Naga snakes made of folded banana leaves and trying to attract the attention of motorists, as these are the most important offerings at Wat Kham Chanod. Architecturally, the temple may not be the most interesting in Udon Thani province, but for Thai Buddhists traveling in the region, it's an absolute must-see. Ideally, combine your visit with a trip to the neighboring salt-producing village of Ban Dung and treat yourself to some relaxation at the Kunnapat Rock Salt Spa, about a 15-minute drive from the temple.

Entry is free. It's open from 6 am to 6 pm, however, access to the island was closed during the lunch break on the day of my visit to Wat Kham Chanot. I don't know if this rule was specifically due to COVID-19 or if it's a general measure to manage the large number of visitors. In any case, during my visit, you had to take an access number and hand it in before entering the temple island. I didn't have to wait, though.

As far as I know, there is no public transport to Wat Kham Chanot. You can take a bus there and to Ban Dung (which is inconvenient and time-consuming), but you can't get dropped off directly at the temple.

Wat Kham Chanot is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Kham Chanot? As far as I know, there is no public transport there. You can take a bus to Ban Dung (which is inconvenient and time-consuming), but you won't be dropped off directly at the temple.