Wat Pa Dong Rai (also known as Wat Santiwanaram), a Buddhist temple, is nicknamed the "White Lotus Temple of Udon Thani" due to its modern architecture, which resembles a white lotus flower on an artificial lake. It symbolizes purity and enlightenment in the Buddhist tradition. Opened in 2019 after 16 years of construction, the main temple rises 19 meters above the water's surface and is accessible via a 50-meter-long bridge. Its golden dome and lotus-shaped windows create a peaceful atmosphere, further enhanced by colorful murals inside the dome depicting the life of Buddha and a magnificent ceiling featuring a Dharma Wheel. The temple complex offers a tranquil setting amidst nature, ideal for meditation and contemplation. However, tourists primarily come for its photogenic beauty, especially at sunset when the colorful lights of the evening sky are reflected in the lake, creating a magical ambiance. Besides the main temple, shaped like a lotus flower, the complex includes a crocodile lake, an enclosure for young crocodiles, and a fish feeding station. In my opinion, it's not an absolute must-see when visiting Udon Thani, but if you're passing through, it might be worth a detour.

Admission is free. Wat Pa Dong Rai is located about 60 km east of Udon Thani, near the Ban Chiang archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Opening hours: The temple is open daily. A visit in the morning to enjoy the tranquility or in the late afternoon to escape the heat and watch the sunset is recommended.

There is no public transport to Wat Pa Dong Rai; you must bring your own means of transport.

Wat Pa Dong Rai 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 Pa Dong Rai? There is no public transport to Wat Pa Dong Rai; you will need your own means of transport.