This temple is located between Phitsanulok and Phetchabun in the Khao Khor district, about 90 kilometers from Phitsanulok and 65 kilometers from Phetchabun. It is famous for its impressive row of Buddha statues. Wat Phra Sorn Kaew sits atop an 830-meter-high hill and, surrounded by mountains, offers magnificent views. The main pagoda and surrounding buildings are decorated with over 5 million colorful mosaic tiles and ceramic vessels. Particularly noteworthy at Wat Phra Kaew Sorn are the five seated Buddha statues arranged in a row, from smallest to largest. To my knowledge, they are unique in Thailand and look especially beautiful in the picturesque setting!

Entry is free, but parking costs 30 THB. ATTENTION: This temple is very popular with Thais during the New Year festival at the end of December and the Songkran festival in mid-April!

Currently, there is no way to reach the temple by public transport. At best, you can take a bus to Phetchabun, which will drop you off at the junction with National Route 12, where the road to the temple begins. However, from there you still have to walk two kilometers uphill, and it's not always easy to find a bus back to Phitsanulok along this route. The best way to reach the temple is by car or motorbike, or by hiring a driver or taxi. Getting there from Phitsanulok is very easy: follow National Route 12 between Phitsanulok and Lomsak towards Phetchabun. A sign will direct you to where you need to turn left to drive up to the temple.

Wat Phra Sorn Kaew 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 Phra Sorn Kaew? Currently, there is no way to reach the temple by public transport. The best option is to take a bus to Phetchabun, which will drop you off at the junction with Highway 12, where the road to the temple begins. However, from there you will have to walk uphill for two kilometers, and it's not always easy to find a bus back to Phitsanulok along the same route. The best way to reach the temple is by car or motorbike, or by hiring a driver or taxi. The route from Phitsanulok is very simple: head towards Phetchabun and follow Highway 12 between Phitsanulok and Lomsak. A sign will direct you to where you need to turn left to drive up to the temple.