This small temple is located in Sikhoraphum, about 30 kilometers from Surin, and can easily be combined with a visit to Prasat Sikhoraphum, the city's Khmer temple. It's situated opposite the train station on the other side of the tracks, making it quick and easy to reach. This allows you to make the wait for your train more pleasant than if you were to linger on the platform. The small ordination hall is very traditional and almost always closed. However, the beautiful golden Buddha statue in a striding pose is particularly worth seeing. Of course, Wat Ra Ngaeng isn't necessarily the reason to travel to Sikhoraphum, but if you're already in the area, why not take a look?

You can reach Sikhoraphum by train (7 baht in 3rd class, journey time just over half an hour). This is the most comfortable way to travel, and you're guaranteed not to miss a train. There are always trains waiting outside the station. The fare is 20 baht, double that if the driver waits for you and takes you back to the station. Alternatively, songthaew 1487 and minivan 4400 run between Surin and Surin.

Wat Ra Ngaeng 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 I get to Wat Ra Ngaeng? The best way to reach Sikhoraphum is by train (7 baht in 3rd class, journey time a little over half an hour). This is the most comfortable way to travel, and you're guaranteed to arrive on time. Several trains are always waiting outside the station. The fare is 20 baht, double that if you want the driver to wait for you and take you back to the station. Alternatively, songthaews (route 1487) and minivans (route 4400) run between Surin and Surin.