Wat Somdet Phu Ruea is a Buddhist temple situated on a small hill at the beginning of the road to Phu Ruea National Park. It's worth a visit on both the way to and from the park and offers a beautiful vantage point to enjoy the sunset. The highlight is the Ubosot (ordination hall), carved from teak, which houses a magnificent Buddha statue called Phra Phuutha Chao Phaisatchaya Khuru Waithunyaprapha Chom Phaet or Phra Kring Powaret. It depicts Buddha in the posture of submission to Mara, holding a pitcher of holy water in his left hand. Murals depict King Rama IX. Surrounding the ordination hall are four Wihaan Rai, where important Buddha statues are consecrated, including one carved from Mekong jade in the Nirvana pose. However, the most striking feature is the golden chedi, visible from afar. Wat Somdet Phu Ruea Ming Mueang (its full name) is an important temple built in the 20th century. Part of its name comes from Princess Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani, who donated the money to purchase the land.

Free admission. Open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Buses traveling between Loei and Udon Thani or between Phu Ruea and Bangkok on the main road can be dropped off at the next intersection on Route 21. From there it is a little over 1 km walk.

Wat Somdet Phu Ruea 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 Somdet Phu Ruea? Buses between Loei and Udon Thani or between Phu Ruea and Bangkok, traveling on the main road, can drop you off at the next intersection on Route 21. From there it's just over 1 km on foot.