Wat Tham Khao Wong, 90 kilometers west of Uthai Thani, is a forest temple built in 1987, idyllically situated in the mountains. The four-story main building, constructed of teak in the traditional Thai style, sits on the hillside overlooking a large pond spanned by a charming wooden bridge and nestled within an enchanting garden. The second floor houses the Wihaan (ordination hall), while the third serves as the monks' retreat. On the fourth floor stands another ordination hall, also built of teak and Makha wood. Here, one finds remarkably lifelike statues of revered monks. The roof was crafted from Lamphun, and the decorative elements were made by artisans from Ayutthaya. On the path to the cave (Tham means cave in Thai), one passes an artificial waterfall. Behind the mountain are seven caves, some of which serve as meditation spaces for the monks.

Attention: This is not the only temple in Thailand with this name! Wat Tham Khao Wong in Uthai Thani is open from 8 am to 5 pm. Admission is free.

Wat Tham Khao Wong is located 90 kilometers from Uthai Thani in the Ban Rai district. Because the temple is hidden in the mountains, there is no public transportation to get there. You will need a rental car, with or without a driver. On the way there or back, a short detour to the Giant Tree of Uthai Thani is worthwhile.

Wat Tham Khao Wong 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 Tham Khao Wong? Wat Tham Khao Wong is located 90 kilometers from Uthai Thani in the Ban Rai district. Because it's situated high in the mountains, there's no public transportation. You'll need a rental car, with or without a driver. On the way there or back, a short detour to the Giant Tree of Uthai Thani is worthwhile.