Rating: 3.8/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 - 16.30

 

Wat Nong Tao, officially known as Wat Phanit Thammikaram, is an important temple in Nong Tao Subdistrict, Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province. It is best known for its highly distinctive ubosot, which stands unlike any ordinary temple hall because it was built on top of a giant turtle-shaped base. Over time, this unusual structure has become a visual emblem of the community and the most recognizable symbol associated with Nong Tao Subdistrict. For travelers looking for a temple in Lopburi that combines unique architecture, local history, and the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside, this temple is well worth a visit.

 

The key charm of Wat Nong Tao lies in the strong connection between the name of the area and the design of the ubosot itself. The name “Nong Tao” evokes the image of an old wetland or pond area where turtles were once closely tied to the landscape and to the memory of local residents. When the temple was designed with its ubosot resting on the back of a turtle, the result was not simply an unusual architectural idea. It also became a direct expression of local identity, giving the temple a significance that goes beyond its role as a place of worship.

 

According to local historical information, the temple was originally called “Wat Charoen Tham Phanit” and was established in March 1926. Later, in 1940, its name was changed to “Wat Phanit Thammikaram” in order to reflect correct Thai usage. Although the official name may be less familiar to visitors than the widely used name “Wat Nong Tao,” most people still refer to it by the name of the community because it is easier to remember and more clearly reflects the identity of the place.

 

An important turning point in the temple’s history came during the construction of the present ubosot. Work began in 1958 and continued for as long as 16 years before it was completed in 1974. What makes this building so remarkable is its design as a 2-story reinforced concrete structure, with the lower level shaped like a turtle and the ubosot clearly placed on its back. This concept is linked to Buddhist belief recalling one of the Bodhisattva’s past lives as a great turtle, while also corresponding to the name Nong Tao, which is the name of both the village and the subdistrict. As a result, the building can be seen as a work of architecture that brings together faith, belief, and local identity in a single structure.

 

Another event that gives Wat Nong Tao outstanding historical importance is the royal visit of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, Rama IX, who presided over the raising of the chofa finial of the ubosot on March 11, 1974. This was a moment of deep pride for the people of Nong Tao Subdistrict and Ban Mi District, as it reflected the temple’s significance within the community and the great royal honor bestowed upon it. The memory of that important day remains part of the local narrative and continues to strengthen the temple’s historical value today.

 

From an artistic perspective, the ubosot of Wat Nong Tao is notable not only for its striking exterior. Its interior is also richly decorated, especially around the pedestal of the principal Buddha image, which is adorned with elegant ornamental details. The surface is embellished with colored glass in an intricate manner, while the ceiling above is decorated in a way that resembles golden stars. Together, these elements create an interior atmosphere that feels graceful and quite different from that of an ordinary rural temple. Beneath the ubosot, there are also mural paintings and 16 stucco panels depicting important episodes from the Ramakien, allowing visitors to appreciate both architecture and fine art in the same place.

 

Within the temple grounds, there are several other interesting features as well, such as a wax figure of Luang Pu Liang, which is connected to the history of the ubosot’s construction, and a banyan tree that has also been mentioned as one of the highlights of the temple. The large trees across the grounds add shade and make the overall atmosphere more serene and naturally refreshing. This makes the temple suitable both for worshippers who come to make merit and pay respect, and for visitors who simply wish to admire the unusual beauty of the site.

 

Another reason why a visit to Wat Nong Tao feels memorable is the rural setting around it. The temple is located not far from Nong Tao Market and stands along the road running beside the irrigation canal, to the east of Nong Tao Railway Station. The surrounding area remains a simple local community, with houses, large trees, and a greater sense of calm than the main tourist temples in Lopburi Province. As a result, visitors often feel that they are experiencing a “real community temple” rather than a commercialized tourist destination.

 

In tourism terms, Wat Nong Tao is suitable for several types of visitors. It appeals to those who want to explore notable temples in Lopburi, travelers who enjoy unusual architecture, photographers looking for distinctive subjects, and people interested in local stories hidden within smaller community temples. Although the temple is not as famous as the main attractions in Lopburi city, its appeal lies precisely in its individuality and in the authenticity of its atmosphere.

 

Getting There To reach Wat Nong Tao from Ban Mi District, the distance is about 11 kilometers. The main route follows the road beside the irrigation canal. The temple stands behind Nong Tao Market and to the east of Nong Tao Railway Station. Visitors traveling by private car can reach the temple conveniently. Those arriving by train on the Northern Line can get off near Nong Tao Station and continue onward to the temple over a short distance. Morning or late morning is the best time to visit, as the weather is not yet too hot and the light is especially good for photographing the turtle-backed ubosot.

 

Visitors should dress respectfully and behave appropriately, just as they would at any other temple. Although the unique character of the site encourages many people to take photographs as souvenirs, it is still important to remain mindful that this is a sacred religious place, especially around the ubosot and areas where worshippers are conducting religious activities. To fully appreciate the beauty of the building, it is best to walk around the exterior first and then take time to observe the interior details quietly and respectfully.

 

Overall, Wat Nong Tao is an excellent example of a religious and cultural destination whose value does not rest on beauty alone. It is equally remarkable because of the clear and meaningful stories behind it, including its foundation, the change of its name, the construction of its distinctive ubosot, the beliefs associated with the turtle form, and the important event in 1974 when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, Rama IX, presided over the raising of the ubosot’s chofa finial. All of this makes Wat Nong Tao far more than just an unusual temple in Lopburi. It is a place that beautifully reflects the relationship between religion, art, and community identity.

 

 

A: Wat Nong Tao, or Wat Phanit Thammikaram, is located at Moo 1, Nong Tao Subdistrict, Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province, behind Nong Tao Market and near Nong Tao Railway Station.

 

A: Its most famous highlight is the ubosot built on a giant turtle-shaped base, which has become the symbol of Nong Tao Subdistrict and is considered one of the rarest temple designs in Thailand.

 

A: The temple is historically significant because His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, Rama IX, presided over the raising of the ubosot’s chofa finial on March 11, 1974, an event that remains deeply important in local memory.

 

A: From Ban Mi District center, Wat Nong Tao is about 11 kilometers away along the irrigation canal road. Travelers arriving by train can get off near Nong Tao Railway Station and continue to the temple over a short distance.

 

A: It is suitable for worshippers, photographers, travelers who enjoy unusual temples, and visitors interested in local stories and rural cultural heritage.

 

A: Morning or late morning is the best time to visit because the weather is cooler, the atmosphere is peaceful, and the light is ideal for viewing and photographing the ubosot.

 

A: No verified admission fee information was found, so visitors may wish to prepare for a voluntary donation and ask the temple directly when they arrive.