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Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Khao Phlong, Chainat Province is a hill located in Khao Tha Phra Subdistrict, Mueang Chainat District, Chainat Province, approximately 3 kilometers from the city center. At the summit stands Wat Pathom Thetsana Aranyawasi, also known as Wat Khao Phlong, which enshrines Phra Phuttha Ariyathammo, a large Buddha image in the Mara-Vijaya posture. It is also an important viewpoint offering wide panoramic views over Chainat city. At the foot of the hill is Chainat Bird Park, one of the province’s major attractions. For this reason, Khao Phlong is both a religious site, a viewpoint, and an important tourist destination in Chainat Province.

 

Chainat Province is located in the Chao Phraya River basin. Most of its landscape consists of fertile lowland plains suitable for agriculture and long-term human settlement. As a result, Chainat is often associated with farming areas, rice fields, and one of the central region’s most important rivers. However, amid this flat landscape, there is a small hill located not far from the city. This hill is “Khao Phlong,” which has become a distinctive geographical landmark of Chainat and an important place in terms of religion, culture, and tourism.

 

Khao Phlong is situated in Khao Tha Phra Subdistrict, Mueang Chainat District, Chainat Province, about 3 kilometers northeast of Chainat city along Highway No. 1, also known as Phahonyothin Road. This is one of Thailand’s main transportation routes, connecting Bangkok with the northern region. As a result, travel to Khao Phlong is highly convenient for tourists coming from nearby provinces as well as those passing through Chainat on this major route.

 

This hill is highly significant to Chainat because, apart from being a geographical landmark, it is also home to an important religious site on its summit. That temple is Wat Pathom Thetsana Aranyawasi, commonly known among local people as “Wat Khao Phlong.” The temple is important to the local community and is a place where people come to make merit, pay homage to the Buddha image, and admire views of Chainat from above.

 

The history of Wat Pathom Thetsana Aranyawasi began during the 25th Buddhist century, when monks and local villagers joined together to develop the summit of Khao Phlong into a place for meditation practice and religious activities. Permission to build the temple was granted on September 27, 1973. It was officially established as a temple on March 29, 1976, and later received its royal Wisungkhamsima boundary on November 15, 1976. This gave Wat Khao Phlong full legal standing as a Buddhist temple.

 

Although the temple’s official name is “Wat Pathom Thetsana Aranyawasi,” most people refer to it simply as “Wat Khao Phlong,” after the hill on which it stands. The name Khao Phlong has therefore become widely recognized and is used for both the hill and the temple at its summit.

 

One of the most outstanding features of Khao Phlong is Phra Phuttha Ariyathammo, a large Buddha image in the Mara-Vijaya posture enshrined on the summit. This Buddha image is a center of faith for the people of Chainat and for visitors who travel from other provinces to pay their respects. Because of its large size and prominent position, the Buddha image can be seen clearly from a distance, making it an important symbol of Khao Phlong.

 

The summit area of Khao Phlong does not feature only the large Buddha image. There is also a stupa built to enshrine sacred Buddha relics, as well as the ordination hall of Wat Khao Phlong, which is used for monastic ceremonies. The summit therefore serves as both a sacred religious space and an area open to the public for worship and meditation.

 

In addition to its religious importance, Khao Phlong is also a major viewpoint in Chainat Province. From the summit, visitors can enjoy broad views of Chainat city, including the main roads, agricultural landscapes, and the Chao Phraya River flowing through the province. This elevated perspective allows visitors to clearly appreciate the structure and setting of the city.

 

The atmosphere of Khao Phlong is peaceful and shaded, as much of the area remains covered with trees and natural surroundings. Once at the summit, visitors can feel the constant breeze and enjoy the open scenery. This makes the place ideal for relaxation, merit-making, and taking in the beauty of the natural landscape.

 

At the foot of Khao Phlong is Chainat Bird Park, another important tourist attraction of the province. Chainat Bird Park is a large bird sanctuary displaying many bird species, including a vast aviary designed to allow visitors to walk inside and observe birds at close range. Many tourists therefore choose to visit the bird park first and then continue up to Wat Khao Phlong to pay respects to the Buddha image and admire the city view.

 

Khao Phlong has therefore become an area that combines many activities in one place, including religious tourism, nature appreciation, relaxation, and learning about wildlife at Chainat Bird Park. The presence of several important attractions close to one another has made this area a major destination for visitors traveling to Chainat Province.

 

Getting There Khao Phlong can be reached from Chainat city by taking Highway No. 1, or Phahonyothin Road, northeast for approximately 3 kilometers. You will find the entrance to Khao Phlong near Chainat Bird Park. From the base of the hill, there is a road that allows visitors to drive up to the temple area on the summit.

 

Visitors may choose to drive up to the summit by private car, or walk up the staircase to experience the hill’s atmosphere more closely. Once at the top, they will find the worship area of Phra Phuttha Ariyathammo, the stupa, and viewing points offering beautiful views over Chainat city.

 

With its convenient access and the variety of activities available in one place, Khao Phlong has become one of the most important tourist attractions in Chainat Province and a destination that many travelers do not miss when visiting this province.

 

 

A: Khao Phlong is located in Khao Tha Phra Subdistrict, Mueang Chainat District, Chainat Province, about 3 kilometers from Chainat city.

 

A: The main highlights of Khao Phlong are Wat Khao Phlong, Phra Phuttha Ariyathammo, the hilltop stupa, and the viewpoint overlooking Chainat city.

 

A: Yes, visitors can drive up to Wat Khao Phlong on the summit because there is a road leading directly to the temple area.

 

A: It is generally open daily from approximately 06:00 – 18:00.

 

A: At the foot of Khao Phlong is Chainat Bird Park, one of the province’s major tourist attractions, and both places can easily be visited in the same trip.