Wat Si Mongkhon (Wat Na Sai)

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: Open All Day

 

Wat Si Mongkhon, also known as Wat Na Sai, is an old Buddhist temple located in Moo 3, Ban Na Sai, Wang Ban Subdistrict, Lom Kao District, Phetchabun Province. Situated along the Wang Ban–Cho How route, the temple is highly valued for its old ordination hall, Lan Chang-style Buddhist art, and remarkable mural paintings that reflect both Buddhist teachings and local community life in the past.

 

In simple terms, Wat Si Mongkhon is an ideal destination for travelers who want to pay respect, see an old Lan Chang-style temple, and study traditional mural paintings in one place. The temple is especially meaningful for those interested in Buddhist art, local history, and the cultural identity of Lom Kao.

 

The temple was established in 1815 and was originally known as Wat Sai Ngam, a name connected to the clean reddish sand courtyard within the temple grounds. Over time, it became widely known as Wat Si Mongkhon or Wat Na Sai, after the village where it is located. Inside the temple is Phra Phuttha Mongkhon, a stucco Buddha image in Lan Chang style, along with an old sim, or ordination hall, believed to be around 200 years old.

 

The old sim is the most important architectural feature of Wat Si Mongkhon. Its Lan Chang style reflects the cultural connection between the Lom Kao area and communities with historical links to Luang Prabang. The building is modest but deeply meaningful, with craftsmanship that differs from central Thai ordination halls.

 

The mural paintings inside the ordination hall are the temple’s main highlight. Created using traditional color-powder techniques, the murals depict the Ten Jataka stories, which tell of the Buddha’s previous lives and the perfection of virtues before enlightenment. These paintings serve not only as decoration but also as visual teachings about morality, karma, merit, and spiritual development.

 

The murals also include scenes of heaven and hell, reflecting traditional Buddhist moral concepts. Images of hell warn people against wrongdoing, while heavenly scenes encourage virtue and merit-making. This type of mural art played an important role in communicating Buddhist teachings to local communities in earlier times.

 

Another remarkable aspect of the murals is their depiction of local life. Visitors can observe scenes of occupations, river trade, travel, fishing with nets, local music such as the khaen, and other daily activities. These details make the murals valuable not only as religious art but also as historical records of community life in Phetchabun.

 

A visit to Wat Si Mongkhon is suitable for travelers who appreciate quiet cultural sites. Visitors should take time to observe the murals carefully and respectfully. Touching the walls, using strong flash photography, or disturbing the old structure should be avoided in order to preserve this cultural heritage.

 

Getting There is convenient by private car. Take the Lom Kao–Wang Ban road from Lom Kao District for about 3 km, then turn left into Ban Na Sai for another 1 km. The temple can be included in a cultural route around Lom Kao, Wang Ban, and Phu Thap Boek.

 

Overall, Wat Si Mongkhon, or Wat Na Sai, is one of Phetchabun’s important old temples. With its Lan Chang-style sim, Phra Phuttha Mongkhon Buddha image, and valuable mural paintings, the temple offers a meaningful experience for travelers interested in Buddhist art, local history, and authentic cultural heritage.

 

 

A: It is located in Moo 3, Ban Na Sai, Wang Ban Subdistrict, Lom Kao District, Phetchabun Province.

 

A: The main highlight is the old Lan Chang-style sim with mural paintings depicting the Ten Jataka stories, Buddhist history, heaven and hell, and local life.

 

A: The temple was established in 1815 and was formerly known as Wat Sai Ngam.

 

A: The murals show Buddhist stories, moral teachings, heaven and hell, and scenes of local life such as river trade, travel, fishing, and traditional occupations.

 

A: Take the Lom Kao–Wang Ban road for about 3 km from Lom Kao District, then turn left into Ban Na Sai for about 1 km.

 

A: Yes, especially for travelers interested in Buddhist art, old temples, Lan Chang architecture, and local cultural history.

 

A: No, there is no entrance fee.