Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew, also known as Pha Sorn Kaew Buddhist Meditation Center, is one of the most remarkable religious and scenic attractions in Phetchabun Province. Set on a hillside in Thang Daeng Village, Khaem Son Subdistrict, Khao Kho District, the temple is surrounded by mountain ridges, cool air, and the misty atmosphere that makes Khao Kho one of Thailand’s most memorable highland destinations.

 

The site began to take shape around late 2004 as a Dhamma practice center dedicated to the teaching of Satipatthana 4, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. This core Buddhist practice is regarded as a direct path toward purification of body and mind, the ending of suffering, the realization of the Noble Path, and the attainment of Nibbana.

 

What makes Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew especially distinctive is the way it combines Buddhist devotion, contemporary religious art, and mountain scenery. From a distance, visitors can see the iconic white image of the Five Buddhas rising above the hills. Nearby stands the richly decorated pagoda, covered with colorful ceramics, glass, beads, and reflective materials that create a luminous surface under changing light.

 

The name “Pha Sorn Kaew” is connected to a local legend. Villagers in the area spoke of a crystal-like orb appearing in the sky and disappearing into a cave near the cliff summit. The place came to be regarded as auspicious and sacred, and the name became closely associated with the landscape, faith, and identity of this mountain temple.

 

The main pagoda, Phra Chedi Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew Sirirat Dhammanaruemit, is a 9-storey structure built as a Buddhist offering and a royal tribute connected with the reign of King Rama IX. The top of the pagoda enshrines sacred Buddhist relics, while the lower areas are used for displaying Buddhist teachings, symbolic Dhamma images, and meditation practice.

 

The Five Buddhas Pavilion is the best-known landmark of the temple. The large white seated Buddhas are arranged in a descending composition and have become a defining image of Khao Kho tourism. Visitors should dress respectfully, remove shoes where required, and keep a quiet manner, as the site remains a place of worship and meditation.

 

Getting There is easiest by private car. Most visitors travel along Highway 12 between Phitsanulok and Lom Sak, then continue into Khaem Son Subdistrict toward the temple. The access road includes uphill sections, so careful driving is recommended, especially during rain or heavy mist. Travelers coming from Bangkok can drive via Saraburi, Lopburi, Phetchabun, and Khao Kho, or take a bus to Phetchabun or Lom Sak before arranging local transport to the temple.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the mountain air is more pleasant. The rainy season and cool season are especially atmospheric, with a higher chance of seeing mist around the surrounding valleys. Weekends and long holidays can be crowded, so visitors should allow extra time for parking and walking around the temple grounds.

 

 

A: It is located in Thang Daeng Village, Khaem Son Subdistrict, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun Province.

 

A: The temple is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

 

A: There is no entrance fee, although visitors may make donations voluntarily.

 

A: The main highlights are the Five Buddhas Pavilion, the colorful mosaic pagoda, and the panoramic mountain views of Khao Kho.

 

A: Morning and late afternoon are ideal, especially during the rainy and cool seasons when the mountain atmosphere is fresh and misty.

 

A: The easiest way is by private car via Highway 12. Travelers without a car can take a bus to Phetchabun or Lom Sak and continue by local transport.