Wat Pa Si Thawon (Wat Nong Bua Charoen Phon)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Pa Si Thawon, also known as Wat Nong Bua Charoen Phon, is located in Nong Phra Subdistrict, Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province, along the Wang Thong – Sak Lek route on Highway 11 around kilometer marker 20. It is a public Buddhist forest monastery under the Dhammayut order and is known for its peaceful atmosphere, natural woodland setting, and strong connection with meditation practice. The temple is associated with Phra Ratcha Phiphatthanathon, or Luang Pho Thawon Chittathawaro of Wat Pathum Wanaram in Bangkok, who played an important role in developing this place as a center for Buddhist practice and Dhamma propagation. For foreign travelers seeking a quiet temple beyond the usual tourist route, Wat Pa Si Thawon offers a meaningful experience of Thai forest Buddhism, meditation, and natural serenity.

 

The main character of Wat Pa Si Thawon is its balance between accessibility and tranquility. Although the temple is located near a major road connecting Wang Thong and Sak Lek, the atmosphere inside the temple grounds remains quiet and deeply calming. Once visitors enter the compound, the sound and movement of the outside world begin to fade. Trees, open spaces, a large pond, meditation areas, and simple forest landscaping create an environment that supports mindfulness and inner reflection. This makes the temple suitable not only for worshippers, but also for anyone who wants to rest the mind, walk quietly, and experience the contemplative side of Thai Buddhist culture.

 

The history of Wat Pa Si Thawon is closely connected with Luang Pho Yi Pannapharo of Wat Dong Ta Kon Thong, also known as Wat Aphai Suphannaphum. Local history explains that Khun Thongdam Sampattawanit and her mother once received great compassion from Luang Pho Yi, especially during a time of illness and suffering. Later, Luang Pho Yi advised Khun Thongdam to buy land in the area around kilometer marker 20 on the Wang Thong – Sak Lek road. This land became the beginning of what would eventually develop into Wat Pa Si Thawon. Although Luang Pho Yi passed away before the land could be formally transferred, Khun Thongdam continued to regard the land as belonging to the Sangha and waited for a truly worthy monk to receive and use it for Buddhism.

 

About 16 years later, Khun Thongdam met Phra Ratcha Phiphatthanathon, known as Luang Pho Thawon Chittathawaro. He was a respected meditation monk who followed the practice tradition of the great forest master Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatto. After witnessing his discipline, conduct, and commitment to meditation practice, Khun Thongdam developed deep faith and offered 2 plots of land, together with existing buildings and related property, for the benefit of Buddhism. On 18 May B.E. 2531, Luang Pho Thawon and devotees established the place as Yi Man Thongkham Forest Meditation Site. On 9 June B.E. 2531, monks and laypeople held a nekkhamma ordination ceremony and practiced Dhamma throughout the night. These events became important milestones in the history of the temple.

 

The site later expanded when Yom Chawee Sai Ngoen, the owner of land in the center of the meditation area, sold and partly donated another plot of land. The total area of the meditation site became more than 36 rai. After the process of establishing it as a temple, the name Wat Pa Si Thawon was used. The temple came under the support of the Thawon Chittathawaro – Wongmalai Foundation, with Phra Khru Chittanantakhun (Phakdi Nonthachitto) serving as abbot. The purpose of developing the temple was to create a peaceful forest monastery that would be clean, shaded, simple, and suitable for observing precepts, practicing meditation, and spreading the teachings of the Buddha.

 

Wat Pa Si Thawon follows the spirit of the Thai forest meditation tradition. Its practice atmosphere is associated with the Buddho meditation method, which emphasizes mindfulness, awareness of breathing, and continuous recollection of the Buddha. Visitors who come here do not need to understand complex philosophy before beginning. They can start simply by walking mindfully, sitting quietly, observing the breath, and allowing the mind to settle. This direct and practical approach is one reason forest temples remain meaningful for modern visitors who want to reconnect with stillness.

 

One of the most important features of the temple is the large Anotatta pond located near the ordination hall area. The pond adds beauty, coolness, and calm to the temple landscape. In a forest monastery, water, trees, and open space are not merely decorative; they support mental stillness. The reflection of the water, the shade of trees, and the quiet atmosphere around the pond help visitors slow down and become more aware of the present moment. For those practicing meditation, this kind of environment is highly supportive.

 

Buddha images within Wat Pa Si Thawon serve as spiritual anchors for visitors and devotees. People come to pay respect, make merit, pray, and sit quietly in the presence of the Buddha. In a forest temple setting, worship often feels simple and intimate. The surrounding nature encourages humility and contemplation. Paying respect to the Buddha here is not only a ritual act; it is also a way of returning the mind to calmness, gratitude, and awareness.

 

The wooded areas of Wat Pa Si Thawon are central to its identity. In the forest meditation tradition, a suitable environment is considered important for practice. A quiet place with trees, shade, clean air, and few distractions helps practitioners reduce restlessness and observe the mind more clearly. Wat Pa Si Thawon preserves this quality well. Even though it stands near a major road, the interior of the temple maintains a feeling of seclusion and simplicity. This makes it suitable for walking meditation, sitting meditation, Dhamma reflection, and quiet personal retreat.

 

The Buddho meditation method practiced in Thai forest Buddhism is based on simplicity and consistency. Practitioners may silently repeat the word “Buddho” while being aware of the breath or the present state of body and mind. The purpose is not to force the mind, but to train attention gently and steadily. For foreign travelers, this makes Wat Pa Si Thawon an accessible place to experience the essence of Thai meditation culture. Even a short visit can become meaningful when approached with mindfulness and respect.

 

Wat Pa Si Thawon is especially suitable for visitors who want to step away from the rush of ordinary life. It is not designed as an entertainment destination or a crowded sightseeing spot. Its value lies in stillness, restraint, natural beauty, and spiritual clarity. Visitors may come for a short merit-making visit, a quiet walk through the forest grounds, or a longer period of reflection. The temple encourages people to experience a slower rhythm and to notice the mind more honestly.

 

Under the support of Luang Pho Thawon, the temple was envisioned as a place for Dhamma practice and Buddhist learning. There was an intention to develop the area as a northern Buddhist center, with Buddha images representing important moments in the Buddha’s life such as birth, enlightenment, passing into final Nibbana, and the first sermon. This vision reflects the temple’s role not only as a place for meditation, but also as a place where visitors can learn about the life of the Buddha and the meaning of Buddhist practice.

 

The temple is important not only for local residents of Nong Phra and Wang Thong, but also for people from other provinces who are interested in meditation and forest practice. Some visitors come because they are already familiar with the Thai forest tradition, while others discover the temple while traveling along Highway 11. In both cases, the temple offers a quiet and respectful space where people can make merit, practice mindfulness, and experience a form of Buddhism that emphasizes simplicity and inner discipline.

 

Wat Pa Si Thawon also contributes to the local landscape by preserving green space and creating a place of calm within a developing road corridor. The temple’s trees, pond, and open grounds provide a natural refuge for visitors and the surrounding community. This relationship between Buddhism and nature is one of the strengths of Thai forest monasteries. The temple shows that spiritual practice and environmental care can support each other in a practical and beautiful way.

 

Getting There is convenient by private car or rental car. From Phitsanulok city, travel toward Wang Thong District and continue along the Wang Thong – Sak Lek road on Highway 11 to the area around kilometer marker 20 in Nong Phra Subdistrict. The temple is located near the main road, but visitors should slow down and enter the temple carefully. Travelers using public transport should first reach Wang Thong District and then arrange local transport to Nong Phra Subdistrict. A private vehicle is recommended for those who plan to combine the visit with nearby attractions.

 

Visitors should dress modestly, speak quietly, and respect the meditation atmosphere of the temple. Since Wat Pa Si Thawon is a forest monastery and a place of practice, visitors should avoid loud conversations, unnecessary noise, and intrusive photography. If monks, novices, nuns, or lay practitioners are meditating or walking mindfully, visitors should keep a respectful distance. Cleanliness and silence are especially important because the peaceful atmosphere is the heart of this temple.

 

Wat Pa Si Thawon is therefore one of the meaningful forest temples of Phitsanulok Province. Its value comes from the history of land offered for Buddhism, its connection with Luang Pho Thawon, its Buddho meditation orientation, the Anotatta pond, the shaded forest grounds, and the quiet atmosphere that supports inner practice. A visit here is more than a simple temple stop. It is an opportunity to experience stillness, simplicity, and the living tradition of Thai forest Buddhism. For travelers seeking a peaceful and spiritually grounded destination in Phitsanulok, Wat Pa Si Thawon is a place worth visiting with mindfulness and respect.

 

 

A: Wat Pa Si Thawon, also known as Wat Nong Bua Charoen Phon, is located in Nong Phra Subdistrict, Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok Province, along Highway 11 on the Wang Thong – Sak Lek route around kilometer marker 20.

 

A: The temple is known for its peaceful forest atmosphere, natural woodland, Anotatta pond, walking meditation areas, and Buddho-style meditation practice in the Thai forest tradition.

 

A: Wat Pa Si Thawon is associated with Phra Ratcha Phiphatthanathon, or Luang Pho Thawon Chittathawaro of Wat Pathum Wanaram in Bangkok, who helped develop the place as a forest meditation site and Dhamma-practice center.

 

A: The temple is suitable for visitors who want to make merit, pay respect to Buddha images, practice meditation, walk mindfully, observe silence, or experience the peaceful atmosphere of a Thai forest monastery.

 

A: The abbot of Wat Pa Si Thawon is Phra Khru Chittanantakhun (Phakdi Nonthachitto).

 

A: Wat Pa Si Thawon is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00. Visitors should dress modestly, remain quiet, and avoid disturbing monks or meditation practitioners.

 

A: From Phitsanulok city, travel toward Wang Thong District and continue along the Wang Thong – Sak Lek road on Highway 11 to kilometer marker 20 in Nong Phra Subdistrict. Private car or rental car is recommended.

 

A: Nearby attractions include Wat Nong Phra, Wang Thong Market, Wat Phra Phutthabat Khao Samo Khlaeng, Wat Ratchakhiri Hiranyaram, Kaeng Song Waterfall, Poi Waterfall, and Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan.