Wat Tham Khuha Sawan

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 18.00

 

Wat Tham Khuha Sawan in Ubon Ratchathani is one of the most meaningful temple attractions in Khong Chiam District, located near Highway 2222 in Khong Chiam Subdistrict. Set close to the Mekong River, this temple brings together Buddhist devotion, cave scenery, riverside viewpoints, and local spiritual history in one compact destination. It is best known as the temple associated with Luang Pu Kham Khaning Chulamani, a respected meditation monk whose preserved body is kept in a glass coffin inside the cave for devotees and visitors to pay respect. The temple is also known for Phra Tham Chedi Si Trai Phum, its natural cave, golden Buddha images, a large ceremonial gong, and panoramic views over the Mekong River and Laos.

 

Wat Tham Khuha Sawan is a suitable stop for travelers who want more than a brief photo opportunity. Within one visit, travelers can make merit, walk into a calm cave shrine, learn about a revered Buddhist teacher, photograph the large gong, and enjoy the landscape of Khong Chiam from elevated temple grounds. Most visitors spend around 1–2 hours here, though those who want to take photos, sit quietly, and continue to nearby viewpoints may want to allow more time. The temple fits naturally into a cultural and nature-focused itinerary around Khong Chiam, Pha Taem National Park, Kaeng Tana National Park, and the Two-Color River viewpoint.

 

The temple’s history is closely connected with Luang Pu Kham Khaning Chulamani, a meditation monk who used this area as a place for practice and residence. Wat Tham Khuha Sawan became widely known through the faith of his disciples and local people. After his passing, his body did not decay, and his disciples preserved it in a glass coffin inside the cave. This sacred point remains the emotional and spiritual center of the temple. For many Thai visitors, coming here is not only about sightseeing but also about paying respect to a revered monk whose memory continues to shape the temple’s identity.

 

The atmosphere of Wat Tham Khuha Sawan is a blend of a Buddhist sanctuary and the natural riverside scenery of eastern Ubon Ratchathani. The temple sits on higher ground near the Mekong River, allowing several areas to open toward wide views of the river, the surrounding landscape, and the Lao side across the water. In the morning, the light is soft and the air is more comfortable for walking. In the late afternoon, the temple grounds become calmer, and the view over the river feels especially serene. This setting gives the temple a different character from urban temples and makes it one of the key spiritual stops in Khong Chiam.

 

One of the most important areas is Tham Khuha Sawan Cave, the natural cave behind the temple. Inside the cave are several Buddha images placed for worship. The cave is calm and cool, creating a meditative atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and be respectful. This is also where the glass coffin containing the preserved body of Luang Pu Kham Khaning Chulamani is located. Visitors should enter quietly, dress modestly, and avoid making noise, as this part of the temple is treated as a sacred place of remembrance and devotion.

 

Another major highlight is Phra Tham Chedi Si Trai Phum, a white and gold pagoda that stands prominently within the temple grounds. Its elegant form makes it one of the most recognizable structures at Wat Tham Khuha Sawan. Inside is a seated Buddha image, and visitors often stop here to pray before walking to other areas. The contrast between the white structure, golden details, and open temple courtyard creates a graceful visual impression, especially under strong daylight.

 

The large ceremonial gong is another memorable landmark within the temple. It stands in an open area and has become one of the most photographed features of Wat Tham Khuha Sawan. Beyond its impressive size, the gong carries symbolic meaning in Buddhist culture, associated with merit, ceremony, and the sound of Dharma. For travelers, it is also a clear visual marker that they have arrived at one of Khong Chiam’s best-known temple attractions.

 

Wat Tham Khuha Sawan is also valued as a viewpoint over the Mekong River. From the temple grounds, visitors can see the river landscape and the Lao side beyond the water. Those interested in the famous Two-Color River phenomenon can continue to Wat Khong Chiam or the nearby viewpoint, where the Mun River meets the Mekong River. During suitable seasonal conditions, the difference in water color becomes visible, creating the well-known contrast often described locally as the meeting of the blue Mun and the muddy Mekong.

 

For travelers interested in local history, Wat Tham Khuha Sawan reflects the character of Khong Chiam as a riverside district where Buddhism, community life, and the Mekong landscape are closely connected. The temple sits along a route that can be combined with Pha Taem National Park, Kaeng Tana National Park, Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao, the Two-Color River viewpoint, and Pak Mun Dam. This makes it suitable for either a day trip from Ubon Ratchathani city or a slower 2-day itinerary with an overnight stay in Khong Chiam.

 

There is no admission fee to visit Wat Tham Khuha Sawan. The temple is open daily from 08.00 to 18.00. Morning is the most comfortable time to visit because the temperature is cooler and the light is good for photography. Late afternoon is ideal for those who want a calmer riverside atmosphere. In the hot season, travelers should bring water, a hat, and sun protection. In the rainy season, extra care is needed on steps and cave walkways, as some surfaces may become slippery.

 

As this is an active Buddhist temple, visitors should dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees. Inside the cave and worship areas, keep your voice low, avoid disruptive photography, and do not touch sacred objects unless clearly allowed. The temple is welcoming to travelers, but respectful conduct is important because local people and Buddhist devotees still visit regularly for merit-making and worship.

 

Getting There is easiest by private car, rental car, or hired local transport. From Ubon Ratchathani city, follow the route toward Phibun Mangsahan and continue to Khong Chiam District, then use Highway 2222 to reach the temple. The distance from Ubon Ratchathani city is about 80 km, and the drive usually takes around 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic and stops. The road is paved and suitable for a day trip, but staying overnight in Khong Chiam allows travelers to visit more nearby attractions without rushing.

 

Travelers without a private vehicle can take local transport from Ubon Ratchathani city to Khong Chiam and continue by local hired vehicle. Public transport schedules in the district may be limited, so it is better to check departure times in advance. For small groups, hiring a car with a driver is often the most practical option, especially when combining Wat Tham Khuha Sawan with Pha Taem National Park, Kaeng Tana National Park, and Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao in the same trip.

 

A practical route is to begin at Wat Tham Khuha Sawan for worship, the cave, the pagoda, and the Mekong viewpoint. From there, continue to Wat Khong Chiam and the Two-Color River viewpoint, then visit Kaeng Tana National Park or drive onward to Pha Taem National Park for mushroom-shaped rock formations, prehistoric cliff paintings, and wide views over the Mekong. In the evening, Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao is a popular final stop because of its glowing tree mural after dark.

 

Wat Tham Khuha Sawan is worth including in a Khong Chiam travel plan because it offers a complete experience in one place: Buddhist worship, meditation heritage, a natural cave, a revered monk’s preserved body, river scenery, and easy access to major nearby attractions. For foreign travelers, it is a meaningful introduction to the spiritual landscape of Ubon Ratchathani and the cultural character of Thailand’s Mekong border region.

 

 

A: Wat Tham Khuha Sawan is located on Highway 2222 in Khong Chiam Subdistrict, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, close to the Mekong River.

 

A: The temple is open daily from 08.00 to 18.00.

 

A: No. There is no admission fee for visiting the temple, cave, worship areas, and viewpoints.

 

A: The main highlights are Tham Khuha Sawan Cave, the glass coffin of Luang Pu Kham Khaning Chulamani, Phra Tham Chedi Si Trai Phum, the large ceremonial gong, and the Mekong River viewpoint.

 

A: Most travelers should allow 1–2 hours for worship, cave exploration, photography, and enjoying the riverside views.

 

A: Travel from Ubon Ratchathani city toward Phibun Mangsahan and continue to Khong Chiam District, then take Highway 2222 to the temple. The drive is about 80 km and usually takes around 1–1.5 hours.

 

A: Nearby attractions include the Two-Color River viewpoint, Wat Khong Chiam, Kaeng Tana National Park, Pha Taem National Park, Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao, and Pak Mun Dam.

 

A: Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and behave respectfully inside the cave and worship areas.