Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon is an important Buddhist temple in Thung Yang Subdistrict, Laplae District, Uttaradit Province. It is located along Highway 102, about 500 meters beyond Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang, on the left-hand side near a junction. Because it lies on the same cultural and religious route as Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang and Wat Phra Thaen Sila At, the temple is often visited as part of the meaningful “three sacred Buddhist sites” route of Uttaradit.

 

The main sacred feature of Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon is the pair of Buddha footprints enshrined inside a Chiang Saen-style mondop. The footprints rest on a lotus base about 1.5 meters high and are deeply respected by local residents and pilgrims. The name “Phutthabat Yukhon” refers to a pair of Buddha footprints, making this temple especially distinctive among Buddhist footprint worship sites. Visitors come here to pay respect, pray for good fortune, and seek peace of mind.

 

In Buddhist belief, a Buddha footprint represents the path of the Buddha and the aspiration to follow that path through morality, mindfulness, wisdom, and perseverance. A pair of footprints gives the site a special sense of balance and spiritual movement. For many visitors, paying respect to the footprints is a symbolic act of setting an intention to walk through life with clarity, discipline, and inner strength.

 

The Chiang Saen-style mondop adds strong architectural value to the temple. Its form reflects northern Thai and Lanna artistic influence, giving the sacred area a calm and dignified atmosphere. The lotus base elevating the footprints reinforces the Buddhist meaning of purity and awakening. When visitors enter the mondop, the space naturally encourages quietness, respect, and concentration.

 

Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon is closely connected with the sacred geography of Thung Yang and Laplae. In local tradition, the temple represents the Buddha footprint element of the three sacred Buddhist sites. Wat Phra Thaen Sila At is associated with the sacred stone seat, while Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang is associated with Buddha relic worship. Together, these temples form one of Uttaradit’s most meaningful Buddhist pilgrimage routes.

 

Another important sacred image at the temple is Luang Pho Phuttharangsi, a bronze Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture. This Sukhothai-style Buddha image has a lap width of 55 inches and a height of 66 inches. Its graceful proportions, calm expression, and refined artistic form make it one of the temple’s most valuable objects of worship. The subduing Mara posture symbolizes the Buddha’s victory over temptation through wisdom and spiritual firmness.

 

Luang Pho Phuttharangsi was originally enshrined inside the mondop and covered with a layer of plaster for protection. Later, the plaster was removed, revealing the bronze beauty underneath. The image was then moved to the new ordination hall so that the public could pay respect more conveniently. This history shows how sacred Buddhist images were preserved and how later generations continued to care for them with devotion.

 

The Sukhothai artistic character of Luang Pho Phuttharangsi gives the temple added cultural value. Sukhothai Buddha images are admired for their gentle expression, balanced form, and spiritual elegance. Seeing this image allows visitors to appreciate both Buddhist devotion and Thai art history in the same space. Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon is therefore not only a place of worship but also a meaningful site for cultural learning.

 

The temple remains an active Buddhist site under the care of Phra Khru Phutthabot Borihan, also known as Phra Khru Phutthabot Borihan (Anan). Monks reside at the temple, and Buddhist activities continue throughout the year. This living monastic presence helps the temple remain meaningful to the local community, not only as a historical attraction but also as a functioning place of merit-making and religious practice.

 

A good visit begins with paying respect to the pair of Buddha footprints inside the mondop, followed by worshipping Luang Pho Phuttharangsi in the ordination hall. Visitors can then walk quietly around the temple grounds and observe the atmosphere of a local sacred site. A visit of 30 minutes to 1 hour is suitable for most travelers, while those interested in photography, art, or local history may want to allow more time.

 

Respectful behavior is essential. Visitors should dress modestly, speak quietly, and avoid touching sacred objects unnecessarily. Photography should be done with care, especially around the Buddha footprints and Buddha images. Since this is a functioning Buddhist temple, visitors should treat the site as a sacred space rather than only a sightseeing stop.

 

Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon can be visited together with Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang and Wat Phra Thaen Sila At in one day. This route gives travelers a complete understanding of the three sacred Buddhist sites of Thung Yang and Laplae. Wat Phra Yuen represents the Buddha footprints, Wat Phra Thaen represents the sacred stone seat, and Wat Phra Borommathat represents the relic stupa.

 

Nearby cultural attractions such as Thung Yang Market, Laplae Gate, and Laplae Museum can also be added to the itinerary. This allows visitors to combine worship, history, local food, and community exploration in one trip. The route is suitable for families, pilgrims, cultural travelers, and anyone who wants to explore Uttaradit beyond the main city area.

 

Getting There is convenient by private car. From Uttaradit city, take Highway 102 toward Thung Yang Subdistrict in Laplae District. After passing Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang, continue for about 500 meters; Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon will be on the left-hand side near a junction. The temple is very close to the other two sacred sites, making it easy to include in a half-day or full-day cultural route.

 

Travelers without a private car can use local hired transport from Uttaradit city or Laplae. If visiting all three sacred sites in one day, hiring a vehicle or using a private car is more convenient because it allows enough time to stop at each temple without rushing. Cycling is also possible for visitors who want to experience the local road, houses, temples, and community atmosphere more closely.

 

Food and accommodation are available around Thung Yang, Laplae, and Uttaradit city. Visitors can stop at local restaurants or cafes after worshipping at the temple. Those who wish to stay overnight can choose nearby local accommodation in Thung Yang or hotels in Uttaradit city, which provide more options and convenient access to other attractions in the province.

 

Overall, Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon is one of the most meaningful temples in Uttaradit Province. Its pair of Buddha footprints, Chiang Saen-style mondop, Luang Pho Phuttharangsi, Sukhothai-style bronze Buddha image, and connection with the three sacred Buddhist sites make it a valuable destination for both spiritual and cultural travel. It is a quiet but important temple that reveals the depth of Buddhist faith in Thung Yang and Laplae.

 

 

A: Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon is located in Thung Yang Subdistrict, Laplae District, Uttaradit Province, about 500 meters beyond Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang along Highway 102.

 

A: The most important sacred object is the pair of Buddha footprints enshrined inside a Chiang Saen-style mondop on a lotus base about 1.5 meters high.

 

A: Luang Pho Phuttharangsi is a bronze Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture, made in Sukhothai style, with a lap width of 55 inches and a height of 66 inches.

 

A: The abbot is Phra Khru Phutthabot Borihan (Anan).

 

A: The temple is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: From Uttaradit city, take Highway 102 toward Thung Yang Subdistrict. After passing Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang, continue about 500 meters and the temple will be on the left near a junction.

 

A: Nearby places include Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang, Wat Phra Thaen Sila At, Thung Yang Market, Laplae Gate, and Laplae Museum.

 

A: Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon represents the Buddha footprints in the three sacred Buddhist sites route, while Wat Phra Thaen Sila At represents the sacred stone seat and Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang represents the relic stupa.