Khao No - Khao Kaeo

History & Significance

Khao No and Khao Kaeo hold deep historical and religious significance. Wat Khao No, located at the foot of the mountain, is believed to have been established during the Sukhothai period. It was officially registered as a temple in 1938 and received its Wisungkhamasima (consecrated boundary) in 1987.

The site has a rich royal history. In 1906 (R.S. 125), King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) made a royal visit here by water along the Ping River. He stayed overnight, took photographs, and rested inside the Reclining Buddha Cave. He bestowed several royal gifts upon the abbot Luang Pho Yaem, including a tiffin carrier, a lamp, a hot water kettle set, a wooden chest, and an armorial wooden plaque inscribed with "Yutthakan 5" featuring a brass wheel. The King also bathed in a pond now known as "Sa Sadet", where a royal statue has been erected as a memorial. Later, in 1912 (R.S. 130), Queen Saovabha Phongsri also visited and left her royal signature inscribed above the cave entrance.

Highlights & What to See

The main attractions at Khao No - Khao Kaeo include:

• The Mountain Peak: A limestone mountain featuring a staircase that leads visitors up to the summit for stunning panoramic views of the landscape.
• Reclining Buddha Cave: Located near the entrance of the mountain trail, this cave houses a large reclining Buddha image. Visitors can also see the historic royal signatures on the cave walls.
• Wat Khao No: A temple featuring an ordination hall (Ubosot) built in 1987, a Viharn, a Sala Kan Parian, and a replica of the Buddha's footprint.
• The Monkey Troop: A large population of wild monkeys resides at the foot of the mountain, often waiting to receive food from visiting tourists.
• The Bat Phenomenon: Every evening, massive flocks of bats emerge from the caves of both Khao No and Khao Kaeo, forming a long, dramatic black line across the evening sky as they fly out to feed.

Visitor Information

Khao No - Khao Kaeo is open daily from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM. Admission is free. Visitors are advised to dress respectfully when visiting the temple areas and caves, and to exercise caution when interacting with or feeding the monkeys at the foot of the mountain.

How to Get There

The attraction is located in Ban Daen Subdistrict, Banphot Phisai District, Nakhon Sawan Province. It is situated along Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road), making it easily accessible by car or local transport.