Wat Tham Pha Daen

History & Significance

Wat Tham Pha Daen is a historic temple located in Dong Ma Fai Sub-district, Mueang Sakon Nakhon District, situated between the Phu Phan and Phu Pha Yon mountain ranges. Established in 1940, the temple is believed to have served as a pilgrimage and meditation site where the highly revered forest monk Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatto and his disciples practiced Dhamma. In 2007, the abbot Phra Khru Palat Udomwat (Pakon Kantaweero) began developing the temple into a Dhamma practice center and an eco-dharma tourism site to encourage more people to visit and learn about Buddhism.

Highlights & What to See

The temple grounds are filled with massive, intricate sandstone carvings depicting various Buddhist stories and figures. Key highlights include:

• Sandstone Carvings: Detailed depictions of the Reclining Buddha, the life of the Buddha (birth, enlightenment, and passing), and a replica of the Four Buddha Footprints.
• Luang Pu Thuat Sculpture: A massive image of the revered monk Luang Pu Thuat, carved from a single giant rock, flanked by a crouching elephant and protected by a large serpent.
• Golden Rock Pagoda: A small pagoda situated atop a golden rock, symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.
• Sala Ya Jai Khon Bun: A pavilion featuring massive, rare, centuries-old trees used as pillars to preserve them for future generations.
• 180-Degree Viewpoint: A scenic lookout point offering panoramic views of Sakon Nakhon city and the vast Nong Han Lake.

Visitor Information

Wat Tham Pha Daen is open daily from 06:00 to 17:00. Admission is free. Visitors are advised to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, in accordance with temple etiquette. For inquiries, you can contact the temple at 08 3626 3475 or 08 7946 3739.

How to Get There

The temple is located in Dong Ma Fai Sub-district, Mueang Sakon Nakhon District, Sakon Nakhon Province, nestled in the Phu Phan mountain range near Dong Noi village. It can be reached by local transport or private vehicle from Sakon Nakhon city center.