Wat Tham Suea

Located in Muang Chum Sub-district, this temple is situated on a high mountain amidst the natural scenery of rice fields. It was constructed in 1971 by Phra Khru Sithiwimol (Luang Por Chuen Pasathiko). At the top, the large Luang Por Chin Prathan Porn Buddha image is enshrined in a meditation posture, bestowing blessings. The Buddha image has a lap width of 5 wa, 3 sok, 9นิ้ว (approximately 10.5 meters) and a height of 9 wa, 9นิ้ว (approximately 19 meters). It is decorated with gold mosaic tiles, with a tiered aureole supporting it from behind. The Thai-style Ubosot (Ordination Hall) and Viharn (Assembly Hall) are beautifully designed and adorned with decorative patterns, both inside and out. Later, in 1984, the "Phra Chedi Kaew Maha Prasad" was constructed, taking 7 years to complete. It is an octagonal, Thai-style, brick-colored chedi, 69 meters high and 29 meters wide, divided into 9 levels. Each level is decorated with beautiful patterns and paintings. In the center, a spiral staircase leads to the top level, where the sacred relics, invited from India, are enshrined. The Supreme Patriarch presided over the enshrinement in January 1990. All windows are open, offering panoramic views of the rice fields, the Mae Klong River, and distant mountains. To the side is "Wat Tham Khao Noi," a temple with beautiful Chinese-style architecture. Descending to the lower area, you will find a connecting path to Tham Suea (Tiger Cave). Inside the cave, it is clean, well-organized, and houses statues of tigers and various revered figures. In the parking lot area, there is a Sala Kan Parian (Bimap Hall) which houses the elevated glass coffin containing the perfectly preserved body of Luang Por Chuen Pasathiko, displayed under a golden pavilion. Nearby, a replica of the Buddha's footprint is enshrined. Open daily from 07:30 to 16:30. Visitors can ascend to the temple via three Naga staircases, each with 158 steps, or by using the electric tram service. The fee is 10 Baht for Thais and 20 Baht for foreigners. For inquiries, please call 0 3465 5383.