Finally, the rainy season has come to an end, and we are fully entering winter... Although the weather may not feel refreshingly cool just yet, let's take a moment to calm our minds. With a series of holidays lined up, why not invite family or close friends to embark on a spiritual journey together? We have divided the routes into 6 options for you to choose from. Where do you like to travel? Where will you pin your destination? Read on to find out!

Temple Route with Diverse Styles

Provinces: Roi Et - Mukdahan - Yasothon
Who says visiting temples is boring and repetitive? With the Isaan temple route from Yasothon to Mukdahan and then to Roi Et, you can explore everything from Christian churches, the Naga on a high mountain, to towering stupas that nearly touch the sky. It's truly magnificent! We recommend driving for convenience when crossing provinces. You can enter from the main Chaiyaphum road, head to Isaan via Korat, and pass through Khon Kaen.

Song Ya Church, Thai Charoen District, Yasothon

Starting in Yasothon, who would believe that a Roman Catholic church stands tall in the Isaan region? This is considered one of the most unseen attractions in Thailand, being the largest and most beautiful church in Southeast Asia. Built entirely of wood, it measures 16 meters wide and 57 meters long, featuring Western-style architecture with stained glass decorations, beautifully combined with Thai wood carvings!

Phu Nam Ron Buddha Footprint Temple, Mukdahan City

Heading slightly north to the Mukdahan National Park along the Mekong River, you will find the Phu Nam Ron Buddha Footprint Temple. Not only does it house a replica of the Buddha's footprint, but it is also home to the magnificent statue of Phaya Si Mukda Mahamuni Neelpal Narai, a stunning Naga statue located on a high hill that offers breathtaking views of Mukdahan!

Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Temple, Nong Phok District, Roi Et

Finally, in Roi Et, we have the Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Temple, which houses the Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol, one of the largest and most beautiful six-tiered stupas in Thailand. It is designed in a contemporary style that blends Central Thai and Isaan art, and it also enshrines relics that every Buddhist should come to pay respect to.

Path of Dharma in Isaan

Provinces: Sisaket - Ubon Ratchathani
For those who prefer a more meditative experience, enjoy the simplicity of forest temples that are not focused on grandeur but rather on tranquility and community betterment. This route is perfect for you! You can drive there, but if you prefer not to travel far, you can fly directly to Ubon Ratchathani International Airport!

Mahachai Kaew Temple (Million Bottle Temple), Khun Han District, Sisaket

The first place I recommend everyone visit is the Mahachai Kaew Temple, which is considered one of the unseen attractions in Thailand! Established in 1984, it is made from over 1,500,000 bottles, creating beautiful designs on the temple walls, church, restrooms, and even the monk's quarters. It's a unique sight that you must see for yourself! And don't forget to bring empty bottles to donate to the temple as a way to make merit and help the environment!

Mahaputharam Temple (Phra To or Red Forest Temple), Sisaket City

Still in Sisaket, the Mahaputharam Temple is an ancient temple that has been a part of the city for a long time. It holds significance for all Buddhists due to its long history dating back to 1951. It houses the Luang Por To, a large Buddha statue in the Mara Vijaya posture, believed to be of Khmer art that is nearly a thousand years old, making it highly revered.

Nong Pa Pong Temple, Warinchamrab District, Ubon Ratchathani

Driving east for a while into Ubon Ratchathani, you will find several ancient temples, one of which is Nong Pa Pong Temple. This was once the ordination site of the revered Luang Pu Chah Subhaddo, who laid the foundation for this temple to be a place of peace and simplicity, closely connected to nature. For general tourists, you can enjoy the serene atmosphere and pay respects at the Luang Pu Chah stupa for blessings in your life.

Path of the Waters of Dharma Mountains

Provinces: Nong Bua Lam Phu - Loei
If you want to enjoy a leisurely trip filled with nature, culture, and spirituality, head to the northeastern Isaan route from Nong Bua Lam Phu up to Loei and along the Mekong River. This path is perfect for you! Traveling is easy with several bus services available, and Loei also has an airport, making it convenient to reach Chiang Khan in under an hour by bus.

Tham Klong Ple Temple, Muang District, Nong Bua Lam Phu

If you want both merit and to explore the wonders of nature, you must visit Tham Klong Ple Temple. This temple harmonizes beautifully with nature, providing a peaceful atmosphere. A unique tradition here is to strike the Klong Ple drum for good fortune, which is an ancient local drum, and to pay respects at the pure white stupa, a memorial for Luang Pu Khao.

Phra Jo Cave, Na Wong District, Nong Bua Lam Phu

Another lesser-known tourist spot that is truly unseen but breathtakingly beautiful. The ascent to the temple may require some effort as you need to climb about 500 iron steps surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush bamboo forests. Once you reach the top, you will see a beautifully seated Buddha statue amidst a 360-degree view of Nong Bua Lam Phu!

Mahathat Temple, Chiang Khan District, Loei

After enjoying your time in Chiang Khan, don't forget to stop by Mahathat Temple, the oldest temple in Chiang Khan, established since 1697, making it the heart of Loei. If you want to admire the wooden ubosot built in true Lan Chang art style, this is a must-visit!

Path of Exquisite Dharma

Province: Amnat Charoen
Another province known for its excellent preservation of Buddhism is Amnat Charoen, which features a unique blend of Lanna influences from the north with Isaan and Laotian elements. You can drive there or take public transport, which runs four times a day. Alternatively, if you are prone to motion sickness, you can fly to Ubon Ratchathani and take a bus to Amnat Charoen, which takes about an hour.

Phra Lao Thepnimit Temple, Phana District

Phra Lao Thepnimit Temple is a must-visit for those on a spiritual quest, as it houses the Phra Lao Thepnimit Buddha statue, which features a unique Isaan art style influenced by Vientiane Laotian art. Its serene and beautiful face has earned it the title of one of the most beautiful Buddha statues in Isaan!

Tham Saeng Phet Temple, Muang District

Not far away is Tham Saeng Phet Temple, a beautiful and serene temple with a vast area that includes a hall, stupa, and reclining Buddha. On the northern side of the hall, there is a large cave that Luang Pu Chah Subhaddo once used for meditation, and it now houses the Phra Lao Thepnimit statue, which has been a part of the community since 1820, inviting everyone to come and pay their respects.

Temple Routes Near Bangkok

Provinces: Ang Thong - Sing Buri
For those who don't want to travel far, I recommend exploring the nearby temple routes. Just drive out via Vibhavadi-Don Mueang Road for about an hour (traffic permitting), and you can experience ancient temples dating back to the Ayutthaya period. This route is perfect for you!

Khun Inthapramun Temple, Pho Thong District, Ang Thong

This temple houses a large reclining Buddha statue, or the Nirvana posture, measuring 50 meters long, making it the second longest reclining Buddha after the one in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan. This temple has a long history, having been damaged by fire in the past, leaving only the brick structure visible today, revealing the Buddha statue that has weathered the elements for hundreds of years, leading to the construction of a new large reclining Buddha in 1753.

Na Phra That Temple, Muang District, Sing Buri

This is believed to be the site of the ancient city of Sing Buri, filled with traces of ancient brick walls and old ubosot, giving a strong sense of stepping back in time. The highlight of this temple is the prang, approximately 8 wa high, shaped like a Garuda holding a scepter, which remains beautifully intact.

Path of Wishes Fulfilled

Province: Nakhon Si Thammarat
For those who want to head south to seek fortune and blessings, Nakhon Si Thammarat is packed with temples and revered teachers. You can conveniently travel by plane from Don Mueang, landing directly at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport! Or if you prefer a leisurely drive to gather experiences along the way, that's also an option.

Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple (Phra That Temple), Muang District

This large temple is located within the ancient city walls dating back to the reign of King Rama VI and is truly the spiritual center for the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat. It also houses the Phra Puai, a Buddha statue in the posture of granting forgiveness, known for helping those who have difficulty conceiving. Many devotees have left images of their children as evidence of its sacredness.

Ai Khai, Wat Chedi

In 1980, the village headman dreamt of a young boy asking him to carve a statue of himself, introducing the legend of Ai Khai, a wooden statue of a child about 9-10 years old, who is popular for granting wishes for luck and wealth, leading to a pile of toys left at the temple... But if you plan to pay respects, don't forget to research what Ai Khai likes to ensure you bring the right offerings!


See how wonderful Thailand is for travel! Moreover, you don't have to spend a lot of money like traveling abroad. With good planning, you can spend just a few thousand baht. Not only will you spend time with your loved ones, but you'll also make merit for blessings in your life!

Thanks for the information:
thailandtourismdirectory.go.th,
paiduaykan.com,
thai.tourismthailand.org,
travel.trueid.net