Temples Near Udon Thani - Wat Phu Taphao Thong
A little over an hour by car from Central Udon Thani is Wat Phu Taphao Thong, though it is not, at present, a temple as such, though the grounds are designated as being a temple (or at least that is how it appears to be). If you are a fan of the Naga Snakes or into a bit of geology, there is plenty for you to enjoy here.
As far as I can make out, the grounds were established as a temple due to a red handprint in one of the large boulders on the site. To be honest, I would imagine to the average person the handprint is of little interest but it is a nice place to have a wonder around and chill under one of the large stones (The best you can in the heat of Issan).
The site is on a slope but it is reasonable gentle in most places so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll without much effort to take in everything.
As far as I can make out, the grounds were established as a temple due to a red handprint in one of the large boulders on the site. To be honest, I would imagine to the average person the handprint is of little interest but it is a nice place to have a wonder around and chill under one of the large stones (The best you can in the heat of Issan).
The site is on a slope but it is reasonable gentle in most places so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll without much effort to take in everything.
Of course, the temple is visited almost exclusively by Thai locals coming to make merit at the small shrine at one of of the main Naga Snake, but now that we are highlighting this attraction, you may meet the occasional foreigner, though still highly unlikely. I deal if you want to get away from "ferang".
At the top of the hill is a "cave" with an open door entrance. This is not a natural cave, rather it is a cave type structure that has been formed around the existing rocks. Inside is a number of Buddhist religious structures known as Luk Nimit, round stones the size of a cannonball that are placed in to these holes during a religious ceremony.
At the top of the hill is a "cave" with an open door entrance. This is not a natural cave, rather it is a cave type structure that has been formed around the existing rocks. Inside is a number of Buddhist religious structures known as Luk Nimit, round stones the size of a cannonball that are placed in to these holes during a religious ceremony.
Naturally there is a trinket shop at the entrance to the site along with a very welcome drinks stall.
Is the site worth a visit om it's own? For many people, probably not but the time is not wasted if you combine a visit to Wat Phu Taphao Thong with a visit to the nearby Ban Huay Dua Market.
Is the site worth a visit om it's own? For many people, probably not but the time is not wasted if you combine a visit to Wat Phu Taphao Thong with a visit to the nearby Ban Huay Dua Market.
How to get to Wat Phu Taphao Thong
GPS Co-ordinates 17.032608, 102.664343