Thailand

Near Nan, in the locality of Pua, you'll find Wat Phuket, beautifully perched on a rocky hill. It's a recommended destination for a stroll to appreciate the countryside scenery.

This hillside Buddhist temple is officially known as Wat Phuket Songthaya, but locals simply call it Wat Phuket. However, don't expect exceptional architecture; the temple's charm lies elsewhere. Located in Pua, a rural mountainous town 60 kilometers from Nan Province, tourists enjoy visiting this temple as part of their excursion outside the city. Positioned on high ground, Wat Phuket offers a delightful view of rice fields, farmhouses, and surrounding mountains. Descending from the hill, you can visit the Thai-Lu weaving workshop and perhaps purchase their crafts to support local development.

Origin of the name

Some believe the sanctuary is named after the paradise island of Phuket in the Gulf of Thailand, but that's incorrect. Wat Phuket combines "Phu," meaning hill, and "Ket," a contraction of Ban Ket, a small village near the sanctuary. Translated literally, Wat Phuket means the temple built on the hill of Ban Ket.

Today

Ban Ket, in the Pua district of Nan, is one of the most remote villages in Isan, not even appearing on Thailand's road maps. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, with farmers spending most of their time tending to rice paddies. Village women engage in weaving and basketry as secondary means to supplement their income.

Exploring the Buddhist temple

A beautiful hike awaits. Take time to stroll through the rice fields before ascending the hillside.

The breathtaking panorama at the summit will be your reward. Endless rice fields shimmer in deep green after rain, with rugged mountains in the backdrop, part of Doi Phu Ka National Park.

On the way back, tourists will appreciate exploring the Thai-Lu village, an authentic tribal village typical of the mountainous heights of Isan. People here proudly preserve tradition, living simply in wooden huts, unaffected by luxury or technological progress. It's a genuine experience to witness their artisanal techniques! Skilled artisans create fabrics with subtle and delicate patterns.

Photographing this ethnic community is a popular tourist attraction, welcomed by the Thai-Lu to earn a few extra euros.

Practical information

Price and opening hours

Wat Phuket is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but spontaneous donations from visitors are accepted to support the monks of Ban Ket.

When to visit?

For a splendid view of the rice fields, consider the farming calendar. Planting occurs in July, and harvesting occurs in December. Therefore, the best time to visit Wat Phuket is during the rainy season.

How to get there?

Ban Ket village, where the temple is located on the hill, is just 1.2 km from Pua. There are no direct buses from Ban Ket to Nan, the provincial capital. You'll need to change vehicles twice.

From Bo Kho So bus station south of Nan city, take the next bus to Thung Chang. Ask the driver to drop you off at Pua, near the 7-11 intersection. Then, you can hire a motorbike taxi, bicycle, or tuk-tuk to cover the final 1,200 meters.

Nearby attractions

After visiting Wat Phuket, continue your journey to Doi Phu Ka National Park, abundant with natural riches. Besides its mountain peak, rice paddies, and waterfalls, Pua also boasts other interesting religious sites: Wat Ban Ton Laeng, Wat Rong Ngae, and Wat Phra That Bueng Sakat.