Thailand

Located in the heart of Ubon Ratchathani, this sanctuary captivates with its picturesque architecture and vibrant colors. The monastery houses ancient manuscripts and a replica of a Buddha relic, making your visit all the more captivating.

A centennial temple still active

Dating back to the 19th century, the sanctuary was built during the reign of King Rama III to house a replica of a sacred Buddha relic—an imprint of his foot brought from Wat Saket. This project aims to allow Ubon Ratchathani residents to worship this relic locally. Since its opening, the temple has drawn interest from the city's faithful. Over time, the monastery's reputation has grown, attracting believers from across Thailand to pray and earn merits.

Highlights of the Monastery

Ho Trai, a unique stilt library

Entirely constructed from wood, the incredible architecture of this building fascinates art enthusiasts worldwide. The library is elevated above a lotus pond by several cylindrical beams and topped with a multi-tiered roof adorned with chofa. Its exterior facades are decorated with fabulous motifs, while the interior walls are adorned with religious drawings depicting local beliefs and significant Buddhist events.

The appeal of this elevated library goes beyond aesthetics—it houses ancient Buddhist manuscripts written on palm leaves, the famous Tripitaka.

The Ubosot of the Wat, an architectural marvel

The temple's ordination hall, built in 1842 under the supervision and financial support of the governor at the time, is a marvel to behold upon entering the sanctuary. The immense building features exterior finishes dominated by white, gold, and red tones. Inside, mural paintings narrate anecdotes of Siddhartha Gautama.

A sacred relic is preserved within this ordination hall—a bronze replica of Buddha's foot imprint brought from Wat Saket. This object of worship is displayed prominently in front of a large Buddha image in a lotus position.

Practical information

Entrance fee and opening hours

Visiting the sanctuary is free of charge.

The monastery is open daily from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Wat Thung Si Mueang is between November and February, when Ubon Ratchathani experiences ideal weather for exploration—less precipitation and optimal warmth.

Getting to the Temple

Ubon Ratchathani International Airport receives flights from Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

Songthaews 2, 12, 3, and 8 serve the sanctuary, stopping right in front of its main gate. There is parking available next to the temple for visitor cars.

For train enthusiasts, trains from Bangkok also pass through Ubon Ratchathani.

Guidelines to follow in the Sanctuary

• Dress modestly, covering your knees and shoulders.
• Remove shoes when entering enclosed buildings.
• Avoid pointing your feet towards Buddha statues.
• Maintain silence and respectful behavior.
• Public displays of affection, including hugging and kissing, are prohibited.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the sanctuary.

Nearby attractions

• Wat Mani Anaram
• Sam Phan Bok
• Pha Taem National Park
• Wat Phra That Nong Bua