Wat Pha Sorn Kaew - The 5-Buddha-Temple in Phetchabun

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Imagine a temple perched high in the green mountains, surrounded by the pristine beauty of nature and adorned with shimmering mosaics of colorful glass and ceramics. Welcome to Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, the “Temple on the Glass Mountain”, one of the most impressive and unique Buddhist sites in Thailand. It is featured in many pictures among the most beautiful temples in Thailand.

A Trip to Wat Pha Sorn Kaew in the Khao Kho Mountains

In this blog article, we take you on a journey to this hidden gem in the Phetchabun province, where we showcase the fascinating temple in a dreamy setting. You’ll hardly encounter any Western tourists here, but you will find many Thais and Burmese visiting the temple and paying their respects. A piece of Thailand away from mass tourism.

How to Get to Wat Pha Sorn Kaew

Getting to Wat Pha Sorn Kaew can be a bit time-consuming, as there is no airport nearby. If you wish to fly, the nearest airport would be in Phitsanulok. You can find flights there on Skyscanner.

You can take a bus to Phetchabun from various parts of the country. Buses run from Khon Kaen in the northeast, from Chiang Mai in the north, or from the capital, Bangkok, to Phetchabun. The remaining journey then involves a taxi ride or local buses to Lom Sak or Khao Kho. An overview of the connections can be found at 12go.

The easiest way to get there is to rent a car in Thailand. This way, you can reach Wat Pha Sorn Kaew from Bangkok in 5-6 hours via Highway 1 and Highway 21. The last stretch takes you through scenic mountains, which already offer stunning views of the temple.

Accommodation at Wat Pha Sorn Kaew – Our Hotel Tip

The Papa Garden is located amidst the mountains and offers stunning views of the surroundings. Many accommodations, including the Papa Garden, offer unique overnight stays in tents. However, these are well-equipped with comfortable mattresses and pillows, fans, Wi-Fi, and free water.

In addition to the tent, there is a dining area where a Thai breakfast is served in the morning. In the evening, Papa Garden offers its guests Moo Kata, the Thai hot pot. There is also a private bathroom on site, which is located outside the tent. We were very pleasantly surprised, and we would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to stay in Khao Kho.

You can find more hotels in the area and other locations in the Khao Kho mountains in this overview.

The History of Wat Pha Sorn Kaew

Wat Pha Sorn Kaew does not have a long history, as it was only built 20 years ago. Its full name is Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew. Construction began in 2004 and continued until 2010. It was established as a meditation center and spiritual retreat for Buddhist monks and laypeople.

However, due to its truly impressive construction, it has also become a popular spot for Thai tourists. You will encounter very few foreign tourists on-site, as the temple is relatively off the main attractions of Thailand. You can find more official information here.

The Five-Headed Buddha Statue

For many visitors, the massive Buddha statue with five heads is the highlight of the temple complex. It can be seen from afar when approaching through the mountains, and it is truly impressive. The Buddha statue is the most distinctive feature of the temple and is known to many people, even if they have never visited. Essentially, it consists of five large Buddha statues that seamlessly merge into one another. They are arranged in a row, symbolically representing the different phases in the life of Buddha, from birth to attaining Nirvana.

You can also go inside the five-headed Buddha statue, either on the first floor or the second floor. There, you can discover more statues and also make donations for the temple. This is precisely how the temple complex was funded: through donations from visitors and devotees.

Main Pagoda of Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew

The golden main pagoda is the central structure of the temple. You will find it on the left side as you approach the five-headed Buddha from the parking lot. It’s hard to miss. Richly decorated with colorful mosaics and glass artworks, it is absolutely impressive.

Tip: Before you go up to the pagoda, you can climb the small bell tower, which offers a great view with a photo opportunity of the white Buddha.

Before you take the stairs to the pagoda, you must remove your shoes on the right-hand side. You are not allowed to enter the temple with shoes (the same goes for the five-headed Buddha). Socks are offered on site, or you can bring your own. The stones can get very hot in Thailand’s heat.

Take your time and examine the pagoda at your leisure. Inside, you will find another Buddha statue, but it is the decorations on the outside and the immediate surroundings that make this pagoda special. The view of the mountains or the large Buddha statue also provides great photo opportunities.

Even though the temple is now 20 years old, everything appears very well-maintained and new. There is no trash lying around or anything like that. A truly impressive structure. Even though we have seen many temples in Thailand, Wat Pha Sorn Kaew is definitely one of the highlights!

View from Wat Pha Sorn Kaew

While the temple complex with the large Buddha statue and the main pagoda with its many mosaics is naturally impressive, we shouldn’t overlook the view. From here, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Khao Kho mountains. By the way, this is a popular vacation spot for Thais, and we can absolutely recommend a visit to the area if you want to experience Thailand beyond beaches and the sea.

More Statues and Shrines in Wat Pha Sorn Kaew

Throughout the site, you’ll find many more statues and small shrines that you can explore. Some are more fascinating, some less so. You can even find a small replica of the Golden Rock (article coming soon in English) from Myanmar here. Take your time exploring the temple because there’s really a lot to discover and plenty of beautiful photo spots to find.

Shwedagon Pagoda

Currently, the Shwedagon Pagoda is also under construction there. It will be a replica of the original, which stands in Yangon, Myanmar. The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the holiest structures in Buddhism. In honor of its sanctity and due to its spiritual significance, this replica is being built at Wat Pha Sorn Kaew. Additionally, the construction aims to attract more visitors and include this rather remote temple complex in their travels.

Admission and Opening Hours of Wat Pha Sorn Kaew

You currently don’t have to pay an admission fee for Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, only parking costs 10-30 Baht (depending on the mode of transportation you use). The temple complex is open daily from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Food Tip at Wat Pha Sorn Kaew

If you’re looking for affordable and delicious Thai cuisine, simply walk past the pagoda and the Buddha. After a few minutes, you will see a 7-Eleven on the right side. If you walk past it on the right, you’ll find a restaurant on the hillside with a terrace offering a great view and a wide selection. Freshly cooked meals, noodle soups, or the popular ready-to-eat dishes (Khao Rad Gaeng) can be found here. Plus, it’s very affordable in such a setting.

Have you ever visited Wat Pha Sorn Kaew? Do you have any tips or comments for a visit? We look forward to your comment.