The most impressive attraction in Petchabun province is Wat Pha Sorn Kaew – a unique and marvelous piece of art that brings to mind Gaudi’s work in Barcelona. Many – I included – consider this the most beautiful and impressive temple in Thailand.
Petchabun Province is in the southern part of Northern Thailand, approximately 400 km from Bangkok and away from the usual tourist routes. When you visit the area, I doubt that you will encounter tourists at all.
It is a mountainous, green, and beautiful province, with very fertile soil for various crops such as tamarind, strawberry, and more.
The most impressive attraction in Petchabun County is undoubtedly Wat Pha Sorn Kaew – an amazing temple with a rare beauty that is different from all the temples you will see in Thailand. It is considered by many to be the most impressive and beautiful temple in Thailand.
The temple is located on a mountain peak more than 800 meters high and offers a beautiful view of the mountains and valleys in the area. This is a new temple that was completed in 2004, and since then, serves as a center for Buddhism and meditation studies – which blends well with the charming and pastoral landscape of the area.
In the square near the pagoda, there is a huge statue, spectacular in its beauty, featuring 5 Buddha figures in a meditation pose, with each figure smaller than the other (reminiscent of Babushka). All figures are peacefully watching over the valley and surrounding mountains that together form the beautiful scenery of the area. The statue symbolizes the 5 Buddha who went down to earth. And its base is all decorated with white lotus flowers.
The main pagoda was also built in a unique style – a 5-story lotus-shaped structure, covered with 5 million colored mosaic stones combined with various pottery works – altogether creating a wonderful and rare work of art that is somewhat reminiscent of Gaudi’s works in Barcelona.
Summary
An incredibly unique modern-styled temple – completely different from all the other temples in Thailand. This is a stunning work of art that will leave you mouth-watering and fascinated. Nowadays, visitors to this wonderful temple are almost only Thais, but I have no doubt that in the future, this wonderful place will become a popular tourist attraction.
My Opinion: A stunning temple in its beauty. I recommend making every effort to visit.