Chaiyaphum Temples

Amphoe Muang

Phra Chao Pho Phraya Lae Shrine

is near Nong Pla Thao, 4 km. To the west of the Provincial Hall on Highway No. 205 (Chaiyaphum : Ban Khawao). To the right is a sacred historical site which is where Chao Pho Phraya Lae was executed by Lao soldiers. Locals built the shrine to honor him and to have the spirit protect the Chaiyaphum and Thai people. Every year, beginning on the first Wednesday of May, a week long festival in his honor is held.

Prang-Ku

is an ancient late rite site. Inside is a Buddha image from the Dvaravati period. King Chaiworaman Vll, the last great king of the Khmer Empire, ordered it built during 782-1220. Regarded by the people here as a sacred place, a festival is held at the site in the middle of April every year. Prang Ku is in Chaiyaphum Municipality and is 1 km. of the Provincial Hall. An asphalt road leads to the site.

Chao Pho Tat Tone Shrine (Duang)

is near Tat Tone Waterfall and is revered by Chaiyaphum people and those from nearby provinces. Chao Pho Tat Tone was a man of Khmer origin who migrated to Thailand at about the same time as Chao Pho Phraya Lae. While he was in Thailand, he became a hermit who mediated, followed strict Buddhist laws and cured people of illness. He was widely revered by locals and when he died, several shrines were built to honor him such as Chao Pho Achan Duang Shrine or Phu Duang Shrine at Chong Sam Mo, Pu Duang Shrine at Wat Phra Puttha Chaiyaphum Phithak and this shrine at Tat Tone Waterfall. A ritual is performed every Wednesday to please spirits at the shrine, plus 4 major rites every year.

Phu Faet

in Tambon Na Siao is a low hill with the main attraction being a footprint of Lord Buddha like that in Saraburi. About 18 km. from the Provincial Hall, visitors can take the same route as Phu Phra and turn right for 5 more km. A variety of trees are planted here and they are lined on both sides of the road leading to the temple. People wishing to view the footprint can ask for a key from the nuns there.

Phu Phra


is in Wat Sila Asana, 12 km. north of the Provincial Hall on Highway No.201 (Chaiyaphum - Kaeng Khro). This is a low mountain which has a bas - relief of a meditating Buddha image which is called Phra Chao Ong Tu by locals. Phu Phra is in Tambon Na Siao.

Sa Hong


is in Wat Khao Sa Hong. It is an ancient pool in the middle of a small slope. About 3 meters from the pool is a swan shaped stone which was designed by nature. The pool is in Tambon Na Siao, 12 km. to the north of the Provincial Hall on Highway No.2051 on the left (the road to Cho Raka Reservoir).

Amphoe Ban Thaen

Phra Thaen Banlang

is in Ban Thaen Public Health area. 1 km. east of the town hall. The pedestal is made of rock with a hole in the middle believed to have held something in place. Around the hole is a ditch, probably to let water flow out. Two gold Buddha images were found in the ground near the pedestal

Amphoe Khon Sawan

Large Dvaravati Buddha Image

at Wat Khon Sawan, 5 km. from the town hall ( at the intersection of the Ban Nong Pa Buk Water Station). This is a sandstone image with a nice form and intricate designs built in the Dvaravati period. The image is called "Luang Pho Yai" by locals. In addition, there are many temple boundary stones, carved and uncarved.

Amphoe Nong Bua Daeng

Pha Koeng

is a mountain that has a rock jutting out to the road and an awesome scenery. It is one popular viewing spot of Chaiyaphum. The 14-foot : high Chaiyaphum Phithak Buddha image stands atop the mountain. It is part of Phu Lankha and has a considerably wide area. Pha Koeng is in Wat Chaiyaphum Phithak. It is 36 km. from Amphoe Muang on Highway No. 2159 (Chaiyaphum : Nong Bua Daeng).

Amphoe Phu Khiao

Phra That Nong Sam Mun

is at Ban Kaeng . Mu 1. Tambon Ban Kaeng , 25 km . northwest of the town hall. Phra That Nong Sam Mun is in Wat Phra That Nong Sam Mun and is an ancient historical site. The site is a beautiful pagoda that was built 400-500 years ago which has been renovated through funding from the green I-SAN Project.

The main features are a large reclining Buddha image and a large chapel built close to the ground called Sala Phan Hong. The rooms inside are quite large. The rooms signify the 1,000 verses of the Maha Chat sermon that must be learned before one achieves total fulfillment. The temple was built by Luang Pho Sithat Wipatsano in 1962. There are also statues of characters from stories in Buddhism. To reach the temple, take Highway No. 201 (Chaiyaphum - Chum Phae) to Ban Nong Song Hong and turn left onto Highway No. 2055. The total distance is 115 km.