Wat Pha Nam Yoi

Situated on top of a big hill in Roi Et province, close to the border with Mukdahan is the vast Wat Pha Nam Yoi. Otherwise known as Isan Buddhist Park, it is the site of the largest pagoda in Thailand named Phra Maha Chedi Chaimongkon. This truly magnificent temple enjoys sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Nearing the end of it's construction when we visited in November 2007, this colossal structure is said to be the dream of an Abbott in a nearby village.

The pictures in this article simply don't do justice to this beautiful place and it's dimensions cannot be appreciated until you visit the site. It has been funded over the years by donations for all over Thailand.

It is a multi level temple and the lower levels are huge, with stunningly elaborate gold artwork and carvings. Other floors have hundreds of statues of well known respected monks, a museum and the upper chambers are connected by a huge winding staircase. The top level is a bell shaped room where a small shrine is beautifully decorated and a sky view painted onto the ceiling.

This temple is a must visit for anyone in the area and you should give yourself at least 3 hours to look around the temple and the grounds. It's a few hundred metres walk up to the temple, on a slight incline from the car park. It's about 70 km from Roi Et on highway 2044 and 2136. The temple's pinnacle is clearly visible on the hill top from a long way off.

Need advice? Got a question? Go to our Thailand Forum