Why
Nong Khai has so many temples has never been adequately explained to me, but maybe the mysterious and magical river has influenced this surfeit of spiritual expression.
The roof of Wat Lam Duan has paid the greatest tribute to the river. For its Buddha image sits up there on the Bot (Chapel) and gazes over the Maekong to Laos beyond. |
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Temples
Nong Khai is famous for having one of the highest number of temples per head of population in Thailand.
The most famous temple is Wat Pho Chai as it is the home of Luang Pho Phra Sai. Commissioned by the three daughters of the King of the Lao Lan Chang Empire, it is one of three identical Lao Buddha images, one of which fell into the Maekong during a storm 200 years ago. Its head is said to be made of solid gold! (pictured below) |
The prize for the prettiest temple would probably go to Wat Tung Sawang. Its tiny but immaculately sculptured chapel with highly detailed porticos, and its collection of Buddhist deities outside, each under its own fanciful little roof, gives it an Alice in Wonderland bizarreness.
Even if you've seen a lot of temples it's worth visiting... (pictured below) |
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