Wat Pha Khao Khaew

Wat Pha Khao Khaew sits in the forested hills of Pang Sila Thong district, western Kamphaeng Phet, and is known regionally for its abbot, Phra Khru Sangkharak Panyasilajoto — better known as Luang Phor Tang. Villagers travel here to have him bless rice-measuring tubs (tang, ถัง), a play on his own name, in the belief that a blessed tub brings good fortune in trade. Entry is free.

On the grounds, a small museum displays more than 1,000 rice-measuring tubs, old and new, wooden and metal, lined up to show how Thailand’s grain-measuring units have changed over generations. It’s an unusual pairing for a Buddhist temple — half working monastery, half folk museum of everyday village tools — and it’s the reason people drive out from Kamphaeng Phet town and neighbouring provinces rather than visiting for the architecture alone. Devotees bring their own tubs from home to be blessed, or buy one at the temple to take back to their shop or market stall.

The setting matches the name. เขาเขียว (Khao Khiao) means “green mountain,” and the temple sits among low, forested hills near the Tak provincial border, well off the main Kamphaeng Phet–Pang Sila Thong road. It’s quiet outside of merit-making days — expect a handful of local visitors rather than crowds, and no tour buses.

Insider Tip: Bring your own rice tub or grain container if you want Luang Phor Tang’s blessing. Locals say a blessed tang from home carries more meaning than one bought at the gate.

The route from Kamphaeng Phet town runs along the Kamphaeng Phet–Pang Sila Thong road for about 34 km, then a signed turn at Ban Khao Nam Oon junction and a further 14 km on minor roads to Ban Pang Ta Wai. A motorbike or car is essential — there’s no public transport this far into the district. Dress modestly, covered shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering any hall. If you’re combining this with Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park’s Sukhothai-era ruins or the collections at the Nakhon Chum Buddhist Amulets Learning Centre, budget a full day — this temple is well outside town.