Wat Phra Phutthabat Doi Lon

Wat Phra Phutthabat Doi Lon is a forest monastery in Ban Tak district, Tak province, affiliated with the Wat Nong Pa Phong lineage founded by Ajahn Chah — it’s counted as that lineage’s 110th branch temple. The name refers to a Buddha footprint enshrined on the hill above the main grounds, but don’t confuse it with the far more famous Wat Phra Phutthabat in Saraburi; this is a quiet, working monastery, not a national pilgrimage site.

The main compound sits on relatively flat ground and centres on a large seated Buddha image known as Phra Maha Sakayamuni Sisanphet, reported at roughly 20 metres across the lap and 38 metres tall. It’s visible well before you reach the temple gate and needs no hiking to see. The footprint itself is a separate stop: a mondop built over the sacred impression sits higher on the hillside, reached by a marked path from the main grounds. Near the footprint, a natural spring locals call a sacred water well draws visitors who come to collect water for blessings. Each year, shortly after Songkran in April, residents of Ban Tak walk up together to pay respects at the footprint — a standing local tradition rather than a tourist event.

As a forest-tradition monastery, the atmosphere here is deliberately understated: simple wooden structures, resident monks going about daily almsround and chanting, and none of the souvenir stalls or crowds that mark Thailand’s headline temples. Tree cover keeps the main grounds shaded through the day, and the hillside views look out toward the low ranges along the Myanmar border.

Insider Tip: Combine the visit with other Ban Tak temples such as Wat Phra Boromthat — they’re a short drive apart and rarely see foreign visitors.

Watch out: There are no food stalls or shops on site — bring water, especially if you’re walking up to the footprint shrine in the middle of the day.