Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Faet

Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Faet sits on a low, forested hill about 20-23 km from Chaiyaphum town, out along Highway 201 toward Kaeng Khro. The draw is a Buddha footprint set into the natural rock, sheltered under its own pavilion — one of several Phra Phutthabat sites around Thailand built around a footprint relic. Entry is free, and the temple is open daily from 08:30 to 16:30.

Around the footprint pavilion, the hill has a large golden standing Buddha image, a pair of naga sculptures flanking the approach, a chedi finished in glass panels that catch the light, and a golden junk-boat structure — a recognisable piece of Thai Buddhist symbolism representing the crossing from suffering to enlightenment. Tree cover shades most of the walk up, which helps on a hot afternoon, though the climb still involves a stretch of stone steps that can be uneven underfoot.

This is a small, rural temple rather than a major pilgrimage circuit stop, so don’t expect crowds, souvenir stalls, or an English-language visitor centre — what you get instead is a quiet hillside site that locals from the surrounding villages actually use.

Insider Tip: Public transport out to Na Siao subdistrict is thin on the ground. If you don’t have your own car or motorbike, arrange a taxi or a car with driver from Chaiyaphum town and agree a return time before you set off — there’s no guarantee of finding a ride back from the temple itself.

Watch out: Some of the stone steps near the footprint pavilion are worn smooth and can be slippery, especially just after rain — shoes with grip are worth the trouble.

Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) as at any Thai temple, and remove your shoes before entering any covered shrine area. If you’re exploring temples further along the same road toward Kaeng Khro, Wat Pa Sukato — a well-known forest meditation monastery — is a worthwhile detour on the way back toward Chaiyaphum.