Wat Thai

This Wat Thai sits on the Mekong River bank at 327 Ban Chumphon, Chumphon subdistrict, Phon Phisai district — about 45 km east of Nong Khai town. It’s not the only “Wat Thai” in the country, so locals distinguish it as Wat Thai (Tham Phaya Nak), the Naga Cave temple. Free entry, daily, 09:00-17:00.

The temple’s identity is built around Naga legend rather than conventional Isan temple architecture. Local belief holds that a Naga kingdom lies in the Mekong directly in front of the temple. In 2007, marking 100 years since Phon Phisai district’s founding, the abbot acted on that belief and built a set of Naga-themed structures: a 19-metre black Naga King statue guarding the entrance, a series of Naga Bat sculptures said to symbolise prosperity, an “underworld pillar,” and a seven-chamber mock cave visitors can walk through. It’s a modern addition rather than an ancient one, but it’s now the temple’s main draw and its most recognisable feature.

Beyond the Naga theme, the temple functions as a working monastery with standard prayer halls and Buddha images, and as a public viewpoint over the Mekong. This stretch of river is associated with the Naga fireball phenomenon — unexplained lights rising from the water, typically reported around the end of Buddhist Lent in October — though sightings aren’t guaranteed on any given night and the temple isn’t a formal viewing venue with organised events. A separate provincial landmark statue of Phaya Phisai Sattanakharaj stands nearby for public veneration.

Insider Tip: Go in late afternoon when the light on the river is best for photos of the Naga statue and the mock cave entrance — the site has no shade cover, so midday visits are uncomfortable.

Watch out: Don’t confuse this with the more famous Sala Kaeo Ku sculpture park near Nong Khai town, roughly 35 km west — both feature dramatic religious statuary, but they’re unrelated sites in different districts.

Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering any prayer hall. This is a Nong Khai attraction best combined with the Chalermraja Cultural Centre, a short walk away in the same subdistrict, for background on Phon Phisai district before or after the temple visit.