Sala Loi Temple is an ancient temple of great historical significance to the people of Korat. It was built during the early Rattanakosin period (1827) after Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) and her husband, Phraya Palat (Thongkham), led the people of Korat in a victorious battle against the army of Chao Anuwong of Vientiane. After the battle, Ya Mo prayed and built this temple as a memorial to their sacrifice and victory. Legend has it that she floated a pavilion-shaped raft down the Lam Takhong River and built a temple on the site where the raft had become stuck. The raft eventually became stuck on the right bank of the Lam Takhong River, leaving the temple abandoned.

Thao Suranari's Remains: Within the temple grounds is a chedi containing the relics of Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) and Phraya Palat (Thongkham). This important site is a place of constant worship for good fortune. The chedi is simply constructed, paying homage to the national heroine.

New Ubosot (ordination hall) (Ship-Shaped):

• Built in 1967 by Phra Ratchasimaphon (Chop Anuchari),

• This pioneering architectural style received the Outstanding Architecture Award from the Association of Siamese Architects in 1973.

• The ubosot (ordination hall) is modeled after a sailing ship, symbolizing the journey of people across the cycle of reincarnation (the sea of ​​suffering) to Nirvana.

• The exterior walls are adorned with terracotta tiles from Ban Dan Kwian, a major pottery production area in Korat. The tiles' designs are intricately sculpted, depicting stories from the life of the Buddha and Buddhist literature, seamlessly blending local art with Buddhist tradition.

The Old Ubosot (ordination hall):

• This traditional architectural structure houses a Buddha image in the Mara-Vijaya posture, a Lao/Lan Xang folk art style prevalent in the Isan region.

• This is the site of the Elephant-Raising Ceremony, an interesting activity for pilgrims. It is believed that if the elephant is raised successfully on the first attempt and is not raised on the second attempt, it is a sign that the wish will be fulfilled.

Merit-Making Activities and Beliefs:

• Wat Sala Loi is also a center for various forms of merit-making, such as offering alms to monks, donating coffins, and redeeming the lives of cattle and buffalo.

• Furthermore, the temple houses a statue of Thao Wessuwan and shrines to other sacred deities, such as Ganesha. There is also a place for worshipping Rahu to enhance one's fortune. This makes the temple not only a historical site but also a center of belief and faith today.

Private Vehicle:

• Take Mittraphap Road (Highway 2) towards Ratchasima-Chokchai Road (Highway 224), then turn into the temple.

Public Transportation:

• From Bus Terminal 2, take Songthaew No. 7 to Wat Phayap, then transfer to No. 14 to Wat Sala Loi.

• Take a taxi or tuk-tuk from the city center.

• Visit in the morning or evening for a pleasant, light-filled atmosphere perfect for photography.

• Dress appropriately, as this is a religious site.

• We recommend visiting the Thao Suranari (Ya Mo) Monument on the same trip.

• If you visit during the Ya Mo festival, it can be quite crowded, so allow plenty of time for your trip.

Admission Fee:

• Free admission

Opening Hours:

• Open daily: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.