“The golden Phra Chulamani Chedi atop the hill offers the most stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Nakhon Sawan and Bueng Boraphet.”
Wat Khiri Wong is located on Dao Dung Hill in the heart of Nakhon Sawan Municipality, adjacent to Matulee Road and Dao Dung Road, opposite Nakhon Sawan Vocational College. The temple covers approximately 280 rai of land across both hillside and flat areas, making it one of the most significant Buddhist landmarks in Nakhon Sawan Province.
The origins of Wat Khiri Wong date back to 1961, when wandering monks discovered ancient remains at the site, including old bricks, boundary stones, Buddha images, and the foundations of an ancient ordination hall. In 1964, the Department of Religious Affairs conducted a formal survey and confirmed that the area had once been an abandoned temple. The temple was officially established in 1965, with Phra Maha Boonrod Panyawaro (later Phra Ratchaphrommachan) playing a key role in its development.
The most prominent structure within the temple is Phra Chulamani Chedi, a large golden chedi with four levels. The top level enshrines holy Buddha relics, while the interior walls are adorned with beautifully detailed Buddhist mural paintings. The surrounding balcony serves as a 360-degree panoramic viewpoint, offering clear views of Nakhon Sawan city, Bueng Boraphet, Dechatiwong Bridge, and the confluence of the Ping and Nan Rivers, also known as Pasan.
Within the temple grounds stands the ordination hall (Ubosot), constructed in 1970, housing a seated Buddha image known as Phra Buddha Kodom (replica) as the principal statue. The interior features mural paintings depicting the Ten Jataka Tales, key episodes from the Buddha’s life, the First Sermon, and the Ovada Patimokkha.
Another important structure is Phutthanupap Hall, a large traditional Thai-style pavilion used for religious ceremonies, meditation training, and public gatherings. The hall can accommodate more than 2,000 people and is decorated with murals of Vessantara Jataka (13 chapters), eminent Thai monks, and royal emblems of the nine reigns.
Wat Khiri Wong also serves as an educational and meditation center, housing Khiri Wong Wittaya School for Buddhist studies, multiple meditation gardens, Luang Pho To Sacred Viharn, and Phra Phuttha Chinnasi, a large Buddha statue on the hilltop built in 1981, symbolizing deep faith and spiritual devotion.
How to Get There
- By Car: Drive up Dao Dung Hill via the concrete road near 31st Army Circle. Parking is available near Phra Chulamani Chedi.
- On Foot: Visitors may walk up the stairway for exercise while enjoying the natural surroundings along the route.
Travel Tips
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Golden Hour: The best time to visit is between 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, to enjoy the sunset and watch the city lights of Nakhon Sawan gradually illuminate at night.
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Preparation: As this is a sacred temple with resident monks, visitors should dress modestly (no shorts above the knee or sleeveless shirts).
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Photo Spot: The 4th-floor balcony of Phra Chulamani Chedi is the best location for capturing panoramic views of Pak Nam Pho city.
Admission Fee:
- Free admission (donations are welcome).
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM