Wat Thung Si Muang is located to the east of Thung Si Muang Park, near key government offices such as the Telegraph Post Office, Ubon Ratchathani City Municipality, and Ubon Ratchathani Kindergarten School. The temple spans an area of 19 rai, 2 ngan, and 23 square wah.

It is believed to have been established in 1813 during the reign of King Rama II. Phra Ariyawongsajarn Yanawimon, a native of Ubon Ratchathani and then abbot of Wat Pa Kaew Maniwan (now Wat Maniwanaram or Wat Pa Noi), was appointed as the head monk of Ubon Ratchathani province. He was known for his dedication to Vipassana meditation and initially resided at Wat Saket in Bangkok before relocating to practice at the peaceful Phawa Forest in Ubon, which later became Wat Thung Si Muang.

He constructed a Buddha’s footprint shrine at this site to provide locals with a sacred place to pay respect. The shrine, 6 meters wide and 13 meters long, was built in traditional Vientiane-style Thai architecture by craftsmen from Laos.

To prevent flooding during the rainy season, the area around the shrine was elevated by building a double-layered wall 23 meters wide and 32 meters long. Soil was excavated from a northern pond to form the elevated platform. This pond later became the base for the temple’s library built over water, now known as the "Ho Trai Pond."

As more soil was needed, another pond was dug to the west of the temple. It was named Nong Mak Saeo Pond due to the presence of a large Mak Saeo tree nearby. This pond was similar in size and depth to the Ho Trai Pond.

During the late tenure of Phra Khru Wirot Rattanonobon, the abbot paved the shrine area with cement tiles and built ornate walls around the north, south, and west gates. The east gate, the main entrance, was constructed later and is the largest of all.

• Located on the east side of Thung Si Muang Park in downtown Ubon Ratchathani

• Easily accessible by private car, taxi, or local songthaew (shared pickup truck taxi)

• Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering sacred areas

• Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat

• Don’t miss taking photos of the iconic Ho Trai (library on water)

Admission Fee

• Free

Opening Hours

• Open daily from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM