Wat Mahawanaram is a temple of great historical and cultural importance located in downtown Ubon Ratchathani near the Mun River. Originally, it was a meditation monastery founded around the same time as the city’s establishment in 1779 (B.E. 2322). Later, during the reign of the city’s second ruler, Phra Phrom Waratchasuriya Wong (Tao Thit Phrom), the temple was elevated in status and named “Wat Pa Luang Manee Choti.” Locals commonly refer to it as Wat Nong Taphang or Wat Nong Saphang after the nearby pond. Evidence from an inscription stone behind the Phra Chao Yai Inpaeng statue confirms the temple’s origins.

The temple’s founding year is recorded as 1807 (B.E. 2350), with Phra Ratchakru Srisatthamwongsa as its first abbot. He also created the sacred Buddha image called Phra Inpaeng or Phra Chao Yai Inpaeng. This statue is a brick and plaster Buddha in the Mara-victory posture, coated with lacquer and gold leaf. It features Lao artistic style, measuring approximately 3 meters in width_ and 5 meters in height_ from base to the flame-shaped finial.

Wat Mahawanaram has been continuously maintained and restored to preserve its religious and historical significance. It serves as a center for Vipassana meditation and is a royal temple important to the local community.

Every year on the full moon of the fifth lunar month (approximately April), the temple hosts traditional ceremonies including almsgiving, recitation of the Mahachat Jataka, and ritual bathing and gilding of the Phra Chao Yai Inpaeng statue. This annual festival remains a highly respected cultural tradition among the people of Ubon.

• Easily accessible by car or local songthaew (shared taxi) from downtown Ubon Ratchathani.

• Taxi or Grab from Ubon Ratchathani International Airport takes about 15 minutes.

• Bicycle rentals or tuk-tuk rides are also available for tourists.

• Dress modestly as the temple is a sacred place.

• Visit in the morning to avoid heat and capture beautiful natural light for photos.

• Always ask permission before photographing the Phra Chao Yai Inpaeng statue.

• Attend the full moon festival of the fifth lunar month for an authentic cultural experience.

Admission Fee: Free

Opening Time: Open daily from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM