“ Located on an extinct volcano, featuring a Khmer-style ordination hall, ancient Dvaravati boundary stones over 1,000 years old, Buddhist mural paintings, and 108 Buddha statues surrounding the sacred area. ”
Wat Khao Angkhan is situated on the summit of an extinct volcanic hill in Buriram Province. The area is part of an ancient volcanic belt in northeastern Thailand, formed by lava eruptions millions of years ago. This created a distinctive basalt volcanic cone structure that remains clearly visible today.
The temple sits at a high elevation, offering a 360-degree panoramic viewpoint over rice fields, villages, and distant mountain ranges. It is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset when natural light enhances the volcanic landscape.
According to local belief, the site is associated with the sacred “Phra Angkhan relic”, believed to be connected to the Buddha. This has made the location a spiritual center of faith for the local community.
The main ordination hall features a unique blend of Khmer architectural style and contemporary Buddhist art, built primarily with laterite stone, giving it the appearance of an ancient Khmer sanctuary sitting atop a volcanic hill.
Surrounding the ordination hall are over 1,000-year-old Dvaravati sandstone boundary stones, intricately carved with Dharma wheels and Buddhist symbols, representing rare and valuable archaeological heritage.
Inside the temple grounds, there are 108 Buddha statues arranged around the main hall, serving as a circumambulation and meditation path, symbolizing auspicious meaning in Buddhism.
The interior of the hall contains detailed Buddhist Jataka mural paintings, illustrating the Buddha’s past lives and teachings, complete with explanations for educational purposes.
The temple is also known for its scenic sunrise and sunset viewpoints, where light reflects off volcanic rock and laterite structures, creating a calm and visually striking atmosphere ideal for photography and meditation.
Nearby, the Charoen Suk village is famous for its “Phu Akhani” volcanic-dyed textiles, using soil from volcanic terrain, reflecting the unique identity of this volcanic landscape.
How to Get There
- By car: From Buriram city, take Highway 218 toward Nang Rong, then connect to Highway 24 toward Chaloem Phra Kiat District. Follow signs to Wat Khao Angkhan. The route is the same direction as Phanom Rung Historical Park, approximately 20 km away. Paved roads all the way.
Travel Tips
Admission Fee:
- Free of charge
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 08:00 – 17:00