Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok is not just a crucial religious site in Udon Thani Province; it is also a vital historical and archaeological center reflecting ancient civilizations in the Phu Phan mountain range. The site is situated on a hill named Phu Khao Bua Bok (Bua Bok Mountain), part of the Phu Phan-Phu Kao National Park. The significance of this location spans multiple dimensions, including religious belief, faith, and tangible historical evidence.

The Buddha's Footprint and the Mondop

The heart of the temple is the replica of the Buddha’s footprint housed within a stately white, four-porticoed (Jaturamuk) Mondop. The Mondop sits prominently on a high mound, its design said to be a smaller replication of the original Phra That Phanom (before its collapse). It is periodically restored to maintain its splendor and structural integrity. Locals and Buddhists widely believe that this footprint marks an actual spot where the Buddha once set foot, drawing large crowds for veneration and gold leaf application, especially during major religious festivals.

Bua Bok Cave Archaeological Site

What makes Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok uniquely prominent is its location within the Bua Bok Cave (Tham Bua Bok) archaeological complex, also known as the Bua Bok Rock Shelter (Perng Hin Bua Bok). This is the most historically significant part of the area. The complex comprises several large rock shelters featuring extensive ancient rock paintings scattered across the stone surfaces. These paintings predominantly use red pigment and are estimated to be over 2,500 to 3,000 years old, dating back to the prehistoric era.

Other Cultural Evidence

In addition to the Buddha’s footprint and the rock paintings, nearby structures include Ku Kaeo, which are the ruins believed to be an ancient pagoda or belfry dating back hundreds of years, and remnants of ancient stone walls. These findings suggest that the area was a large, continually maintained religious center used for ceremonies across various historical periods. The fusion of Buddhist evidence with the influence of indigenous culture and rich archaeology establishes Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok as a profound site for historical and natural learning in the northeastern region of Thailand (Isan).

The Natural Environment

Because the site is located within the Phu Phan-Phu Kao National Park, the temple grounds are lush and shaded, filled with diverse flora. There are beautiful nature trails for forest study. Visiting the site, therefore, becomes a journey combining religious tourism with ecotourism, allowing visitors to experience the tranquility and scenic beauty of the Phu Phan mountain range simultaneously.

• Private car: Take Highway 2 (Udon Thani-Nong Khai) and turn into Ban Phue District. Then, take Highway 2021 towards Ban Phue District and turn onto the route to Phu Phan-Phu Khao National Park, following the signs for Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok.

• Buses: Take the Udon Thani-Ban Phue bus and then take a taxi or motorcycle taxi to the park.

• Preparation: Bring drinking water and insect repellent, as the area is within a national park.

• Hiking: The Buabok Cave archaeological site requires a slight uphill climb. Wear appropriate footwear.

• Dress: Dress appropriately when visiting the Buddha's footprint in the pavilion.

• Best time to visit: Visit early morning or evening to avoid the intense daytime heat.

Admission Fees:

• Direct admission to the Phra Phutthabat Buabok Pavilion is free.

• However, a fee may be charged upon entering the nearby Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, which houses the ancient rock shelters.

• Normal park admission fee: Thai nationals 20 baht/person, foreigners 100 baht/person (for entry into the Phu Phra Bat Historical Park area).

Opening Hours:

• Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok Mondop (Temple Area):

  • Open daily from 05:00 AM to 07:00 PM (19:00) (for worship).

• Phu Phra Bat Historical Park (Exploration Area):

  • Open daily from 08:00 AM to 04:30 PM (16:30) (for visiting the ancient sites and rock paintings).