Wat Phra That Pha Ngao
Historic temple complex with a stupa on a boulder, offering serene levels and panoramic Mekong River views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the tour groups
Wat Phra That Pha Ngao
Best Time
Beat the tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic temple complex with a stupa on a boulder, offering serene levels and panoramic Mekong River views.
"This is the nicest temple complex in the area, with three levels to explore and stunning views."
🚗 Parking & Taxi to Skywalk
Free parking available. Head right after parking for taxis to the Mekong Skywalk.
👟 Slippery Steps Alert!
Steps can be very slippery, especially with moss. Walk carefully or arrange a ride down.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Stupa on the Boulder
Main temple complex
A historic stupa perched precariously on a massive boulder, a truly unique and iconic sight.
Mekong River Overlook
Top level of the temple complex
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Mekong River and Laos, especially serene from the upper pagoda.
Vihan Luang Pho Pha Ngao
Second level
A peaceful and beautiful temple hall, often described as the most serene part of the complex.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Explore All Three Levels
Navigating the Steps
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Taxi to Skywalk
Free parking available. Head right after parking for taxis to the Mekong Skywalk.
👟 Slippery Steps Alert!
Steps can be very slippery, especially with moss. Walk carefully or arrange a ride down.
💰 Skywalk & Ride Costs
Expect around 30B for a roundtrip ride up the hill and 40B for the skywalk.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least a couple of hours to explore all three levels of this extensive temple complex.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Taxi to Skywalk
Free parking available. Head right after parking for taxis to the Mekong Skywalk.
👟 Slippery Steps Alert!
Steps can be very slippery, especially with moss. Walk carefully or arrange a ride down.
💰 Skywalk & Ride Costs
Expect around 30B for a roundtrip ride up the hill and 40B for the skywalk.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least a couple of hours to explore all three levels of this extensive temple complex.
🐠 Feed the Fish
There's a pond where you can feed the fish, a simple yet enjoyable activity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wat Phra That Pha Ngao for its serene atmosphere, unique architecture, and breathtaking Mekong River views, especially from the upper levels. While the temple is not overly commercialized, some note the potential for crowds from tour groups. The irregular and slippery steps are a common point of caution, with advice to be careful or arrange transport.
"this from a local; imo, and many others, this is the nicest temple complex in the area; not a small place even tho it is tucked into a very small village;
it is not obvious however there are 3 levels to this complex, it takes up the entire hill; the photos i have are only the first level as my leg is bad so i cant go to the upper 2; but i have been there many times way in the past;
imo the 2nd level is the nicest, no people, serene, beautiful temple; the top level is a pagoda, different style;
not too commercialized; sometimes Large bus groups;
plan on spending a couple hours overall here;
at the top there are some stunning views down on the mekong river and laos, etc; library in the top temple altho i never run into the monk to talk about it; can feed the fish in one of the ponds; there are a number of buildings that make up the complex;
can walk up the levels, 1,2,3 or drive 'around the back'; if there is moss on the steps it can be Very slippery on the way down, careful;
smart money is walk up and have someone drive you back down;
the riser and the treads on the steps are quite irregular so not all that easy climbing all the steps"
vern degeus
"30B roundtrip ride up the hill.
40B for the skywalk.
Nice view. Man, I just beat the tour!"
Xiu Be
"Very good temples. I think that you have to go through here to catch the bus up to the Mekong Skywalk.
I couldn't even see any signs for the Skywalk along the highway."
Tony Grima
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Phra That Pha Ngao is located in a small village. While not immediately obvious from the highway, it has free parking. Taxis to the Mekong Skywalk can be found on the right side of the temple area after parking.
Information on direct public transport is limited, but local taxis or songthaews are likely available in the region. Arranging a ride up the hill is also an option.
Yes, there is free and ample parking available at the temple.
The temple serves as the entry point for the Mekong Skywalk, with taxis available from the temple grounds to take you up.
Some visitors have noted that signs for the Skywalk might not be clearly visible along the highway. It's best to rely on the temple as a landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The temple itself is generally free to enter, but there are costs associated with the Mekong Skywalk (around 40B) and local taxis for transport up the hill (around 30B roundtrip).
As a temple complex, it's likely open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. Specific hours are not widely published, but it's best to visit during daylight.
No advance booking is typically required for the temple itself. Tickets for the Mekong Skywalk can usually be purchased on-site.
Currently, there's no mention of special passes. You'll likely pay separately for the skywalk and any taxi services.
The temple has three levels connected by steps, which can be irregular and slippery. While the main complex is accessible, reaching the upper levels might be challenging.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temple features a unique stupa on a boulder, a serene second level with a beautiful temple hall, and a pagoda on the top level offering stunning Mekong River views. You can also feed fish in a pond.
Visitors recommend planning for at least a couple of hours to fully explore all three levels of the complex and enjoy the views.
It can get busy, especially when large bus groups arrive. Visiting on a weekday morning can help you avoid the biggest crowds.
The Mekong Skywalk is an attraction accessible from Wat Phra That Pha Ngao, offering elevated views over the landscape and river.
Restroom facilities are typically available at larger temple complexes like this, though specific locations are not detailed.
📸 📸 Photography
The stupa on the boulder, the panoramic views from the top level overlooking the Mekong River, and the serene architecture of the second-level temple hall are prime photography locations.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light for photography, especially for the river views. Early mornings can also be peaceful and less crowded.
Drone usage is often restricted at religious sites in Thailand. It's advisable to check local regulations or inquire on-site before flying a drone.
While general photography is usually allowed in temple grounds, it's respectful to avoid photographing monks or sacred artifacts without permission. Some interior areas might have specific restrictions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive river views and the unique stupa. A standard zoom lens will be versatile for general temple shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
A practical tip for families is to consider the walk-up, ride-down strategy to minimize the risk of falls on the steps. The pond where you can feed fish also offers a simple, enjoyable activity for younger visitors. The overall experience is less commercialized than some other attractions, allowing for a more relaxed family outing.
🚶 Budget Travelers
This makes it an affordable way to experience stunning views and a significant cultural site. By choosing to walk up the temple levels instead of taking taxis for the entire ascent, you can further save money while enjoying the unique architecture and atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Three Levels
The second level is frequently cited by locals and visitors as the most serene and beautiful part of the complex. It houses the Vihan Luang Pho Pha Ngao, a peaceful temple hall that embodies a sense of tranquility away from the main tourist flow. This level is ideal for quiet contemplation and appreciating the temple's spiritual atmosphere.
The top level is crowned by a pagoda and offers the most dramatic vistas. From here, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Mekong River and the surrounding landscape, including glimpses into Laos. This vantage point is particularly rewarding during sunrise or sunset, providing a memorable end to your visit.
Navigating the Steps and Safety
Furthermore, the presence of moss on the steps can make them very slippery, especially on the way down. This poses a significant safety risk, and visitors are strongly advised to exercise caution. A practical tip shared by locals is to walk up the steps and arrange for a ride back down to mitigate the risk of slipping.
For those who prefer to avoid the strenuous climb altogether, there's an option to drive or take a taxi around the back to access higher levels. However, the experience of ascending through the temple grounds, even with the safety considerations, is part of its unique charm.
The Mekong Skywalk Connection
After parking at the temple, visitors are directed to the right side to find taxis that provide transport up to the skywalk. The cost for this roundtrip ride is typically around 30 Thai Baht. The skywalk itself has a separate admission fee, usually around 40 Thai Baht, making it an affordable addition to your temple visit.
It's worth noting that some travelers have mentioned that signs for the Skywalk might not be immediately obvious along the highway, reinforcing the importance of using the temple as your primary landmark for access.
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