📝 Written 3 Jul 2026 · ✅ Fact-checked 3 Jul 2026 · prices and schedules can change — check with the operator before booking
The appeal of Chai Nat for a one-day temple trip is that even though it's a small province people often just drive through on the way to Nakhon Sawan or Sing Buri, its handful of main temples each have a clearly distinct character. Wat Thammamun Worawihan is an old temple on the Chao Phraya River, set against the foot of a hill, home to Luang Pho Thammachak, the province's revered principal Buddha image. Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao is the temple of Luang Pu Sook, a monk respected across central Thailand; inside its ordination hall is a mural painted by Prince Chumphon Khet Udomsak, fondly known as Sadet Tia, who was a disciple of Luang Pu Sook — a rare and valuable piece to see. Wat Khao Phlong stands out as a viewpoint: you climb a staircase to the top for a wide view of Chai Nat town and the river, and it's a favourite sunset spot for many. Meanwhile Wat Phra Borommathat Worawihan is the downtown temple with a chedi enshrining Buddha relics, and it's the most convenient of the main sites to reach.
Because each site sits in a different location and has such a distinct character — a riverside hillside temple, a site of devotion to Luang Pu Sook, a hilltop viewpoint, and a downtown chedi — knowing in advance what each place is known for and who it suits will help you plan a smoother one-day route without doubling back and forth. Below is a summary table comparing all four spots at a glance, followed by a detailed look at each one, with highlights, pros, things to know, and tips for anyone hoping to cover them all without wearing themselves out.
| Spot | Highlight / Type | Getting there / Distance from town | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wat Thammamun Worawihan | Old riverside temple at the foot of a hill, home to Luang Pho Thammachak, the province's revered principal Buddha image | Mueang district, on the Chao Phraya River · ~7–9 km from town · steps lead up to the hall | Temple-goers and river-atmosphere fans who want to pay respects to the province's principal Buddha image in an old hillside temple |
| Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao | Luang Pu Sook's temple, with a mural painted by Prince Chumphon in the ordination hall | Wat Sing district · ~20–25 km from town | Devotees of Luang Pu Sook, and anyone wanting to see the mural painted by the prince |
| Wat Khao Phlong | Wide panoramic viewpoint over town and river, a sunset spot, requires climbing stairs | Mueang district, along the Asia Highway · ~5–7 km from town · reaching the view requires climbing stairs | View and photo lovers who enjoy panoramas and sunsets, and don't mind climbing stairs |
| Wat Phra Borommathat Worawihan | Downtown temple with a revered chedi enshrining Buddha relics | Mueang district (Chai Nat subdistrict) · ~4–5 km from town, the most convenient to reach | Temple-goers wanting to pay respects at the downtown relic chedi, easy to reach, good to open or close a trip |
Wat Thammamun Worawihan
Wat Thammamun Worawihan is an old temple that stands as one of Chai Nat's landmarks, and one that temple-goers make a point of visiting. What makes it special is its riverside setting at the foot of a hill on the Chao Phraya River, which gives it an atmosphere unlike a typical in-town temple. The principal Buddha image here, Luang Pho Thammachak, has long been revered by the people of Chai Nat, closely tied to local traditions and the way of life of those living along the river. Coming here brings both the fulfilment of paying respects to the province's principal Buddha image and a chance to take in the craftsmanship of a historic temple, all against a calming river view.
What most visitors do here is pay respects to Luang Pho Thammachak, apply gold leaf, and stroll through the hall and grounds overlooking the river. Many like to come in the morning or evening when the sun isn't as harsh — the light on the river is beautiful and the air more comfortable than at midday. Because it's a well-known landmark temple, it regularly draws a steady stream of visitors making merit, especially on holidays and important religious days, giving it the lively feel of a temple still actively used for religious practice. It suits anyone who wants to pay respects to the province's principal Buddha image in an old hillside riverside temple, getting both merit and a view in one place.
One thing to keep in mind is that the hall and some of the areas for paying respects sit on a rise or are reached via a staircase, so anyone who finds stairs difficult should allow extra time and take it slowly. Because it's a temple of significant value, dress modestly and behave respectfully when visiting and paying respects, keep quiet within the hall grounds, and remove your shoes as indicated by the signs. The hall may be closed at certain times, so it's worth checking opening hours in advance if you intend to go inside to pay respects. If you're pairing this with other stops on a one-day trip, the temple sits on the river north of town, so it's best paired with places in the same direction to avoid doubling back.
- Luang Pho Thammachak, the province's revered principal Buddha image
- Riverside hillside setting on the Chao Phraya River, calm atmosphere, pleasant river views
- An old temple of historic value, combining merit-making with craftsmanship
- Not too far from town, and mostly free to enter and pay respects
- Part of the way up to the hall is a staircase, which takes extra effort for those who find stairs difficult
- The hall may be closed at certain times, so check hours before visiting
- Busier than usual on holidays and important religious days
Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao
Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao is a temple that devotees of Luang Pu Sook make a point of visiting. Luang Pu Sook was a monk long revered by the people of Chai Nat and central Thailand alike, and this temple is tied to him both historically and as a place of devotion. Another highlight that sets this temple apart from the ordinary is the mural inside the ordination hall, painted by Prince Chumphon Khet Udomsak, known affectionately as Sadet Tia, who was a disciple of Luang Pu Sook. These murals are a rare and valuable sight, so anyone interested in history and art will find even more to appreciate here than a simple visit to pay respects. Coming here brings both spiritual fulfilment and the chance to view a work of genuine historical value.
What most visitors do here is pay respects, ask for blessings, reflect on Luang Pu Sook, and quietly view the murals in the ordination hall. Many devotees of Luang Pu Sook make the trip specifically for good fortune. The temple sits in riverside Wat Sing district, giving it the quiet feel of an out-of-town temple. Because it's fairly far from Chai Nat town, many make Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao the main stop of their trip, or pair it with places in the same direction. It suits anyone wanting to pay respects to Luang Pu Sook and see the rare Sadet Tia murals.
One thing to keep in mind is that the murals are inside the ordination hall, which may be closed or open only at certain times, so it's worth checking hours in advance if you intend to view the murals inside — otherwise you may only be able to pay respects from outside. When viewing the murals, be respectful and follow the temple's rules; some areas ask visitors not to take photos in order to preserve these valuable works, so watch for signs and comply. And because this is a temple, dress modestly and respectfully when visiting, and remove your shoes as signposted. It's the farthest from town among the main sites, so it's best treated as a main destination or planned along a route heading the same direction to avoid doubling back.
- Luang Pu Sook's temple, a monk long revered across central Thailand
- A rare, valuable mural by Prince Chumphon (Sadet Tia) inside the ordination hall
- Quiet out-of-town riverside atmosphere, less crowded than in-town temples
- Suits devotees as well as history and art lovers in one visit
- The farthest from town among the main sites — having your own vehicle makes it more convenient
- The murals are inside the ordination hall, which may be closed at times — check hours before going
- Some areas ask visitors not to take photos to preserve valuable works
Wat Khao Phlong
Wat Khao Phlong stands apart from Chai Nat's other temples in that its main draw is the view. The temple sits on a hill along the Asia Highway, and its selling point is that once you climb to the top, you'll see Chai Nat town and the river in a wide panorama — a view that's simply not available from the flat-ground temples in town. Many people come here specifically for the view and for photos, especially in the evening, when it becomes a favourite local sunset spot. The evening light spreading over the town and river gives the atmosphere a different feel from a typical temple visit. Coming here means both paying respects on the hill and capturing a beautiful view in a single trip.
What most visitors do here is climb to the top, pay respects, then find a good spot to take in the view of the town and river. Many plan to arrive in the late afternoon to catch the sunset light. Because it's a viewpoint well known to locals, evenings on holidays draw a fair number of people up to take photos. The open space at the top offers far-reaching views, unlike in-town temples blocked by buildings. It suits anyone who loves a good viewpoint and wants a memorable high-angle photo, more than someone whose main interest is paying respects inside a hall.
One clear thing to keep in mind is that reaching the viewpoint at the top requires climbing a fairly steep staircase. Anyone who finds stairs difficult, older visitors, or those with knee problems should think it through, take it slowly, and allow time to rest along the way. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. The midday sun is strong and hot, so it's best to avoid noon and come in the evening instead, when the weather is more pleasant and you can catch the sunset too. If you're planning to photograph the sunset, allow time to walk back down before dark. And because this is a temple, dress modestly and respectfully when paying respects at the top, following the customs of a temple visit.
- A wide panoramic view of the town and river you won't find from flat-ground temples in town
- A favourite local sunset spot
- Combines paying respects on the hill with a beautiful view in one trip
- Along the Asia Highway, not far from town, easy to stop by
- Requires climbing a steep staircase, difficult for older visitors and those with knee problems
- The midday sun is strong and hot — better to come in the evening
- Focused on views and photos, not a spot for those who only want to pay respects inside a hall
Wat Phra Borommathat Worawihan
Wat Phra Borommathat Worawihan is Chai Nat's downtown temple that temple-goers make a point of visiting. Its main draw is the chedi believed to enshrine Buddha relics, a sacred landmark revered by both locals and visitors from elsewhere. Paying respects at the relic chedi is regarded by many as an act of genuine merit-making. The temple itself is an old one of historic value, and beyond the chedi, its grounds hold structures and craftsmanship worth strolling through. Coming here brings both the fulfilment of paying respects at the relic chedi and a chance to take in the atmosphere of a landmark temple with a long history.
What most visitors do here is pay respects, apply gold leaf, walk around the chedi, and tour the grounds. Because the temple sits in the heart of town, closest to Chai Nat's centre among the main sites, it's the easiest to reach, and many use it to open or close a one-day temple trip. It regularly draws a steady stream of visitors making merit, especially on holidays and important religious days, giving it the lively feel of a temple still actively used for religious practice. It suits anyone wanting to pay respects at the downtown relic chedi without having to travel far, and who wants a stop that's easy to fit into any schedule.
One thing to keep in mind is that, being downtown and a well-known temple, it can get busier than usual on holidays and important religious days, and parking may get tight at times. Because this is a temple of significant value, dress modestly and respectfully when visiting and paying respects, keep quiet within the designated areas, and remove your shoes as signposted. When photographing the chedi, be careful not to block the way or disturb others who are paying respects. Some areas are open-air, and the midday sun can be strong, so bring a hat and water if visiting around noon. Since it's the closest to town, it's a good choice for opening or closing a trip to make timing easier.
- A chedi believed to enshrine Buddha relics, a sacred landmark for the province
- Downtown location, the most convenient to reach, good for opening or closing a trip
- An old temple of historic value with craftsmanship worth viewing
- Mostly free to enter and pay respects, suitable for all ages
- Busier on holidays and important religious days, with parking sometimes tight
- Some areas are open-air, with strong midday sun
- Focused on the relic chedi rather than offering a wide variety of photo spots
Book Activities & Tickets in Advance
Want a Chai Nat trip with transfers included, or planning to rent a car and drive yourself? Check out activities, transfers, and day trips around Chai Nat, Nakhon Sawan, and Sing Buri, and book online ahead of time.
Where to Stay in Chai Nat?
Choose a well-located hotel in Chai Nat town for easy access to Wat Thammamun, Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao, Wat Khao Phlong, and Wat Phra Borommathat. Start early and cover everything in a single day.
Find Hotels on AgodaHow to Plan a One-Day Temple Trip in Chai Nat to See It All
Chai Nat has only a handful of main temples, but they're spread across different districts with distinct characters. Plan your route well and you can cover temple-going, devotion to Luang Pu Sook, and viewpoints all in one day without exhausting yourself · Start downtown at Wat Phra Borommathat Worawihan, the closest to town, paying respects at the relic chedi before setting off · Continue to Wat Thammamun on the Chao Phraya River to the north, paying respects to Luang Pho Thammachak and taking in the river view · Stop by Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao in Wat Sing district, to pay respects to Luang Pu Sook and view the murals painted by Sadet Tia inside the ordination hall · Finish in the evening at Wat Khao Phlong, climbing the stairs to take in the view of the town and river and wait for the sunset · Check the opening hours of the halls and ordination hall at the sites with indoor features beforehand · Dress modestly and respectfully at every temple as is customary, wear comfortable walking shoes for the stairs at Khao Phlong and Thammamun, and bring a hat and water since some spots are outdoors with strong sun.
Once you've planned your route, choose a well-located hotel in town so you can start early and get around easily, covering temple-going, devotion to Luang Pu Sook, and viewpoints all in one day.
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