📝 Written 3 Jul 2026 · ✅ Fact-checked 3 Jul 2026 · prices and schedules can change — check with the operator before booking
When it comes to the iconic Buddhist image of Narathiwat, the answer is almost always the golden Phra Buddha Thaksin Ming Mongkol statue standing atop Khao Kong hill. The statue depicts the Buddha in the blessing pose, seated, standing roughly 24 metres tall with a lap span of several metres. The entire figure is covered in gold mosaic tiles, which catch the sunlight and gleam brightly enough to be seen from the road below. This site has been recognised as the largest outdoor Buddha statue in Southern Thailand, and has become a destination where both local Buddhists and visitors alike stop to pay their respects.
What gives Wat Khao Kong its distinctive charm is its location atop a low hill in the middle of a plain, which means the plaza around the statue opens up to sweeping views of green rice fields, the town of Narathiwat, and distant hill ranges in every direction. In this southern border province where most of the population is Thai Muslim, having such a large Buddhist site standing prominently here reflects the peaceful coexistence of people of different faiths on the same land. On this page, we'll take you through the statue, the Siri Maha Maya Pagoda, and the views around Khao Kong in detail, along with things to know about dress code and the best times to visit before you go.
Phra Buddha Thaksin Ming Mongkol · Wat Khao Kong Buddhist Park (Wat Khao Kong)
Phra Buddha Thaksin Ming Mongkol is a seated Buddha statue in the blessing pose, enshrined outdoors atop Khao Kong hill, built to serve as a spiritual centre for Buddhists in Narathiwat Province. The statue stands roughly 24 metres tall, and the entire figure is covered in gold mosaic tiles that catch the sunlight and gleam brilliantly. Standing at the foot of the stairs and looking up, you'll see the statue rising sharply against the sky, giving off a feeling that's both peaceful and awe-inspiring at the same time. Thanks to its size and hilltop location, this site has earned the title of the largest outdoor Buddha statue in Southern Thailand, and is one of the iconic images of visiting Narathiwat.
Not far from the statue stands the Siri Maha Maya Pagoda, a white bell-shaped pagoda situated alongside it, which enshrines Buddha relics inside. This makes the Wat Khao Kong Buddhist Park a place for both paying respects at the statue and circumambulating the pagoda during important religious observances. The plaza around the statue is open and unobstructed, offering views over green rice fields, the town of Narathiwat, and distant hill ranges in every direction. Many visitors spend the morning or evening walking around taking in the views and photos, beyond simply paying respects to the Buddha.
What makes Wat Khao Kong special compared to typical Buddhist sites is the context of the area. Narathiwat is a southern border province where most of the population is Thai Muslim, so having such a large outdoor Buddha statue standing prominently on the hill reflects the coexistence of people of different faiths on the same land. Visitors should come with respect for both the site and the local way of life — dress modestly, behave respectfully, and follow the temple's customs just as you would at any other temple. That said, the southern border provinces have specific travel advisories at times, so check the latest official guidance before planning your trip, and travel during daylight hours for convenience.
- The largest outdoor Buddha statue in Southern Thailand, standing roughly 24 metres tall, covered in gold mosaic that's visible from a distance
- The white Siri Maha Maya Pagoda stands alongside it, serving as both a place to pay respects and to circumambulate during important religious observances
- The open hilltop plaza offers views of rice fields, the town of Narathiwat, and the surrounding hills — great for photos in the morning or evening
- Only about 9 km from town, making it an easy round trip, with no entrance fee and donations given as you wish
- The plaza around the statue is open and exposed, with strong, hot midday sun — best to avoid visiting around noon and bring drinking water
- You'll need to climb stairs to reach the statue's plaza, which may not be convenient for elderly visitors or those who have difficulty with stairs
- Located in a southern border province with occasional specific travel advisories — check the latest official guidance and travel during daylight hours
💡 Know Before You Go: Wat Khao Kong, Narathiwat
Wat Khao Kong is an important Buddhist site, so dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, avoiding tank tops, shorts, and tight-fitting clothing. Remove your shoes at the designated points before entering the statue's area, behave and speak respectfully, and be considerate of others who have come to pay their respects. In a province with religious diversity, dressing and behaving properly is also a way of showing respect to the local community.
The plaza around the statue sits atop an open, exposed hill, so midday brings strong, hot sun. The most comfortable times are morning after sunrise or from late afternoon into the evening. Besides being cooler, the angled light also makes the gold mosaic tiles on the statue gleam more beautifully — ideal for both paying respects and photographing the city views.
The Wat Khao Kong Buddhist Park is located in Lamphu Subdistrict, Mueang District, about 9 kilometres from Narathiwat town, with parking available at the base. If you don't have your own vehicle, renting a car or hiring a local driver for a round trip is more convenient. It fits neatly into a midday stop as part of a city tour.
After coming down from Khao Kong, you can continue on to Narathat Beach in the middle of town, the provincial central mosque, and the town's markets, all in a single trip. Narathiwat is a southern border province with occasional specific travel advisories, so check the latest official guidance and travel during daylight hours for convenience.
Book Tours and Activities in Narathiwat and the Deep South
If you don't have your own vehicle or would like someone to guide you around Wat Khao Kong and other sights in town, booking a tour with transport included makes planning your trip easier. Compare prices and inclusions before booking.
Where to Stay in Narathiwat?
Choose a hotel in Narathiwat town for easy access to Wat Khao Kong and other sights. Compare prices across 3 sites before booking.
Search Hotels on AgodaQuick plan: Go in the morning after sunrise or in the late afternoon to avoid the midday sun. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, remove your shoes at the designated points, and bring drinking water and an umbrella since the plaza is open and exposed. The temple is about 9 km from town, so allow time for the round trip, then continue on to Narathat Beach or other in-town sights in the afternoon. Most importantly, check the latest official travel advisories and travel during daylight hours.
Paid your respects at Phra Buddha Thaksin Ming Mongkol on Khao Kong and want to keep exploring Narathiwat? Check out the hotels we've picked for you.
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