🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Burapha Phiram really is right in the middle of Roi Et town — just a few minutes' walk from Bueng Phlan Chai. The thing everyone comes for is Luang Pho Yai, full name Phra Phuttha Rattana Mongkhon Maha Muni, the tallest standing Buddha in Thailand at 59.20 metres, or 67.85 metres if you count the base. It stands tall enough to see from all over town, and if you only have time for one stop in Roi Et, most locals will point you here.
Luang Pho Yai, Thailand's tallest standing Buddha
The image is built of reinforced concrete, started back in 1973. It's a standing Buddha in the gesture of granting blessings (pang prathan phon), facing east. At 59.20 metres it's about as tall as a several-dozen-storey building, and standing at the base looking straight up, you really feel the scale. The height is also tied to the province's name — it's meant to evoke 101 (Roi Et means "one hundred and one") in local belief.
Beneath the base of the image there's a hall, with stairs leading up so you can pay respects and make merit inside. It stays cool and shaded, and people come to apply gold leaf, offer flowers, and make a wish — especially about work and travel, since this is the blessing-granting pose.
Photo tip
To get the whole Buddha in frame, step back and shoot from the front courtyard. In the morning the sun lights up the front of the image nicely, while late in the day near closing (around 4 pm) the sky turns soft and there are fewer people around.
Want more out of Roi Et? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Temple history: why it's tied to the town
Wat Burapha Phiram is a third-class royal temple under the Maha Nikaya order, founded back in 1913. It was originally called Wat Hua Ro because it used to be a rest stop for travelling merchants. Later it became Wat Burapha (the eastern temple), after its location on the east side of town, and finally Wat Burapha Phiram as it's known today.
The eastern side of the temple borders the old city moat of Roi Et, so this isn't just a pretty temple — it's been tied to the town's history from the start. Inside you'll also find mural paintings telling the story of the Buddha's life and Isan traditions, and the temple is home to a Dhamma propagation centre and a Pali studies school.
Before you go: hours, entry, and getting there
- Opening hours — Open daily, roughly 8:30 am–4:30 pm (free entry, no admission fee)
- Address — 559 Phadung Phanit Road, Nai Mueang sub-district, Mueang Roi Et district, within the town municipality
- Getting there — Right in the town centre; about a 5–10 minute walk from Bueng Phlan Chai, or an easy tuk-tuk / local taxi ride
- Parking — There's a fair-sized lot inside the temple; quiet on weekdays, busier on weekends and Buddhist holy days
- Dress code — Dress modestly, shoulders and knees covered, since it's a religious site
Straight talk
Wat Burapha Phiram doesn't take long to see — about 30–45 minutes and you've covered it. The main draw is Luang Pho Yai; this isn't a sprawling temple with multiple zones to wander all day. So it pairs better with other nearby spots in town than as a stop on its own.
Where to go next, all in one day
The nice thing about Wat Burapha Phiram is that it's central — a few minutes on foot or by car gets you to the next sight, so you can easily put together a half-day around Roi Et town.
Bueng Phlan Chai
A public park built around an island in the middle of a lake — stroll, cycle, feed the fish. It's right next to the temple, practically across the road.
In townHo Wot 101 Tower
An observation tower shaped like a wot (Isan reed pipe). Head up for 360-degree views of Roi Et, looking down on Luang Pho Yai and Bueng Phlan Chai.
Drive onPhra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon
A massive white-and-gold pagoda in Nong Phok district, a bit of a drive out of town — great for a temple-and-merit road trip.
Want a full temple-and-merit-making plan for Roi Et?
See the Roi Et temple plan →