🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Hin Mak Peng sits in Ban Thai Charoen, Phra Phutthabat subdistrict, Si Chiang Mai district, about 75 kilometers west of Nong Khai town. The temple takes its name from three boulders lined up along the Mekong. Old-timers say their shape resembles the net-weight sinkers locally called 'peng,' and the name has stuck ever since. This isn't a tourist temple with rows of shops — it's a working meditation center that welcomes ordinary visitors to pay respects, sit in meditation, and soak up the riverside calm.
Why people come here
The pull of Wat Hin Mak Peng is a kind of quiet you don't find easily. The whole temple lies in shady sandstone forest, with big trees giving shade across almost the entire grounds. Walk in and the only sounds you hear are the wind and the Mekong. The spot people love most is the riverside terrace looking across to Laos on the far bank — wide water, cool breeze, perfect for sitting quietly on your own or coming with family in no hurry at all.
- The Hin Mak Peng boulders — the three riverside rocks that give the temple its name, with signs explaining the beliefs and the role of each stone.
- Luang Pu Thet memorial chedi and museum — housing the venerable monk's relics and belongings, open for visitors to pay respects.
- Luang Pu Thet wax-figure hall — a lifelike seated figure where later generations can come to pay homage.
- Mekong skywalk — a glass-floored walkway jutting out over the river, a photo and viewpoint spot that's the temple's newer landmark.
- Meditation grounds and forest kutis — wide space for walking meditation and sitting practice among the trees.
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Luang Pu Thet Thesarangsi and this temple
The temple was founded around 1939, but what made it known nationwide was the period when Luang Pu Thet Thesarangsi (Phra Ratcha Nirot Rangsi) came to take up residence here from 1965. A disciple in the lineage of Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta, he laid the foundations for the place as a meditation monastery for monks, nuns and lay practitioners who came with a real intention to practice. After he passed away in 1994, the temple built the memorial chedi, museum and commemorative pavilion for people to come and pay respects. The traditional atmosphere of practice still holds to this day.
What to know before you go
This is a working meditation monastery, not just a photo check-in. Dress modestly, keep your voice down, and respect anyone who's sitting in meditation. If you come across a kuti or practice zone with a sign asking for silence, steer clear rather than disturb it.
How to get there and how long it takes
From Nong Khai town, drive west on Highway 211 (the Nong Khai–Si Chiang Mai road) for about 75 kilometers. The temple is on the right around the 64-kilometer marker, roughly an hour and a half of driving. This stretch of road runs along the Mekong with lovely views, passing riverside villages the whole way. If you don't have your own car, your best bet is to rent one or charter a van from town, since public transport doesn't reach here easily.
- Opening hours — the memorial chedi, museum and wax-figure hall are open daily 8:30 AM–4:30 PM.
- Admission — no entry fee; donate as you wish.
- Time needed — paying respects, sitting in meditation and taking in the view, about 1–2 hours is about right.
- Best time to visit — morning or late afternoon, when the sun is gentle and the river breeze is cool.
Want to stay for a retreat? Here's how
If you genuinely want to stay and practice, the temple has kutis to stay in, both single and shared — many with an en-suite bathroom, running water and electricity, and a porch for walking meditation. Dress during practice is all white, or a white top with a sarong/black trousers. The temple doesn't lend out clothing, so bring your own. It's worth contacting the temple ahead about dates and accommodation, as some periods see a lot of practitioners.
Where to go next nearby
Wat Pha Tak Suea
A hilltop temple with a glass skywalk overlooking a panoramic bend in the Mekong, on the same route and not far to drive on.
Riverside marketTha Sadet Market
A riverside market in downtown Nong Khai loaded with Vietnamese–Lao snacks and souvenirs — stop by before or after heading back into town.
In townMekong Naga Promenade
A riverside walkway in town for the naga statues and sunset over the water — a good way to close out the day.
Plan a full day of temples and nature in Nong Khai
See the Nong Khai travel guide →