🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Khao Rup Chang is an old temple that has long been part of Phichit, and plenty of people drive past without realising what's up on the hill. The name 'Khao Rup Chang' (Elephant-Shaped Hill) comes from the white rocks stacked at the summit that look a bit like a kneeling elephant. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period, around 1701, the same era as Wat Pho Prathap Chang, and has been restored several times since. The thing you really have to climb up for is the golden chedi at the top and the viewing terrace, where Phichit town opens up in every direction. It suits anyone who likes pairing temple visits with photos and isn't in a rush.
Why climb up to Wat Khao Rup Chang
Phichit is flat lowland along the Nan River, and there aren't many places where you can actually get up high and see a wide view. That makes Wat Khao Rup Chang the spot locals think of when they want to show someone the town from above. Climb to the top and you'll see rice fields spreading out green, the road cutting in toward the temple, and the town off in the distance. It's quiet up there with open breeze — a different feel from the temples in town that sit right by the road.
Golden Lankan-style chedi
An old chedi on the summit, recently restored and covered entirely in glazed gold tiles. It stands out from far away, serves as the temple's main photo spot, and holds the sacred relics that people come to pay respects to.
360° viewing terrace
A terrace at the top looking out over rice fields, Phichit town, and roads in every direction. The light is lovely and it's cooler in the early morning and evening — a good place to sit, catch the breeze, and rest before heading back down.
Mondop and Buddha footprint
An old mondop housing a green stone Buddha footprint, with murals inside telling the Traiphum (Buddhist cosmology) story. It's a quiet corner for those who come to pay respects and those who like old places.
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How the 427-step climb works
The way up the hill is a flight of 427 steps. That sounds like a lot, but the steps aren't too steep and there's a handrail the whole way. Most people take it in stages and reach the top in about 15–20 minutes. There are rest spots and patches of shade along the way. If you're bringing older relatives or small children, go in the morning or evening when it's cooler — it's much easier than the middle of the day. Up top there's a wide terrace to rest on before you head back down.
Tips for the climb
Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a bottle of water up with you, and aim for before 9am or after 4pm — you'll get cooler air and nicer light for photos of the town view.
Where to pay your respects
- Golden chedi at the summit — the main place to pay respects, holding sacred relics. Walk around the chedi to make a wish, then take a photo beside it.
- Principal Buddha in the hilltop viharn — the upper viharn holds a Buddha image to pay respects to, in a quiet, peaceful setting.
- Buddha footprint in the mondop — a green stone Buddha footprint where visitors often stop to apply gold leaf and make a wish.
- Old octagonal chedi — an Ayutthaya-era chedi that still shows its original traces, a corner for anyone who likes old structures to wander around.
The temple is tied to a bit of history too. It's said that King Rama IV stayed here while he was still ordained as a monk, which is why people in Phichit see it as a temple with a long story behind it, not just a viewpoint.
How to get to Wat Khao Rup Chang
The temple is in Dong Pa Kham, along the Phichit–Taphan Hin road, about 15 km from Phichit town — an easy drive of around 20–25 minutes. There are clear signs marking the entrance, and the car park sits at the foot of the hill before the steps. If you're not driving, you can take the train to Phichit station and then a taxi or a rental car from town. But since the temple is outside the town and there's no direct bus, having your own car or a rental is by far the most convenient. It's open roughly 8am–6pm daily, with no entry fee.
Pair it with Wat Pho Prathap Chang
A temple from the same era, tied to Ayutthaya history. It's in a different district but easy to add on the same day — good for temple and history lovers.
Next stopPair it with Bueng Si Fai
Head back into town and stop by Bueng Si Fai in the evening to wait for the sunset, closing out the day at the town's big lake.
Plan a full day
Climb Wat Khao Rup Chang in the morning while it's still cool, stop by Wat Pho Prathap Chang in the late morning, head back into town for lunch, then save Bueng Si Fai for the evening. It's a single day that covers the high views, the old sites, and the riverside.
Plan a full day in Phichit, with places to stay
See the Phichit travel guide →