🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you're passing through Nakhon Sawan and only have time for one stop, Wat Khiri Wong is the one most people will point you to, because you get two things in one place: a climb up to the Chula Mani Chedi on the summit, and a view of the city from above. The temple sits in Pak Nam Pho subdistrict in Mueang district, not far from the Pak Nam Pho market area, and it's only a few minutes' drive from the city centre to the foot of the hill.
The temple grounds are large — around 280 rai across both the hill and the flat land below — but what most people come for is the chedi on the summit, where the view and the place of worship come together in one spot.
Chula Mani Chedi, the big stupa on the summit
The Chula Mani Chedi is a large stupa standing on the top of the hill. Inside it's split into four levels you can climb one at a time, and each level has something different to pay respects to. The front of the base on the first level is where you light incense and candles before heading inside.
- Lower level — where you light incense and candles, with cast images of revered monks such as Luang Pu Thuat and Luang Pho Sot.
- Middle level — important and well-known Buddha images you can climb up to and pay respects to.
- Upper level — home to relics of the Buddha, with mural paintings telling the story of the Buddha's life to look at as you walk.
Beyond the chedi, the temple also has an ordination hall modelled on the Bodh Gaya stupa, plus a large Buddha image worth stopping for. If you have the time, a walk around before or after climbing the chedi gives you the full hilltop-temple atmosphere.
Before you climb the chedi
This is a sacred place — dress modestly and take your shoes off where indicated. Climb one level at a time and take it slowly, so you can pay your respects and rest to take in the view as you go.
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Looking out over Nakhon Sawan from the hill
The thing that draws people up to Wat Khiri Wong is the view. Because the temple sits on a hill, once you reach the upper level of the chedi you get a wide look over Nakhon Sawan. Facing east you'll see Khao Kop, Bueng Boraphet, and the source of the Chao Phraya River where the Ping and the Nan rivers meet. Further out you can even spot Khao Chom Khiri Nakhon Phrot.
The view is at its best in the morning and the evening. Early on the sky is clear and it isn't hot yet, so the city looks sharp; in the evening before sunset the light goes soft, which is good for shooting the city with the chedi. If you come in the middle of the day the sun is strong and it gets hot, so it's worth bringing water and a hat.
Morning
Clear sky, cool comfortable air, and the sharpest view of Bueng Boraphet and the city. Good if you'd rather avoid the heat.
Evening
Soft light before sunset, with the chedi and the city view looking their best. This is the time most people come to take photos.
Getting up the hill
From central Nakhon Sawan it's an easy drive to Wat Khiri Wong, with a road that goes all the way up to the car park at the top. If you're driving a car or riding a motorbike yourself you can park near the chedi and walk the short rest of the way. If you don't have your own wheels, you can take a hired ride or call a car from town to bring you up.
- Driving / riding yourself — there's a road up the hill to the car park at the top, which is the easiest and most flexible way.
- Walking up — if you'd rather walk up the steps for some quiet reflection along the way, there's a footpath for that too.
- Time to budget — about an hour at Wat Khiri Wong is just right; add a little more if you want to walk around the temple grounds as well.
Pairing it up to make the trip count
Wat Khiri Wong is on the same side of town as Khao Kop (Wat Woranat Banphot) and the Nakhon Sawan city observation tower. With an early start and a bit of planning, you can do all three in half a day.
Before you go
- Dress modestly, as this is a temple and a place of meditation practice for the province.
- Bring drinking water and a hat if you come in the middle of the day, since the sun is fairly strong up on the hill.
- Aim for morning or evening for the best view and more comfortable weather than midday.
- Wear shoes that make it easy to climb the levels of the chedi, since you go up one level at a time.
Plan the rest of your Nakhon Sawan trip
See the Nakhon Sawan travel guide →