📝 Written 2 Jul 2026 · ✅ Fact-checked 3 Jul 2026 · prices and schedules can change — check with the operator before booking
Ask anyone who has been up to Khao Kho which spot is worth stopping for at least once, and Wat Pha Sorn Kaew comes up almost every time. The temple sits on a ridge in Ban Thang Daeng, Kaeng Son subdistrict, Khao Kho district. What makes it instantly memorable is the large Pha Sorn Kaew pagoda, entirely covered in mosaic tiles, Benjarong porcelain bowls, beads, and colorful ceramic shards, standing prominently on a cliff face with mountain ranges as a backdrop.
Besides the pagoda itself, the temple grounds also feature five white Buddha statues lined up in a row, which have become a popular photo spot against the mountain view. There are pavilions and a viewing terrace where, on clear mornings, you can see a sea of fog drifting below. In this review we take an in-depth look at the experience of visiting Wat Pha Sorn Kaew — both the parts that make people fall in love with it and the parts you should mentally prepare for before you go.
Wat Pha Sorn Kaew (Wat Pha Kaew), Khao Kho
Wat Pha Sorn Kaew began as a meditation retreat on a ridge in Khao Kho district before growing into a temple widely known today. The name "Pha Sorn Kaew" ("cliff hiding a gem") comes from the way the rock cliffs here are arranged, as if concealing a jewel within. The highlight that stays in visitors' minds is the large Pha Sorn Kaew pagoda, its outer surface covered in mosaic tiles, Benjarong porcelain bowls, beads, and countless colorful ceramic shards — much of it donated by devotees as an act of faith, giving the whole pagoda a vivid, richly detailed look unlike typical pagodas.
What makes this temple special isn't just the pagoda itself, but the way this artwork sits on a tall cliff with the Khao Kho mountain range as a backdrop. Standing in the pagoda courtyard, you look out over overlapping mountains stretching into the distance. On clear mornings, a sea of fog often drifts through the valleys below. The temple grounds also have a row of white Buddha statues on a platform facing out toward the mountains, another favorite photo spot. Around the grounds are pavilions, walkways, and rest areas designed to blend with the natural surroundings, and many visitors happily spend one to two hours here walking around and taking photos.
According to real visitor reviews, Wat Pha Sorn Kaew holds an average rating of about 4.7 out of 5 on Tripadvisor from more than 533 reviewers. The consistent feedback is that the pagoda is more beautiful than expected and the mountain views are sweeping. Many reviewers note that visiting in the early morning when the sea of fog appears makes it even more worthwhile, and free admission makes it an easy stop on a Khao Kho trip. Things to keep in mind: the path up to the pagoda courtyard has a fair number of stairs and slopes, so anyone who has trouble walking, or is traveling with elderly companions, should pace themselves. During the high season in the cool months, the courtyard and parking area get very crowded. The morning air on the mountain is cold and windy, so bring a jacket, and since this is a temple, dress modestly and behave respectfully.
- The pagoda's entire surface is covered in colorful mosaic tiles, bowls, and ceramic shards — beautiful and far more detailed than a typical pagoda
- Set on a cliff with the Khao Kho mountain range as a backdrop; clear mornings reveal a sea of fog drifting below
- Free admission, with a white Buddha terrace and several viewpoints — an easy stop on a Khao Kho trip
- Widely rated a must-see spot in Khao Kho, with a high average score on Tripadvisor
- The path up to the pagoda courtyard has a fair number of stairs and slopes; those who have difficulty walking or are with elderly visitors should pace themselves
- During the cool-season high season, both the courtyard and parking area get very crowded, and you may have to wait for popular photo spots
- Mornings on the mountain are cold and windy; as a temple, modest dress and respectful behavior are expected
💡 Know before you go to Wat Pha Sorn Kaew
Wat Pha Sorn Kaew is a meditation and sacred site, so dress modestly — sleeved tops and pants or skirts that cover the knees, and avoid sleeveless tops or overly short shorts. Keep your behavior respectful and avoid loud noise on the temple grounds, out of respect for the site and for those practicing meditation there.
The temple is open daily, generally from around 08:00 to 17:00. Some areas open earlier in the morning for visitors making merit or watching the sea of fog. Aim to visit between morning and afternoon for a relaxed pace, and check the latest opening hours before you go, since they may shift around temple activities.
The sea of fog drifting through the valleys below is clearest in the early morning, roughly 06:30–09:00, especially during the cool season (November–February) when the air is cold and humid. The earlier you go, the better your chances of catching the fog and the soft morning light. Mornings on the mountain are cold and windy, so bring a jacket.
There's a parking area at the base of the temple, from which you walk up stairs and sloped paths to reach the pagoda courtyard and viewpoints. The distance isn't far but it is fairly steep. Anyone who has trouble walking, or is with elderly visitors, should pace themselves and wear comfortable shoes. Parking fills up on cool-season holidays, so arrive early for an easier spot.
Book Khao Kho tours and activities
If you don't have your own car, a tour with transfers included lets you combine Wat Pha Sorn Kaew with other Khao Kho sights in a single trip. Compare prices and inclusions before booking.
Where to stay for a Khao Kho trip?
Choose a mountain-view hotel in Khao Kho, close to the sights and the sea-of-fog viewpoints. Compare prices across 3 sites before booking.
Search hotels on AgodaAfter visiting Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, thinking of staying a night to catch the Khao Kho sea of fog? See the hotels we've picked for you.
See Top 10 Phetchabun/Khao Kho Hotels →