🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Pha Sorn Kaew is in Ban Thang Daeng, Khaem Son subdistrict, Khao Kho district, Phetchabun province. It started out as a small monastery on a hillside before slowly growing into a temple known across the country. What makes it instantly recognizable is the Pha Sorn Kaew pagoda — a white stupa decorated all over with ceramic tiles, bowls, cups, and colorful ornaments arranged into patterns, perched on a ridge with mountain views on every side.
Highlights You Shouldn't Miss
The temple is laid out in tiers down the hillside, and as you walk up you'll pass several spots worth stopping for — starting with the five white Buddha statues lined up in a row, the most photographed corner of all, up to the mosaic pagoda right at the top.
- The Five Buddha Statues — white Buddha images lined up on the hillside, facing out toward the valley. This is the signature image of the temple and the main check-in spot.
- Pha Sorn Kaew Pagoda — a white stupa covered in ceramic tiles, bowls, cups, beads, and millions of pieces of colored glass, placed one piece at a time by local volunteers and artists.
- The Hall and Mosaic Work — the interior walls are decorated with detailed colored-tile patterns that catch the light and shimmer when the sun hits them.
- Ridge Viewpoint — you can see the green Khao Kho mountains stacked in layers, and on cool-season mornings there's a chance of a sea of mist drifting through.
Photo Tips
The best light is in the morning before 9am — clear skies, fewer people, and a chance of thin mist. By afternoon the sun gets harsh and the crowds build up, especially on long weekends.
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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.
Opening Hours, Entry Fee, and Dress Code
The temple is open daily, generally around 8:00am–5:00pm (it sometimes opens earlier — it's worth arriving in the morning for good light and smaller crowds). Entry is free with no admission charge, though there are donation boxes for the temple's upkeep if you'd like to give.
- Dress code — this is an active temple, so dress respectfully: no spaghetti straps, and no shorts or skirts above the knee. There are cover-up cloths to borrow near the entrance.
- The walk up — you'll be climbing a fair number of stairs and ramps, so wear comfortable shoes and take breaks along the way if you're not used to walking uphill.
- Weather — Khao Kho is cooler than the lowlands, so bring a light jacket in the cool season. In the rainy season the paths can get slippery, so take extra care.
Getting to Wat Pha Sorn Kaew
The temple sits along Highway 12 (Phitsanulok–Lom Sak) near Khaem Son in Khao Kho district. The easiest way to get there is by private car or rental, since there's no public transport that runs all the way to the temple.
- From Bangkok (by car) — about 400–410 km, roughly 5.5 hours. Take Highway 21 through Saraburi and Lopburi into Phetchabun, then turn onto Highway 12 on the Khao Kho side. There are signs the whole way.
- From Phitsanulok Airport — about 80 km, roughly 1 hour 20 minutes via Highway 12 heading toward Lom Sak. This is the faster option if you're flying in.
- By public transport — take a coach or van to Lom Sak or central Phetchabun, then connect toward Phitsanulok and get off near Huai Phai market or the Ban Thang Daeng junction, where you can hire a local ride up to the temple (around 300–450 THB depending on distance and negotiation).
- GPS coordinates — 16.78924, 101.05031 — just drop a pin in your map app.
Driving on Khao Kho
The road up Khao Kho has plenty of curves and steep grades. If you're driving yourself, check your brakes are in good shape, use a low gear on the way down, and fill up before heading up, since gas stations on the mountain are few and far between.
More to See Nearby in a Day
One nice thing about Wat Pha Sorn Kaew is that it's in the same zone as several other Khao Kho attractions, so it's easy to plan a full day. After paying your respects in the late morning, you can move straight on to other stops.
Khao Kho Wind Turbine Field
Rows of power-generating wind turbines along the ridge, with open panoramic views — great for photos and catching the cool breeze.
ViewpointPhra Borommathat Chedi Kanchanaphisek
A pagoda on the peak of Khao Kho, built to mark the 50th anniversary of the reign — another spot for valley and mist views.
Coffee BreakMountain-View Cafes around Khaem Son
Coffee shops with mountain views line Highway 12 — a good place to stop for a cup partway through the day.
When's the Best Time to Go
Khao Kho is worth visiting year-round, and each season has its own feel — pick based on what you're hoping to find.
- November–February — the cool season: cold air, clear skies, and the best chance of a morning sea of mist. It's also the busiest time of year.
- March–May — warmer and quieter, with clear skies that are great for photographing the pagoda and seeing the mosaic colors sharply.
- June–October — the rainy season: the mountains are lush and green, but the paths get slippery and clouds may block the views. Bring an umbrella and non-slip shoes.
Plan a full Khao Kho–Phetchabun trip
See the Phetchabun travel guide →