🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom — known to most people simply as Wat Phu Manorom — sits on top of Manorom hill in Na Si Nuan subdistrict, Mueang Mukdahan district, only about 5 km from the town centre. It's a drive of under 15 minutes. The temple lies within Mukdahan National Park and covers roughly 100 rai. The spot everyone comes for is the hilltop terrace, where you look straight down onto the Mekong River and the twin towns on either bank.
The giant naga you can walk beneath
The highlight that put this temple on the map is Phaya Si Mukda Maha Muni Nin Pan Nakarat, a huge blue-green naga more than 100 metres long and about 20 metres tall. Its body coils along the hilltop with its head turned down toward the Mekong. It was completed in 2018 and is the largest naga statue in Thailand.
The fun part is that visitors get to walk beneath the naga's body. The temple has opened up several gaps along the body to pass through. Most people make a silent wish as they walk under it, then come out and tie a red cloth bearing their name to one of the trees around the area — a wish-making custom passed down over time.
Photo tip
The best angle on the naga is from the side, so you catch the long coiled body against the sky with the Mekong behind it. Early morning, before the sun gets harsh, brings out the colour of the scales clearly; the warm light of late afternoon is lovely in a different way.
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The Buddha's footprint and the hilltop Buddha
The temple's full name comes from the replica Buddha's footprint carved into sandstone, about 80 cm wide and 1.8 metres long. It's where locals come to pay respects and ask for blessings of good fortune. There's also an old octagonal stupa in the same area.
At the highest point of the temple stands a large white Buddha image, Phra Chao Yai Kaeo Mukda Si Trai Rat, in the Maravijaya (subduing Mara) posture, with a lap roughly 40 metres wide and a height of about 84 metres from base to the top of the head. You can see it from far off, even as you're still driving up — it's the landmark that makes Phu Manorom instantly recognisable.
The town and Mekong viewpoint
Because the temple sits on a hill right by the Mekong, the viewing terrace looks down on the twin towns at once — Mukdahan on the Thai side and Savannakhet Province in Laos — with the Mekong flowing between them. You can pick out Ho Kaeo Mukdahan tower and the second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge crossing the river. It's a panorama you don't see often.
- Morning (8:30–10:00am) — cool air, fewer people, clear views before the sun gets strong; ideal for photographing the naga and the Buddha image
- Late afternoon (4:00–5:00pm) — soft warm light and a beautiful Mekong view, but allow extra time since the temple closes at 5:00pm
- Cool season (Nov–Feb) — pleasant weather and clear skies, the best time of year to see the Laos side clearly
Getting there and up the hill
From the centre of Mukdahan, drive south along the road that runs beside the Mekong for about 5 km and you'll reach the way up the hill. Without your own vehicle, you can hire a songthaew or a motorcycle taxi from town. At the car park below there are temple songthaews waiting to take you up to the top. The climb isn't very steep, so older visitors can manage it easily.
Opening hours
Open daily 8:30am–5:00pm. Free entry, no admission ticket, but there are donation boxes if you'd like to contribute.
Time needed
Seeing the naga, the Buddha's footprint, the Buddha image, and the viewpoint takes around 1–1.5 hours.
What to wear
This is a temple, so dress modestly — skip tank tops and very short shorts. It's windy up on the hill, so keep an eye on hats and anything that could blow away.
What to pair it with nearby
Phu Manorom is on the south side of town, so it pairs easily with other stops in a single day. After coming down from the hill, drop by Ho Kaeo Mukdahan nearby for the view from another angle, or head into town to walk the riverside Indochina Market in the evening. If you've got a full day, you can round it off with Phu Pha Thoep National Park a bit further out.
Honest heads-up
It's windy up on the hill and there isn't much shade, so the midday sun can be fairly strong. Bring a hat and water and you'll be more comfortable. There are a few stalls selling snacks and drinks, but not many, so it's worth packing your own.
Plan a full day in Mukdahan
See the Mukdahan travel guide →