📝 Written 3 Jul 2026 · ✅ Fact-checked 3 Jul 2026 · prices and schedules can change — check with the operator before booking
If you're in Nong Bua Lamphu and want to visit a temple with both history and atmosphere, Wat Tham Klong Phen is usually the first name people recommend. That's because this isn't a typical in-town temple — it's a meditation forest temple at the foot of the Phu Phan mountain range, about thirteen kilometers from the town center. The temple grounds are wide and shaded by big trees, with oddly shaped natural boulders scattered throughout the area. Walk in and the noise in your head naturally starts to quiet down, thanks to the genuinely peaceful atmosphere of a real forest temple.
The name Tham Klong Phen ("drum cave") comes from a cave on the grounds that once held a pair of ancient drums. The temple is widely known because it was once the residence of Luang Pu Khao Analayo, a forest monk in Luang Pu Mun's lineage revered by people across Isan and the whole country. This page tells it straight — both what visitors have loved, like the stillness and the thoughtfully done museum, and honest observations from real reviews worth knowing before you go, so you can visit with the right expectations and conduct yourself appropriately as befits a practice temple.
Wat Tham Klong Phen, Nong Bua Lamphu
Wat Tham Klong Phen sits outside Nong Bua Lamphu town to the northwest, at the foot of the Phu Phan mountain range, about thirteen kilometers from town on Highway 210 (the Udon Thani–Loei road), then a turn onto the temple access road. What sets this place apart from an in-town temple is that it's a meditation forest temple — the grounds are wide and shaded with big trees, with oddly shaped giant natural boulders scattered throughout. Walking around feels like strolling through a quiet forest dotted with rock clearings, pavilions, and monks' huts. The name Tham Klong Phen comes from a cave on the grounds that once held a pair of ancient drums. Inside the cave and around the rock clearings are Buddha images for visitors to pay respect to, along with large reclining and seated Buddha images elsewhere on the grounds.
The spot most visitors come specifically to see is the memorial museum for Luang Pu Khao Analayo. The museum building is designed as stacked boulder shapes that blend into the temple's terrain. Inside sits a wax figure of Luang Pu in a seated posture, so lifelike it feels like sitting before him in person. Another room displays his relics and personal belongings, preserved as keepsakes. Luang Pu Khao was a key disciple of Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatto and came to reside and meditate at Wat Tham Klong Phen in his final years, which is why the temple is both a place of practice and a place where devotees come to pay their respects. For those wanting to climb up to see the cave and the high viewpoint, a concrete staircase of roughly six hundred-plus steps winds up the mountain, with rest points along the way — taken slowly, it's not too difficult a climb.
Based on genuine reviews from past visitors, most were struck by the peaceful, shaded stillness of this forest temple, describing it as uncrowded and easy to walk around, well suited to paying respect and simply being with the quiet. The wax museum and relic display were also praised as well done and evoking a genuine sense of reverence. That said, some reviews consistently noted that certain buildings and walkways on the grounds look aged and somewhat under-maintained over time, and some sections are occasionally closed to visitors. A visit to Wat Tham Klong Phen is therefore best approached for its peaceful atmosphere and the story of Luang Pu, rather than expecting anything lavish. Just as importantly, dress modestly and behave respectfully, since this is a working practice temple where monks and devotees come to genuinely meditate.
- A meditation forest temple with a quiet, shaded atmosphere among big trees and natural boulders, ideal for paying respect and simply being still
- Houses a wax museum and relic hall for Luang Pu Khao Analayo, offering a chance to pay respect and learn about the forest-tradition meditation lineage of Luang Pu Mun
- Features large reclining and seated Buddha images, an ancient drum cave, and a mountain-top viewpoint — several sights to see within a single temple visit
- Not far from Nong Bua Lamphu town, so it's an easy half-day round trip with time to stop at other spots in the province afterward
- Some buildings and walkways look aged and somewhat under-maintained over time, and sections may occasionally be closed — go for the atmosphere and the story rather than expecting anything lavish
- The climb to the cave involves several hundred concrete steps, so older visitors or anyone with limited mobility should pace themselves and may prefer to stick to the lower grounds
- This is a working practice temple where people come for stillness, so modest dress and extra-respectful behavior are essential — not a fit for loud visits or intrusive photography
💡 Know before you go to Wat Tham Klong Phen
Wat Tham Klong Phen is a working meditation forest temple with monks and devotees genuinely meditating there. Dress modestly, cover shoulders and knees, avoid sleeveless tops and shorts, and keep your voice and manner respectful the whole time you're on the grounds. Photos are fine, but avoid disturbing those who are practicing and don't photograph in areas the temple asks visitors not to.
The temple is roughly thirteen kilometers outside Nong Bua Lamphu town, reached via Highway 210 (the Udon Thani–Loei road) with a turn onto the temple access road. A private or rented car is most convenient. Without one, you can charter a car or ask about hired drivers in town, since public buses don't reach the temple itself very conveniently.
Mornings are cool and the light is good, making it more comfortable to walk the forest temple grounds and climb to the cave than in the afternoon heat. There are also fewer visitors, so you get the full peaceful atmosphere. If you plan to climb the mountain to see the cave and the viewpoint, the morning stairs are easier going than at midday.
Reaching the cave and the mountain-top viewpoint means climbing roughly six hundred-plus concrete steps, with rest points along the way — taken slowly, it's manageable. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring drinking water. Older visitors or anyone with limited mobility can pay respect and visit the museum on the lower grounds without needing to climb.
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Make the most of your trip: Wat Tham Klong Phen can be visited in half a day. Go in the morning for cool air and a peaceful, quiet atmosphere — pay respect, tour the wax museum and the relic hall of Luang Pu Khao, then climb to the cave if you still have the energy. From there, continue on to other Nong Bua Lamphu sights, or if you're coming from Udon Thani, stop here conveniently along the way. Dress modestly and stay respectful the entire time you're on the grounds, so you can enjoy the visit comfortably without disturbing those who are there to practice.
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