Mae Hong Son : Wat Pho Chai

Wat Pho Chai is located in the south-east of Nong Khai. The temple is famed for a large bronze-Buddha with a solid gold head decorated with precious stones (rubies). The temple building houses a number of wooden carvings and murals. The murals depict the history of the image – originally from Laos. The Buddha image was shipped across the Mekong and fell into the water during a storm where it sat for 25 years. It was salvaged and spent some years in another Thai temple before being moved to Wat Pho Chai. The image is the focal point of a procession around Nong Khai during the annual Songkran Festival.



Details:
The temple is open daily and admission is free (although a donation is suggested).



How to get there:
Wat Pho Chai Temple is easily accessible on foot – it is next to the main bus terminal on Praeserm Road in Mae Hong Son.