Wat Nong Bua

This second 'must-see' temple is Wat Nong Bua, located a little out of town in the northern suburbs but well worth the journey. The Wat was built in 1957 and is a Thai-style replica of the famous ancient stone pagoda in Bodh Gaya (India), where the Buddha is believed to have become enlightened over 2,500 years ago. The rectangular-based pagoda is 56 metres high and extends up to a bell-shaped chedi crown. Carved beige-stone panels depict scenes from stories of the Buddha’s previous lives. Inside is a high-ceiling room containing golden pillars and a shrine said to contain genuine Buddha relics. Outside the pagoda are tall Bodhi tree and a huge, modern ordination hall. Entry: Free Open: Anytime (closed overnight) Getting Here: Located on Thamma Withi Road, about two kms northwest of the airport. By songthaews, Nos. 3 &10 can drop you close to the temple along Chayangkun Road; by taxi or tuk tuk a round trip will be around 100-200B.