Wat Pha Sorn Kaew might just be the most stunning place in Thailand you’ve never heard of. Tucked away in the green mountains of Phetchabun province, this temple isn’t packed with crowds – and honestly, that makes it even better. It’s one of those places where every corner feels like it was made for photos, yet no camera can fully capture how beautiful it really is. Even without taking a single picture, you’ll walk away totally enchanted.
So if you’re wondering how to visit Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, how to get there, and why it’s worth the effort – you’re in the right place.
Where is this magical spot?
Wat Pha Sorn Kaew sits high up in the hills near Khao Kho, around 5-6 hours north of Bangkok. The name means “temple on a glass cliff” – and yep, it totally lives up to it. Think cool mountain air, sweeping views, and a surreal calm that hits you the moment you arrive.
This isn’t your average temple. There’s a towering statue of five white Buddhas sitting perfectly in line, and a pagoda decorated with over 5 million mosaic tiles, and colorful patterns everywhere you look. It’s wild, peaceful, and oddly hypnotic – like stepping into a dream.
How to visit Wat Pha Sorn Kaew (without the stress)
Now for the practical part: how to actually get there. This place isn’t super easy to reach, but with a bit of planning, it’s totally doable.
From Bangkok:
The easiest way is to rent a car. The drive takes about 5.5 to 6 hours and the roads are in good shape. Just search for “Wat Pha Sorn Kaew” on Google Maps, and you’re good to go. Bonus: having your own wheels means you can stop at scenic viewpoints along the way.
By bus or public transport:
You can take a bus from Bangkok (Mo Chit Terminal) to either Phetchabun, Lom Sak, or Phitsanulok. From there, you’ll need to grab a taxi or local minivan to the temple. Be warned – public transport to the actual site is pretty limited, so this route works best if you’re comfortable piecing things together on the fly.
From Chiang Mai:
Driving from Chiang Mai takes 7-8 hours, or you can fly to Phitsanulok and get a ride from there (about 2 hours away by car).
Travel tip: Go early in the morning if you can. The light is softer, the crowds are thinner, and you might catch a magical mist rolling through the mountains.
Why it’s worth the trip
What makes Wat Pha Sorn Kaew stand out isn’t just the looks (though those are jaw-dropping). It’s the whole atmosphere. It’s quiet, serene, and feels almost untouched. The mosaic-covered pagoda sparkles in the sun, the five white Buddhas seem to float in the sky, and the surrounding hills stretch out endlessly in every direction.
Even if you’ve seen dozens of temples in Thailand, this one feels different. It’s not about golden spires or ancient relics – it’s about creativity, color, and calm.