Visit Wat Pa Dong Rai (Udon Thani)

The Buddhist temple Wat Pa Dong Rai (also known as Wat Santiwanaram) is nicknamed the White Lotus Temple of Udon Thani for its contemporary architecture shaped like a white lotus flower perched on an artificial lake. It symbolizes purity and enlightenment in the Buddhist tradition.

Opened in 2019 after 16 years of construction, the main temple rises 19 meters above water level and is accessible via a 50-meter bridge. Its golden dome and lotus petal-shaped windows create a serene atmosphere, enhanced by colorful murals depicting the life of the Buddha inside the dome and a magnificent ceiling featuring a Dharma wheel.

While the temple complex offers a peaceful setting surrounded by nature, ideal for meditation and contemplation, tourists come here primarily for its photogenic appeal, particularly at sunset, when the colorful lights of the twilight sky reflect on the lake, creating a magical atmosphere.

Besides the main temple shaped like a lotus flower, the complex includes a crocodile lake, a juvenile crocodile enclosure, and a fish feeding area.

As for me, it's not a must-see in your places to visit in Udon Thani, but if you're passing through, it might be worth a detour to see.

No admission fee

Wat Pa Dong Rai is located approximately 60 km east of Udon Thani city, near the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wat Pa Dong Rai Opening Hours

The temple is open daily. It is recommended to visit in the morning to enjoy the tranquility or in the late afternoon to avoid the heat and watch the sunset.

Wat Pa Dong Rai is a temple and when you visit a temple in Thailand there are some rules to know and follow:

• Dress properly (knees and shoulders should be covered)
• Take off your shoes when entering the buildings
• Be quiet
• Don't hug or kiss
• Don't point your feet to Buddha's image
• Don't smoke