This royal temple is the most important and most sacred of Nong Khai. If its exterior architecture is not the most fascinating, the inside of the wihaan worth visiting. The walls are decorated with beautiful paintings. The gold sitting Buddha of the temple, Luang Phra Sai Po, is probably one of the three statues made at the request of Laotian King Lan Xiang's daughters. In 1778, they were taken from Vientiane in Laos and transported to Nong Khai during the reign of King Rama I. But during the trip one of them sank in Mekong river. The third statue is in Wat Phatum Wanaram in Bangkok.
The head of the statue is gold while the body is made of bronze. Rubies also decorate the sculpture. The temple murals tell the story of the transportation of Luang Phra Sai Po but also depict many stories and traditional Buddhist beliefs. So if you come here, don't miss the inside of Wat Po Chai.
The temple is located in the city, close to highway 212 and easily accessible by walking or by bicycle from the riverfront or the Nong Khai bus station.
Offered in English Discover 3 provinces of Isan, a region preserved from mass tourism as it is very little offered to foreign tourists. Between temples, natural wonders and moments of simple life with the locals, you will meet artisans and enjoy magnificent sunrises and sunsets over the Mekong River.