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Visit Wat Phu Tok (Nong Khai)

Presentation Wat Phu Tok

g_translate Thai name : วัดภูทอก

push_pin GPS : 18.131616,103.880354 (See on the map)

reviews My opinion: starstarstarstarstar

This temple is quite far from Nong Khai (over 140 kilometers) but it is truly an amazing place ! More than the temple itself, it is the 359-meter high mountain on which is installed a set of walkways and wooden staircases on 7 levels that impress visitors. They are often buillt on the mountainside above the void. Not a visit for those afraid of heigts ! ;)

There are 2 possible paths to reach the small sanctuary on 5th level, the fast but a lot less interesting way and the way via the footbridges that go up gradually (at the first branch with 2 stairs, choose right staircase). The views over the valley are superb and you will also see a sanctuary on a peak. The last of the 7 levels is normally now closed to the public as it is infested with ... snakes. Count 2 hours to go up and down and enjoy the mountain.

Guide to visit Wat Phu Tok

No admission fee (6:30 am to 5 pm) - closed for Songkran (mid-April)

How to get to Wat Phu Tok ?

The temple can be visited from Udon Thani or Nong Khai but you will have at least 3 hours drive to reach it. I suggest you come to Bueng Khan, capital of the province where the Wat Phu Tok is located and spend a night there - you will find here a list of accommodations in Bueng Khan - and see with them to rent a car with driver to take you there or rent a scooter to go by yourself. Otherwise near the clock tower there are always tuk-tuks but the drivers speak little English. Count around 1.000 THB for round trip with 2 hour wait on site. If you are a bit more adventurous, you can take the bus 225 still at the clock tower up to Si Wilai (20 THB, 45 minutes) and then a tuk-tuk to Wat Phu Tok (around 300 THB round trip).
To get to Bueng Khan from Nong Khai, at the city bus terminal, you can choose between local bus (3h - 150 THB) or minivans. From Udon Thani, it will necessarily be a minivan.