Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha: Temples, Phu-Thai Culture and Traditions
Accommodation in Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha
Buddhist temples, a Phu-Thai cultural community and the Bun Khun Lan harvest thanksgiving tradition give Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha a diverse cultural profile. Added to these are Phu Tak Daet, suitable for meditation and landscape views, the Non Nong Jok archaeological site, and a Songkran experience at Huai Ling Chon. These different themes can help you plan your trip around the places and traditions that interest you most.
Temples and Phu-Thai Traditions
Wat Phrom Wihan is a Buddhist temple in Tambon Sawat and belongs to the Dhammayutika Nikaya. It was founded in 1941 and received Wisungkhamsima in 1947. Its buildings include a large Buddha statue with a lap width of 13 metres and a height of 28 metres, a Naga, a stupa and an ordination hall. The founding dates and buildings give you several specific points of interest if you are interested in Buddhist architecture and religious sites. The current abbot is Phra Khru Phrom Wihan Khosit (Somchai Khosito).
The Wat Pho Tharam community in Ban Hong Saeng village offers another facet of the district. It is a Buddhist Phu-Thai cultural community and a place for cultural learning. The community preserves Phu-Thai Buddhist culture and holds the Bai Sri Su Kwan ceremony. In planning your trip, you can distinguish a temple visit in Sawat from an interest in a local cultural community and its ceremony.
Bun Khun Lan, also known as Bun Duean Yi, is another tradition of Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha. This old Isan harvest thanksgiving tradition involves, after the harvest, paying respect to Mae Phosop and the guardian spirits of agricultural produce. The tradition also includes the Su Kwan Khao rice-blessing ceremony.
Buddha Statues, Views and Archaeological History
Wat Phu Sung in Ban Nong Khaen Noi, Tambon Bung Kha, is home to the large white Buddha statue Phra Chao Yai Trailokanat. Wat Phu Sung is also a branch of Wat Pa Wang Nam Thip and is intended as a Buddhist park for meditation training. The site can accommodate up to 300 visitors. The Buddha statue and the site’s intended use for meditation training are therefore its main points of interest.
To reach Wat Phu Sung from Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha, take National Highway 212 towards Amnat Charoen as far as Ban Huai Sabaek. From there, take the road to Ban Nong Khaen, then continue after turning right. This route provides specific directions for driving to the temple.
Phu Tak Daet, also called Phu Rom Yen Mon Tham, is in Ban Non Daeng, Tambon Hong Saeng. Wat Phu Rom Yen Mon Tham is located there, and the site is suitable for meditation and taking in the landscape. The Phu Tham Phra grounds in Ban Pachat, Tambon Hong Saeng, cover 50 rai and are the site of Wat Phu Tham Phra. If you are interested in meditation, landscape views or temples, these places offer different options to consider when planning your explorations.
Non Nong Jok adds an archaeological site to the list. It is in Tambon Kut Hae and is one of the district’s attractions. Alongside the temples, it offers a different focus: while Wat Phrom Wihan and Wat Phu Sung feature Buddhist buildings and statues, Non Nong Jok is an archaeological site for those with an interest in history.
Songkran at Huai Ling Chon
During the Songkran festival, Huai Ling Chon offers floating dining platforms that visitors can use free of charge. There are currently around 120 or more platforms, allocated on a “first come, first served” basis. If you want to include the water experience in your trip, take the festival connection and platform allocation into account when planning, rather than assuming the platforms are available independently of Songkran.
During the water season, safety staff monitor visitors in the deep water. Anyone entering the deep water is given a life jacket and may not enter the water without wearing it. This rule is important to keep in mind when planning a visit to Huai Ling Chon.
Choosing the Right Location
The destinations described are associated with different locations: Wat Phrom Wihan is in Tambon Sawat, Wat Pho Tharam in Ban Hong Saeng, Phu Tham Phra in Ban Pachat, Wat Phu Sung in Ban Nong Khaen Noi, Phu Tak Daet in Ban Non Daeng and Non Nong Jok in Tambon Kut Hae. When searching for a holiday rental, it is worth comparing these place names with the destinations that interest you most. You can also include Si Kaeo as another destination in your travel plans.
For the broader travel overview: Yasothon.
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