Wat Rat Uppatham (Wat Bang Riang)

Wat Bang Rieng Temple, is one of the most beautiful temple complexes in southern Thailand. After a winding ascent along a narrow mountain road you will be greeted by long stairwell adorned with serpents (Named Naga) which make up both sides of the walk way leading to the temple. The main temple building of Chedi Rat Uppatham is positioned at a height of over 100 meters. Sitting below there is a statue of a golden Buddha with snakes and a statue of the goddess of mercy Guanyin (Guan Yin), complete with it's own meditation room where the monks come to pay respect and meditate. The construction of the complex began at the behest of the King of Thailand, Rama 9 in 1986. The courtyard of this temple is decorated in traditional Thai style, and here you can see the various mythical creatures of the three-headed elephant Erawan, yakshas and the Garuda bird. From the courtyard you can enter Chedi, where the Buddha’s relics are located. Chedi is located on a high hill, so there opens a great view of the sitting Buddha statue and the Guanin statue against the background of the surrounding mountains and banana plantations. The inside is elaborately decorated with historical and culturally significant artwork central to the Buddhist religion. This temple is truly something to behold providing diverse architecture, numerous points of interest and amazing views. Well worth the visit. Remember to show respect and wear shirts that cover the shoulders and preferably longer shorts that come to knee length. If you don't have any of this with you then the temple has some pyjama style pants you can slip on.

Absolutely beautiful temple complex. A bit tricky to get to, but absolutely worth it. Leave enough time to walk to the Goddess of Mercy and golden Buddha if you can. Cute cafe for refreshments and lots of parking.

One of my favourite place to find peace and serinity...this time round make a new dog friend 🤣