Wat Phra That Nong Bua
A white chedi modeled on Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi Temple, best seen in the first hour after sunrise.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 06:00–20:00
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Details
- Phone
- +66 83 125 8295
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Phra That Nong Bua
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Phra That Nong Bua.
Why go, and how to do it well
The white chedi is the reason to come. It's modeled on the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in India, which makes it look unlike anything else in Ubon Ratchathani, and the gold relief work across it rewards standing still and actually looking rather than firing off a photo and moving on. Seated Buddha images ring the base. The whole complex is kept tidy, and it functions as a working temple rather than a set piece, so you'll be sharing it with people who came to pray.
Go early. Gates open at 06:00 and the first couple of hours are cooler, quieter and better for photographs, with monks going about their morning routine. Late afternoon is the next best thing for light. Midday sun on all that white is punishing and there's not much shade on the open ground around the chedi. Half an hour to forty-five minutes is enough unless you want to sit a while, which is rather the point.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
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Tours that include Wat Phra That Nong Bua
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Phra That Nong Bua.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Phra That Nong Bua, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Phra That Nong Bua, round out your day in Ubon Ratchathani with contrasting stops nearby.
108, Amphoe Mueang Ubon Ratchathani, Chang Wat Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within 4.3 km of Wat Phra That Nong Bua.
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Wat Phra That Nong Bua: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Phra That Nong Bua worth visiting?
Wat Phra That Nong Bua holds a 4.7★ rating from 5,325 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Ubon Ratchathani.
What are the opening hours of Wat Phra That Nong Bua?
Wat Phra That Nong Bua is typically open 06:00–20:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Wat Phra That Nong Bua?
The best months to visit Ubon Ratchathani are November – February (plus July for the Candle Festival), with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in Candle Festival (July, Khao Phansa) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April (peak heat).
Where is Wat Phra That Nong Bua located?
Wat Phra That Nong Bua is at 108, Amphoe Mueang Ubon Ratchathani, Chang Wat Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand, in Ubon Ratchathani. Getting around Ubon Ratchathani: Grab and songthaews in the city; Rental car or driver for the Mekong loop (Khong Chiam, ~75 km east).
Also popular in Ubon Ratchathani
Central Ubon
Chomjan Bar & Restaurant
Ma-Derr-Ma-Nuad
Pattaya Noi Ubon Ratchathani
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