Wat Matchimawas
Situated along Thanon Udondutsadi in the heart of Udon Thani, Wat Matchimawas is an established Buddhist temple that serves as both an active place of worship and a cultural landmark for visitors to the region. The temple reflects the spiritual life of the local community and offers travellers a genuine glimpse into northeastern Thai religious tradition, away from the more heavily touristed temple circuits found in cities like Chiang Mai or Bangkok. Visitors can expect a calm and contemplative atmosphere, with traditional temple architecture, ornate shrine buildings, and the quiet rhythms of daily Buddhist practice. The grounds provide space to observe monks, admire decorative details, and take a respectful pause from the pace of city travel. Its central location in Mueang Udon Thani district makes it an easy addition to any itinerary exploring the city. As with all Buddhist temples in Thailand, visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees before entering any of the main buildings or sacred areas. The temple appears to be accessible around the clock, making early morning visits particularly rewarding, as this is when monks conduct alms rounds and the atmosphere is at its most authentic. No admission fee is typically charged at temples of this type, though small donations are always appreciated and considered respectful.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Matchimawas, round out your day in Udon Thani with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Udon Thani

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Tha Sadet Market
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Daeng Namnuang Nong Khai
A well-known Vietnamese-Thai restaurant on the Mekong riverside in Nong Khai, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Wat Matchimawas: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Matchimawas worth visiting?
Wat Matchimawas holds a 4.5★ rating from 352 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Udon Thani.
What are the opening hours of Wat Matchimawas?
Wat Matchimawas is typically open 00:00-23:59 — 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 Matchimawas?
The best months to visit Udon Thani are December – February (Red Lotus Sea blooms Dec–Feb), with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January (lotus season weekends) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (peak heat).
Where is Wat Matchimawas located?
Wat Matchimawas is at 5 Thanon Udondutsadi, Tambon Mak Khaeng, Amphoe Mueang Udon Thani, Chang Wat Udon Thani 41000, Thailand, in Udon Thani. Getting around Udon Thani: Songthaews on numbered city routes (฿10–15); Grab and metered taxis in the city.
Location Info
5 Thanon Udondutsadi, Tambon Mak Khaeng, Amphoe Mueang Udon Thani, Chang Wat Udon Thani 41000, ThailandVisitor Information
Best time to visit
December – February (Red Lotus Sea blooms Dec–Feb)
Avoid: March – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
19°C – 35°C(66°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January (lotus season weekends)
Getting there
Udon Thani Airport (UTH) has frequent Bangkok flights (~65 min). The overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Nong Khai stops here (~9 hrs); buses from Mo Chit take 7–8 hours. Vientiane (Laos) is 80 km via the Friendship Bridge.
Getting around
- •Songthaews on numbered city routes (฿10–15)
- •Grab and metered taxis in the city
- •Minivans and trains to Nong Khai (55 km, ~1 hr)
- •Rental car for the Red Lotus Sea and Ban Chiang (both ~50 km out)
Where to stay near Wat Matchimawas
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
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.
Nearby Places

City Pillar Shrine or San Lak Mueang
A sacred city pillar shrine in Udon Thani, open around the clock for prayer and cultural exploration.

China City Shrine, Udon Thani
A Chinese-style shrine in Udon Thani offering a glimpse into the city's Chinese cultural heritage.

Thung Si Muang
A beloved cultural landmark in Udon Thani, offering a peaceful green space rich in local heritage.

Udon Sawang Metha Thammasathan Foundation Chinese Temple
A well-regarded Chinese temple in Udon Thani, open around the clock for worship and cultural visits.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A towering all-wood monument in Pattaya, hand-carved without nails and still under construction after decades.
Where to stay near Wat Matchimawas
Find hotels in Udon Thani on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
December – February (Red Lotus Sea blooms Dec–Feb)
Avoid: March – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
19°C – 35°C(66°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January (lotus season weekends)
Getting there
Udon Thani Airport (UTH) has frequent Bangkok flights (~65 min). The overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Nong Khai stops here (~9 hrs); buses from Mo Chit take 7–8 hours. Vientiane (Laos) is 80 km via the Friendship Bridge.
Getting around
- •Songthaews on numbered city routes (฿10–15)
- •Grab and metered taxis in the city
- •Minivans and trains to Nong Khai (55 km, ~1 hr)
- •Rental car for the Red Lotus Sea and Ban Chiang (both ~50 km out)