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Wat Matchimawas

A respected Buddhist temple in central Udon Thani, open daily and free to explore at any hour.

4.5(352)
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Open 24 hours daily

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

Full opening hours
MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Why go, and how to do it well

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 travelers 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.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Matchimawas, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Visitor favorite

5 Thanon Udondutsadi, Tambon Mak Khaeng, Amphoe Mueang Udon Thani, Chang Wat Udon Thani 41000, Thailand

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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 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 open 24 hours a day — 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.

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