Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today

Wat Tham Si Mongkhon

A revered cave temple in Nong Khai province, set amid natural limestone surroundings with a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.

4.6(727)
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

Wat Tham Si Mongkhon is a cave temple located in Sangkhom District, Nong Khai Province, in Thailand's northeastern region of Udon Thani. Tucked into a limestone hillside, the temple draws both devout Buddhists and curious travelers seeking a quieter, more contemplative alternative to the region's better-known religious sites. The natural cave setting lends the temple a distinct atmosphere that feels both ancient and sacred, with shrines and Buddha images placed within the rock formations themselves.

Visitors can expect a serene environment where the sounds of the surrounding landscape add to the meditative quality of the site. The cave interior houses devotional figures and offerings, making it an active place of worship rather than simply a scenic attraction. The grounds are generally unhurried, which allows for a more personal and reflective experience than busier temple complexes in the region.

The temple appears to be accessible at any time of day, making early morning visits a particularly good option for those who prefer cooler temperatures and a quieter atmosphere. As with all Buddhist temples in Thailand, visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees before entering any shrine or worship area. There is no official website listed, so it is advisable to confirm access conditions locally or through accommodation in the area before making the journey.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026

Stay within reach of Wat Tham Si Mongkhon

Sponsored

Search Udon Thani hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.

See hotels near Wat Tham Si Mongkhon

Opens Booking.com with your dates

Also compare on Expedia · Trip.com

Tours that include Wat Tham Si Mongkhon

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Tham Si Mongkhon.

Sponsored · GetYourGuide

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

X862+PVR, Pha Tang, Sangkhom District, Nong Khai 43160, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

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 Tham Si Mongkhon: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wat Tham Si Mongkhon worth visiting?

Wat Tham Si Mongkhon holds a 4.6★ rating from 727 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Udon Thani.

What are the opening hours of Wat Tham Si Mongkhon?

Wat Tham Si Mongkhon 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 Tham Si Mongkhon?

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 Tham Si Mongkhon located?

Wat Tham Si Mongkhon is at X862+PVR, Pha Tang, Sangkhom District, Nong Khai 43160, Thailand, in Udon Thani. Getting around Udon Thani: Songthaews on numbered city routes (฿10–15); Grab and metered taxis in the city.

Also popular in Udon Thani

Tukcom Landmark Plaza Udon Thani

Tukcom Landmark Plaza Udon Thani

4.2(3,549)
71/29 ถ.อุดรดุษฎี (Udondussadi Rd ต.หมากแข้ง (T.Mak Khang อ.เมือง A, Tambon Mak Khaeng, Muang, Chang Wat Udon Thani 41000, Thailand
Come here for a laptop charger, a phone repair or a price comparison, not for a fun afternoon out.
Cafe Viet

Cafe Viet

4.7(4,261)$$$$
Nai Mueang, Mueang Nong Khai District, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand
Vietnamese cooking in a Mekong border town, done properly, and closed by six so plan lunch not dinner.
YU Onsen and Spa (Udonthani Branch)

YU Onsen and Spa (Udonthani Branch)

5.0(362)
140/64 -66 โครงการไพร์มสแควร์ ถนนหน้า สถานีรถไฟอุดรธานี Tambon Mak Khaeng, Amphoe Mueang Udon Thani, Chang Wat Udon Thani 41000, Thailand
A highly regarded onsen and spa in Udon Thani, open daily for relaxation and therapeutic treatments.
Nong Prajak Park

Nong Prajak Park

4.5(7,514)
CQ9J+M5J, Ban Lueam, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani 41000, Thailand
Giant inflatable ducks on a city lake, and half of Udon Thani out jogging around it at dusk.

Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand

Wat Pa Thamma Utthayan

Wat Pa Thamma Utthayan

4.6(1,183)
GRQJ+G9F, Samran, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen 40000, Thailand
A peaceful forest temple in Khon Kaen open daily, blending meditation practice with traditional Buddhist culture.
Ban Rai Temple, Luang Phor Koon

Ban Rai Temple, Luang Phor Koon

4.7(5,476)
8P2P+3VV, Rai, Kut Phiman, Dan Khun Thot District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30210, Thailand
A mosaic elephant shrine sitting in a lake, and it's worth the drive out to Dan Khun Thot.
Doi Suthep Temple
Featured

Doi Suthep Temple

4.7(12,029)
Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem

4.7(8,388)
Wat Plai Laem, 4171, Thailand, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Free to enter, quick to walk, and the 18-armed Guanyin rising out of the lake is the reason to come.