Thailand’s Stunning Mosaic Temple
I spent the summer after graduating from college in Thailand and visited many temples during those 3 ½ months, but one stood out as my favorite: Wat Pha Sorn Kaew. Its name means “temple on a glass cliff.”
Located in northern Thailand’s Phetchabun province, about five hours from Bangkok, the temple stands up against the picturesque backdrop of the Khao Kho mountain range. The serene location was intentionally chosen to inspire meditation, and when the weather is just right, a haze will make you feel above the clouds. It’s ethereal!
In Thailand, you can visit ancient temples dating back to the 13th century that will blow you away by their beauty and history. Built in 2024, as a Dharma practice center for monks and Buddhist followers, Wat Pha Sorn Kaew is a modern temple but is just as awe-inspiring.
Over five million unique mosaic tiles adorn the temple.
As you step onto the temple grounds, you’re immersed in a rainbow of colors that circle the main pagoda. Intricate, circular designs out of pottery, tile, beads, stones, and other material cover the ground, walls, and columns. Each piece is one-of-a-kind.
The statue of five white Buddhas, stacked and seated, stands in stark contrast to the vibrant mosaic maze. The courtyard in front of the stacked, seated buddhas features a web of large round mirrors, to connect one closer to the atmosphere. The colors here are mostly bright white, silver, and gold metallics.
You can go inside both the main gold pagoda and the five-Buddha statue, where you’ll find Buddhist art, information about the temple, and a place to make donations.
The courtyard (Lan Pho) of the temple is filled with Bodhi trees, due to their spiritual significance in Buddhism. The Buddha became enlightened under the Bodhi tree.
More to Do Nearby
After a quiet morning soaking in your surroundings at the glass temple, stop by one of the few restaurants right outside the temple for lunch. You can enjoy traditional Thai noodle dishes with an incredible view.
If you’re craving more fairy-tale views after the temple, stop by The Blue Sky Resort Khao Kho. This place feels like stepping into a storybook, complete with dreamy castles, a café, and stunning views of the mountains. You might forget you’re in Thailand.
If you're planning to spend most of your time in Thailand's more popular cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, Wat Pha Sorn Kaew is more off the beaten path. But if you have the time, the views are worth it!
When I visited the temple, I took a day trip from Phitsanulok and also made a stop at Sappraiwan Elephant Resort and Sanctuary (approximately 50 minutes from the temple).
If you have time and are looking for an ethical elephant experience immersed in nature, I recommend staying a couple of nights at the resort. They offer elephant activity packages that allow you to connect and appreciate these animals in their natural habitat. The resort also offers other activities, including white water rafting and jungle safaris.
There is no public transportation directly to the temple. If you have a larger group, I’d recommend hiring a private driver (these can be very affordable) so you can explore more of the area at your own pace.
Temple Etiquette
Before visiting a temple in Thailand, it's important to know the etiquette. Here are a few dos and don’ts when visiting any temple:
Dress modestly. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees or bring a sarong to cover. Some temples provide sarongs to rent, but don’t count on this.
TIP: Yes, it is hot in Thailand, but you’ll find covering in long, flowy clothes actually keep you cooler by protecting you from the sun.
Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings. At Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, you’ll take them off before entering the main area.
Step over raised thresholds rather than on them—it’s considered bad luck.
Be polite. Keep your voice down, avoid public displays of affection, and never climb on statues.
How to sit: When inside the wat (temple), don’t sit on chairs or platforms (these are reserved for monks). When sitting, you’ll notice many Thai people sit on their knees with their feet tucked behind them. This is because you should not sit with your feet pointing towards an image of Buddha. Also, avoid pointing with your finger.
If you pass a monk, show respect by lowering your head or greeting them with the traditional Thai greeting (Wai), by putting your palms in a prayer-like position in front of your face, raising your thumb to your eyebrows as you bow your head.
Photos and videos are generally allowed, just make sure your phone is on silent and don’t use flash. When posing for a photo or video, use good judgment. It’s probably not the time or place to record the latest TikTok dance trend (but I’ve seen this happen).
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