Phu Khao Noi Buddhist temple on Phangan - the oldest on the island
Temple Phu Khao Noi (Wat Phu Khao Noi) translated from Thai means «small mountain temple». It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the entire Surat Thani province, not just on Koh Phangan. Geographically, the temple is located not far from Koh Phangan Hospital, in the area Ao Hin Kong Beach. The place is isolated, secluded, very typical for island temples, not spoiled by the attention of travel agencies. A temple of strong energy, interesting to visit for people who speak English or have found information in advance about how important this historical place is for the culture of Thailand.
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Wat phu khao noi
For sophisticated people who have already visited large temples, where tourists are brought in droves, Phu Kao Noi will seem small, inconspicuous, dirty and generally incomprehensible what is special about it and why it was necessary to come here. There is no giant statue here like Luang phor thuat in Samui's Wat Bophuttaram, there is no large architectural ensemble, as in Chinese Temple in Phangan. An ordinary, slightly shabby, almost deserted Phu Khao Noi is valuable not for its hundred baht paints and sizes, but for a temple, whose history goes back almost 130 years.
The temple provides classes for Thai children during their holidays, where children are introduced to Buddhism and the aspirations of those who are seriously interested in this area are encouraged. Wat Phu Khao Noi is also a center for the study of the meditative technique of Vipassana in Phangan. What makes this center special is the teaching in English. Lessons are generally spoken in Thai, but for Farangs there is an exception and an opportunity, thanks to the abbot of the temple, who is fluent in English..
Historical reference
Wat Phu Khao Noi was founded in 1889 by Luang Po Wachira or Phra Kru Vibon Tassan, a patriarch and native of Phangan from a highly respected family. Luang Po was born in Phangan in 1847 and for a long time was a monk at the Ampawana temple, which is located 300 meters from the subject of our conversation. As a follower of Buddhism with a lot of experience and experience, Pra Kru Vibon Tassan was looking for a separate place for deep meditation and found it on the top of a hill with a beautiful view.
Finding himself far from everyone in Phangan, even from his monastic brethren, the monk went deep into the practice of vipassana, and also gradually engaged in the construction of a temple, which was named Phu Kao Noi - a small temple on the mountain. Thais revered such asceticism, and after years, Pra Kru Vibon Tassanstal became one of the most respected priests of the island. Even after a hundred years, the temple, and especially the place of personal meditation of a monk, where access to ordinary laymen is prohibited, is considered a place of power and fulfillment of desires..
Founded during the Rattanakosin Kingdom period (1782-1932), Phu Khao Noi Temple was registered as a historical site by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand in September 1997. An important historical artifact is the central pagoda, built in the style of an ancient Thai castle, on the basis of which texts from the teachings of the Buddha are applied. Around the pagoda is an ensemble of eight buildings of various architectural types: octagonal and bell-shaped pagodas with curved corners, castle-style pagodas and Burmese chedis. In the old main hall (ubosot) there is a statue of Buddha, subduing the god of death Mara.
Buddhist temple in Phangan, Phu Khao Noi
Information to visit
Open from 6 am to 6 pm, actually from dawn to dusk.
On the map
Wat phu khao noi
Wat phu khao noi
The most ancient temple of Phangan, with old buildings. Of interest is the White Pagoda, the old temple building, the chapel.
More about the temple.
The most ancient temple of Phangan, with old buildings. Of interest is the White Pagoda, the old building of the temple, the chapel. More about the temple.