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Wat Tham Erawan, located near the border of Loei and Nong Bua Lamphu provinces, promises breathtaking interior and surroundings, a peaceful ambiance, and a unique blend of spirituality and cultural richness.
Despite being a less-frequent tourist destination, Wat Tham Erawan is a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the serene and mystical side of Thailand.
Here we come to this mysterious place with Asia King Travel!
Wat Tham Erawan is an off-the-beaten-path cave temple nestled amidst a karst limestone mountain, offering a glimpse into the country's rich Buddhist heritage. The exact origin remains shrouded in mystery, with some believing it dates back several decades.
About Wat Tham Erawan
Legend has it that this is where Nang Phom Hom or The Fragrant Hair Lady, an Isaan-Lao folktale, took place. It’s about the story about the daughter of the King of Elephants and her life as she turns into a monkey because of an angry ghost.
Meanwhile, other local legends say that there was a revered monk who discovered the cave centuries ago. Drawn to its natural formations and tranquil environment, he turned it into a sanctuary for meditation and spiritual retreats.
About Wat Tham Erawan
This place is so favorable for deep thought and reflection. Eventually, the temple rose in prominence. It brings solace to followers seeking spiritual blessings and tourists who are awed by its beauty in nature as well as religious atmosphere.
Reaching Wat Tham Erawan requires climbing from lower temple grounds. The entry point to this site is reached through a winding staircase consisting of 600 steps from down (locally known as Pha Tham Chang) up to the mouth of the cave. There will be an enormous sitting Buddha statue just outside that hall.
The main attraction of Wat Tham Erawan is its impressive cave temple. As you climb up 600-step stairway to enter the cave, it offers a glimpse of the valley through the trees, leading you to the cool and serene environment of the cave.
Inside the cave, you'll be greeted by a magnificent golden Buddha statue, surrounded by smaller statues and intricate carvings. The peaceful atmosphere makes Wat Tham Erawan an ideal spot for meditation and reflection.
The Cave Temple
The ascent itself is manageable, taking around 15-25 minutes with rest stops along the way. These shaded gazebos provide not only a welcome break but also stunning views of the surrounding valley.
Wat Tham Erawan is an astonishing site where natural beauty meets the divine. From this temple, one can view a picturesque landscape of undulating hills and mountainous ranges that are perfect for meditation.
The cave itself is a visual feast and photogenic. On its entrance stands an imposing Buddha statue in sitting position while its interiors are embellished with various spellbinding stalactites and stalagmites. The cave’s dim lighting gives it a surreal feel enhancing the aura of mysticism about it.
Scenic Views
A walk along its 300-metre path will lead you to several smaller galleries, each displaying these amazing natural formations and additional Buddha images. However, penetrating far inside necessitates a powerful flashlight and using the light from your mobile phone will not be enough. Prepare carefully to discover its hidden beauty – a stunning point of view at the cave's rear.
Wat Tham Erawan unfolds a large cave chamber with a golden statue of Buddha. This quiet place is situated admist rice fields, giving an escape from the city hustle and bustle. Speaking about the temple, it’s a place where you may spend your day unwinding and visit to earn your spiritual merits.
Serenity and Spiritual Significance
Witness traditional offerings or indulge in this ethereal environment that even beginners and experienced meditators will find relaxing. You'll also find a revered symbol in Thai Buddhism – the Buddha footprint – enriching the spiritual significance of the site.
Wat Tham Erawan is worth visiting year-round but the best time to visit Wat Tham Erawan is from November to February, which is the cold season for Isaan. The cave is open all throughout the week from 8AM till 5PM. It should be noted that guides are not necessary and there are no entrance fees except optional donations for temple upkeep.
Favorable weather conditions: You should take into account that it may be a good idea to come during Thailand’s cool period which lasts from November until February because you will feel more at ease when climbing up and exploring around.
Fewer crowds: In general, weekdays are less crowded compared to weekends, thus allowing for a quieter and peaceful experience.
When to visit Wat Tham Erawan
#1. There is no drinking or eating allowed for sale within the area. It would be good if you brought your own food or went to the temple shops for shopping (carefully checking in advance to make sure they'll be open).
#2. Be sure to behave and dress appropriately and respectfully while at the shrine grounds, avoid making noise and wear shirts with long-sleeves plus trousers instead of shorts.
#3. Meals on small floating huts (in the middle of the lake) are quite common in Isaan and are always nice to go but often crowded on weekends.
Guided Tours: Several tour operators offer day trips from major cities like Loei or Udon Thani, often combining Wat Tham Erawan with other local attractions.
Location: Wat Tham Erawan is located in Na Wang district, Nong Bua Lamphu province. The temple is accessible by car, motorbike, or taxi from nearby towns, approximately 500 kilometers from Bangkok. Here’s how you can get there:
By Car: The most convenient way to reach Wat Tham Erawan is by car. The drive from Bangkok takes about 6-7 hours. Renting a car allows you to explore the scenic routes and make stops along the way.
By Bus: There is no public transport to go to Wat Tham Erawan, but buses between Loei and Udon Thani can drop you off on main road 210 at the closest intersection. However, it still demands a 3-kilometer walk to get to Wat Tham Erawan and catching a bus on the side of the main road might not be easy.
By Plane: Flights from Bangkok to Nong Bua Lamphu take about 1 hour. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach the temple, which is approximately 80 kilometers away.
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