Nakhon Si Wiang Tan, Wat Pa Dong Nong Tan, Udon.

The first thing I loved about this temple is the sign prohibiting sales! 🌧 On the day I visited, it was raining heavily, and there were many flooded areas in Udon. The scene was different from what you usually see in the media. Normally, there are several ponds you can walk down to, but when I visited, they were all flooded, forming one large pond, which was beautiful in its own way. 🐍 The highlight here is undoubtedly the red brick Naga at the entrance to the Khmer-style pond. In the middle of the pond is a Naga Buddha, believed to be a sacred pond connecting the earth and the underworld. 🚶♂️🚶♀️ In ancient times, it is said that people migrated from the Lao Lan Xang Kingdom, Muang Phuan, Xiang Khouang, and Vientiane. This large community is believed to be over 2,500 years old, based on the artifacts found, including various iron utensils. It is assumed that there were iron shops and blacksmiths in the city, as well as Buddha statue makers. This place is only 7 kilometers from the city and has many points of interest: 🔸️ Sala Luang Pu Dong Nong Tan in front of the ordination hall. 🔸️ The ordination hall features beautiful Lanna and Isan Thai art. I've never seen such a hall before. Inside, there are Buddha statues discovered by the abbot at the bottom of the pond, which are very beautiful. 🔸️ The top of Chedi Si Wiang Tan is currently being renovated and will be turned into a new Chinese-style chedi behind it. 🔸️ A room displaying artifacts ranging from 100 to over 2,500 years old, open for free. I highly recommend visiting this room. 🔸️ The cave of Pu Kesa Kaew and Mae Ya La Ong Dao, believed to be Nagas protecting this ancient city. 🔸️ Chedi Si Khun Tan at the back, which was discovered. 🕰️ Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Location: Wat Pa Dong Nong Tan, Udon Thani.