Amazing 3 Temples – Full Day Temple Tour from Khao Lak

The journey to the Naga Cave Temple may require some effort, but the mesmerizing view at the end makes it all worth it. As you ascend to the temple, you'll notice that Wat Tham Phaya Nakarad is not adorned with traditional ornate red-roofed temple buildings. Instead, it comprises a series of karst caves and caverns, where a solitary monk sought refuge to meditate. Caves are commonly used as places of meditation in Thailand as they provide shelter from the intense sun and rain. Many people used to visit the monk during his lifetime to seek an herbal remedy he made, which was believed to help regulate high blood pressure.

When you arrive at Wat Bang Riang, get your camera ready to take a picture of one of the most iconic views in Phang Nga Province. At first sight, you will see a staircase with serpent-like sculptures on each side leading up to the entrance of the Theravada Buddhist temple. The snake-like sculptures, called Naga, symbolize a being called Mucalinda, who used its hood to shelter Buddha from the rain while he was meditating. A short climb up the stairs to the top of the hill leads to the temple, which overlooks an expansive valley among limestone mountains.

From atop the hill, as you look over the valley, you will see two massive statues towering over the lower temple grounds. One is Buddha, with a multi-headed Naga sheltering him. The other is named Guanyin, known as "The one who perceives the sound of the world." Often called the Chinese goddess of mercy and compassion, many argue that the word goddess isn't an accurate translation. Many believe that Guanyin is a long-lived mortal being who achieved total enlightenment, thus attaining Buddhahood. Some Buddhists believe that when you die and leave this world, Guanyin places you in the center of a lotus flower and then sends you to Sukhāvatī, the land of bliss.

The temple is home to a magnificent statue of Phor Than Khlai, a deeply respected monk from South Thailand. Wat Manee Sri Mahathat was built in his honor after Suraksak Manisii felt a powerful calling to do so. Suraksak Manisii invested around 80 million Baht of his own money into the project and received additional support from his family and close friends. The entire construction cost was estimated to be 100 million Baht. In addition to the temple, there is also an air-conditioned building that houses a wax museum displaying statues of famous monks.

The late Phor Than Khlai was a highly respected and beloved figure, especially by the late King Rama IX of Thailand. He was renowned for his supposed ability to foresee events and provide guidance to people from all across South East Asia. Despite facing great adversity in his life, including a serious injury to his ankle in his youth, Phor Than Khlai remained determined and resilient. His refusal to seek medical treatment led to a serious infection, and he even had to amputate his own foot to alleviate the unbearable pain.

Despite these challenges, Phor Than Khlai continued to inspire others, becoming ordained as a monk at a young age of 15 and eventually becoming an Abbott at the age of 25. His passing in 1970 at the age of 94 marked the end of a remarkable life. Even after his death, the extraordinary nature of Phor Than Khlai's presence persisted. Multiple attempts to cremate his body were unsuccessful, leading to his mummification. Today, his preserved body is on display at Wat That Noi in Nakhon Si Thammarat, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy.