Wat Nong Bua (วัดหนองบัว)
Sacred Thai Temple
Explore the history and spiritual significance of this sacred site.
Temple History
There are two very famous and culturally distinct temples named Wat Nong Bua. Depending on which part of Thailand you are interested in, you are likely looking for either the Tai Lue mural temple in the North or the Bodh Gaya replica in the Northeast.
1. Wat Nong Bua (Nan Province)
The Jewel of Tai Lue Art
Located in the Tha Wang Pha District, this temple is famous for being one of the most beautiful examples of Tai Lue architecture and mural painting in Thailand.
History & Origin: The temple was built in 1862 (during the reign of King Rama IV) by Khruba Luang Sunanta, a highly respected local monk. The community that built it were the Tai Lue people, an ethnic group that migrated from the Xishuangbanna region of southern China.
The Famous Murals: The walls of the Viharn (assembly hall) are covered in 19th-century murals that are considered world-class.
The Artist: They were painted by Thit Bua Phan, the same legendary artist who painted the famous "Whispering" mural at Wat Phumin in Nan city.
The Subject: While they depict the Jataka (previous lives of the Buddha), they are most prized for showing daily life in the 1800s. You can see scenes of local weaving, traditional dress, and even early Western influences like steamboats and soldiers with bayonets.
Architecture: The building features a low, multi-tiered roof and a carved wooden portico, typical of the humble yet elegant Tai Lue style.
2. Wat Phra That Nong Bua (Ubon Ratchathani)
The Indian-Inspired Masterpiece
Located in the city of Ubon Ratchathani, this temple is visually the complete opposite of the one in Nan—it is massive, golden, and inspired by Indian history.
History & Origin: This temple was established in 1955. Its most iconic structure, the Sri Maha Pho Chedi, was built in 1957 to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of Buddhism (B.E. 2500).
The Bodh Gaya Connection: The main pagoda is a stunning replica of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India (the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment).
The Structure: It stands 56 meters tall and features a square base, which is rare in Thailand.
The "Secret" Pagoda: The massive golden pagoda you see today was actually built over an older, smaller stupa from 1956, which is now preserved inside the new structure.
Candle Festival Connection: Ubon Ratchathani is world-famous for its annual Candle Festival. Wat Nong Bua is one of the premier places to see these giant, intricately carved wax floats, as the temple's artisans are known as masters of the craft.
1. Wat Nong Bua (Nan Province)
The Jewel of Tai Lue Art
Located in the Tha Wang Pha District, this temple is famous for being one of the most beautiful examples of Tai Lue architecture and mural painting in Thailand.
History & Origin: The temple was built in 1862 (during the reign of King Rama IV) by Khruba Luang Sunanta, a highly respected local monk. The community that built it were the Tai Lue people, an ethnic group that migrated from the Xishuangbanna region of southern China.
The Famous Murals: The walls of the Viharn (assembly hall) are covered in 19th-century murals that are considered world-class.
The Artist: They were painted by Thit Bua Phan, the same legendary artist who painted the famous "Whispering" mural at Wat Phumin in Nan city.
The Subject: While they depict the Jataka (previous lives of the Buddha), they are most prized for showing daily life in the 1800s. You can see scenes of local weaving, traditional dress, and even early Western influences like steamboats and soldiers with bayonets.
Architecture: The building features a low, multi-tiered roof and a carved wooden portico, typical of the humble yet elegant Tai Lue style.
2. Wat Phra That Nong Bua (Ubon Ratchathani)
The Indian-Inspired Masterpiece
Located in the city of Ubon Ratchathani, this temple is visually the complete opposite of the one in Nan—it is massive, golden, and inspired by Indian history.
History & Origin: This temple was established in 1955. Its most iconic structure, the Sri Maha Pho Chedi, was built in 1957 to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of Buddhism (B.E. 2500).
The Bodh Gaya Connection: The main pagoda is a stunning replica of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India (the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment).
The Structure: It stands 56 meters tall and features a square base, which is rare in Thailand.
The "Secret" Pagoda: The massive golden pagoda you see today was actually built over an older, smaller stupa from 1956, which is now preserved inside the new structure.
Candle Festival Connection: Ubon Ratchathani is world-famous for its annual Candle Festival. Wat Nong Bua is one of the premier places to see these giant, intricately carved wax floats, as the temple's artisans are known as masters of the craft.