Description
Wat Ban Na Phang (วัดบ้านนาผาง) is a lovely example of a forest temple in the mountains. There is one simple Wirharn (Assembly Hall) where local villagers come to make merit, pray, and offer food to the sole monk who takes care of the temple. This monk is a family friend of ours, so admittedly we are rather partial to this rural temple.
Wat Ban Na Phang is located in Amphur Phu Pan, only 37km from the famous Wat Tham Pha Daen. There is a long well kept path through the forest around the temple, and small, winding roads around the neighboring village, so there is plenty of area to hike and walk around. Being in the mountains, it is often cooler here than in the Sakon Nakhon city.
If you hike up the forest path, you can find the large concrete Buddha that overlooks the Viharn, small gold Buddha statues nestled beneath some trees, as well as several Kuti (monks' residences). Note that while visiting these small forest temples is free, small donations are welcome. When inside the Viharn building, look for a box with a slot in it to make a donation.
