Description
Wat Khok Lo Noi Wanaram (วัดโคกเลาะน้อยวนาราม) is noted for its giant Reclining Buddha, measuring 17.79 meters, which was completed in 2021. The most famous Reclining Buddha in Thailand is at Wat Pho in Bangkok, measuring 46 meters long. However, the Reclining Buddha at Wat Khok Lo Noi Wanaram is one of the longest you'll see in Northeast Thailand. The reclining position is said to represents the entry of Buddha into Nirvana, thus putting an end to any further reincarnations.
Wat Khok Lo Noi Wanaram is named after the Sakon Nakhon village in which it is located. Traveling from downtown, it takes only about 20 minutes by car, and if you travel another 5 minutes along the rural road to the temple, you'll arrive at the lovely forest temple, Wat Pa Na Kharam.
Wat Khok Lo Noi Wanaram has more to see than the Reclining Buddha. There is a giant Naga sculpture in a quiet, little pond beside a golden teak pavilion, located behind the Reclining Buddha. There is also a highly unusual demon-like protector figure, painted in blue and white, that we haven't been able to yet identify. Nearby this statue is a thatched pavilion holding a very old, large sacred tree trunk where people make wishes for a long life and good fortune.
The bell tower on the temple grounds is unique in that rather being ornately designed, it is charmingly simple, and made from inexpensive wood. There are also additional pavilions with sacred statues, including one with a 3-headed Naga snake that is unique in its color and design.
To view more Reclining Buddha sculptures, check out our blog post on the Reclining Buddhas of Sakon Nakhon.
