Description
Wat Rattaphum (วัดรัฐภูมิ) is one of three temples in the village of Phok Noi (Phanna Nikhom), the other two being Wat Sai Thong and Wat Klang. All three temples are within a few kilometers of each other, so we would suggest visiting all three, if you are heading back to Sakon Nakhon from the nearby Gypsy Coffee Drip Cafe (with its delicious hand roasted coffee and tasty baked goods).
Wat Rattaphum is notable for it beautiful hand-crafted teak sculpture of the Buddha. Such teak statues are rare to see at Sakon Nakhon temples, and this one is a gorgeous example. The new Ubosot on the temple grounds is also an attraction, with its fierce Naga lined staircase and ornate gold windows, gable, and doors. The Sema stones around the Ubosot feature additional Naga serpents, and (unusually) a pair of deer at the bottom, as well as a dharma wheel at the top.
There is a pretty gold and blue motif displayed at Wat Rattaphum, which can be seen in the entrance gate, bell tower, pagoda, and several statues. This gold and blue theme is different than the color motifs found at other temples in this area of Sakon Nakhon.
