Description
Wat Sai Thong (วัดไทรทอง) in Phanna Nikhom is one of three temples in Sakon Nakhon that go by this name, which translates to Temple of the Banyan Tree. There are two names for a Banyan tree in Thailand: Sai Thong (ไทรทอง), which is often used in a Buddhism context, and Don Sai (ต้นไทร), which is used in Botany and ordinary contexts.
Wat Sai Thong has a number of notable Buddhist statues, including a uniquely designed Reclining Buddha, a striking Fat Buddha of Phra Sangkachai, and a large Gold Buddha on a Lotus platform, holding a small Buddha in his upward palm. The temple's Ubosot is also quite worthy of interest. The front gable of the Ubosot features a statue of the Hindu god Shiva holding his trident (very unusual to see in the gable of a Thai temple). The backside gable displays the more commonly seen statue of the Buddha under the Bodhi tree.
Wat Sai Thong is located only about 20 minutes from Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University in the direction of Udon Thani. If visiting the temple, we would suggest first stopping at Gypsy Coffee Drip cafe, with its cool, vintage decor and delicious drip coffee. After visiting the temple, there are two nearby temples to also check out on your way back to Sakon Nakhon: Wat Klang, with its gorgeous, new, white and gold Viharn, and Wat Rattaphum, with its beautiful, teak Buddha sculpture.
