Description
Wat Tham Yao (วัดถ้ำยาว) is a "priest's camp site" located on a hilltop in the Phu Phan Mountains. While there is a small hand-painted road sign and a Google Maps pin identifying it as a temple or wat (วัด), it is technically a Samnak Song (สำนักสงฆ์), which translates to abbey, monastery, or priest's house. And since these locations in Sakon Nakhon are typically in the forest, they are often translated to "priest's campsite" on Google Maps. Being a campsite, there is no formal temple buildings, but only kutis (monk residences) and a small pavilion where worshippers and monks gather.
Wat Tham Yao translates to The Temple of the Long Cave, as there is an old cave on the grounds where monks once lived and meditated. The sacred campsite might well have been called the Temple of the Long Steps, as one must hike up a winding staircase of 507 steps to reach the monks' hilltop abode. The hike isn't as challenging as the 487 steps to get to the top of Phra That Phu Phek (which is a steeper climb), but it still requires a fair level of fitness.
It is well worth making the climb to this rarely visited hilltop Buddhist retreat, as it has some marvelous views of Sakon Nakhon and the surrounding mountains, with a tall statue of the Buddha facing toward the east to greet the sunrise. The views are especially gorgeous during the cool season (Nov. - Feb), when there is less haze. In addition, the senior monk at the camp site (who has been there for 15 years) is very friendly and speaks English, having lived abroad in New Zealand and other countries when he was younger. He is happy to talk with foreigners, as it gives him a rare opportunity to practice his English skills again.
Wat Tham Yao Priest's Camp Site (สำนักสงฆ์ถ้ำยาว) can also now be reached by car. Look to turn left on a small road about a kilometer before you reach the steps/staircase on Google Maps. It is the only left that you can take before the stairs, so there is no risk on turning onto a wrong road. There is also a small painted sign for วัดถ้ำยาว at the turn off.
