Earlier Gringo already wrote an article about it Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat). there is also the famous Elephant Temple: the Wat Ban Rai. This is handmade and completely made of mosaic.
This temple was built by Luang Phor Khoon Parisuttho. No fewer than 20 million mosaic tiles have been used. The complex is a tribute to the water gods. they are located under a huge sculpture of the mythical elephant Airavata, on which sits the Hindu God Indra.
The province is easily accessible via highways. From Bangkok it is only about 3 to 4 hours by car, about the same time from Pattaya. The drive to Korat via highway number 2 from Bangkok or road number 304 from the south is refreshing and inspiring through vast farmlands, green fields and wide open spaces.
Video: Elephant Temple – Wat Ban Rai in Nakhon Ratchasima
Watch the video here:
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
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Highly recommended
Beautifully made
Inside not the expected tiles but carpet
Very serene
You can view up to the roof and then you have a phenomenal view. For the disabled among us there is also a lift to the different floors.
The pond around the temple is bursting with fish and for a few coins you just have a number of bags with food. Here people are still trusted because there is no one who checks whether you pay 10 bath for your bag of food.
On the outside various images were given in tiles of 1 by 1 cm
Well worth a visit.
Very interesting, but where in Korat can I find him?
The temple is located on road 2217. It starts in Dan Khun Tod and is towards Theparak. and Bamnet Narong.
I estimate about 10 km from Dan Khun Tod in a northerly direction.
Thanks, will definitely look him up.
From Pattaya/ Jomtien you can take road 331 towards Chachoesong and on to Nakon Ratchima (Korat 336 km.)
From Korat direction Dan Khun Tot (65km.) for this Wat Ban Rai.(elephant temple)
Built for the monk as a tribute and for his 90th birthday at the time.
beautiful temple to visit
I've been there and didn't like it at all; total kitsch. When I visited there were a lot of people, presumably because it was something new (the building was not completely finished yet). To be honest, I don't understand what Harm found serene about it; in my opinion one big money out of pocket beating shop. The whole set-up was to extort as much money as possible from the visitors (mainly Thai); so not very serene. Besides, I don't like glorifying ordinary monks; it sullies Buddhism. As far as I'm concerned, it's a waste of time to go there.
He really wasn't your average monk I got to visit him a few times when he was alive. And he was a very wise man and was highly regarded by almost all of Thailand. He is also the first monk who gave me back half of my endowment for good luck. It is true that the last years of his life he was exploited by those around him and this temple is indeed a bit over the top. But first take a look at what this monk has done for the population in his life before you condemn him. He did not build this temple himself, but was built as a tribute to him, so that it has acquired a gaudy kitseriche appearance is not his fault.
Ben Korat
I'm not condemning the monk, but those who built this kitsch, as well as the bag-beating money associated with it.
Been there in 1995, Luang po Koon was still alive then. In my eyes a master money collector.
The people were on their knees and held notes of THB500 above their heads, which he took to himself must be seen as an honor to sink so low.
Once but never again.
By the way, this applies to the lion's share of temples, Bahtism, not Buddhism.
All this glitter and bling bling and big bigger biggest has nothing to do with the words of the Buddha.
Wonderful!!!
I want to visit here.
Watched this video in awe.
I don't think this will work at 82
Regrettably.
The entire temple is wheelchair accessible
Bit quaint and kitschy but well worth a visit. Indeed, go up to the roof for the awesome
panorama. Suitable for people with walking difficulties.
Jeans
Takhu
Wonderful, we were there January 24, 2014.