Wat Ban Rai, Buddhist temple in Kut Phiman, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Wat Ban Rai is a temple built on a lake featuring a central structure shaped like a turtle with an enormous elephant head rising from its front. The buildings are entirely covered with millions of colored mosaic tiles that create patterns across every surface.
Construction of this temple began in the 1970s under the spiritual guidance of Phra Ajarn Panya and took four decades to complete in 2013. The project represents a contemporary approach to traditional Theravada Buddhist design principles.
Local artisans spent decades embedding millions of tiny mosaic pieces to create religious scenes and intricate patterns across the buildings. Visitors can see how this work transformed the temple into a collaborative community project that reflects deep devotion.
This temple is located about 90 minutes by car from Nakhon Ratchasima city and is best visited with private transportation since public transit options are limited. Entry is available from sunrise until sunset.
The basement level features illuminated murals depicting an underwater world, creating a surprising contrast to the surface structures above. These lower galleries work alongside educational displays on the upper floors that explain Buddhist traditions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
