Secret Buddha Garden, Sculpture garden on Pom Mountain, Taling Ngam, Thailand
The Secret Buddha Garden is a sculpture garden sprawling across a hillside in Taling Ngam with hundreds of stone figures depicting Buddhist deities, mythical beings, and animals. The statues are distributed irregularly across the terrain, creating a dynamic composition of religious and personal representations.
A retired durian farmer named Nim Thongsuk began creating this garden in 1976 at age 77 and continuously added sculptures to it over the years. His artistic endeavor spanned more than a decade until his passing.
The statues depict Buddhist deities and figures from Thai mythology that convey religious concepts through stone. Personal sculptures scattered throughout represent the creator's family members and loved ones, creating a blend of devotion and intimacy.
Access requires navigating a steep road on Route 4169 between Hua Thanon and Na Mueang, which demands careful driving attention. It is helpful to wear comfortable footwear and allow time to explore the scattered statues across the hillside.
Among the hundreds of statues are portraits of Nim Thongsuk himself, including a sculpture depicting him holding hands with his father. These personal representations reveal the deep emotional connection the creator felt toward his family and his artistic work.
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