Founded by the highly revered Phra Bodhiyana Thera, also known as Luangpu Chah Subhaddo, Wat Nong Pah Pong is one of the best-known forest temples and has branch temples in several countries around the world.
The tranquility amidst the forest enables monks to study and practice Vipassana meditation. The important construction of this temple is a huge Ubosot (ordination hall) built with a blended style of modern and local Isan architecture. The building’s poles and walls were beautifully decorated with terracotta pictures depicting monks on pilgrimage and important places of worship in Thailand. After Luangpu Chah passed away, his body was cremated within the temple’s grounds and that location has now become a stunning golden Chedi or Chedi Phra Bodhiyana that contains his relics where visitors can come to pay respect.
Visitors are also recommended to visit the Phra Bodhiyana Thera Museum, which contains a collection of Luangpu Chah’s belongings, a wax figure of Luangpu Chah, as well as displays of articles and items that tell the story of Luangpu Chah and his teachings.