Many temples in Thailand are in their fullest glory with the help of the fierce Thai sun — golden spires seemingly glowing in the afternoon sun, or the twinkle of a sunset casting a temple in cotton candy hues. However, there’s one temple in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province where the real showstopper happens once the sun has set.
What distinguishes Wat Sirindhorn from other temples is the amazing show of glowing art that comes alive once the night arrives. Surrounding all sides of the main temple hall are countless flourishing glow-in-the-dark designs. Many of the motifs reference the sacred Bodhi tree in Buddhism. In other places, swirls arc and lead visitors on winding paths around the grounds of the temple. The outer walls of the temple are also adorned with luminescent Buddh…
Many temples in Thailand are in their fullest glory with the help of the fierce Thai sun — golden spires seemingly glowing in the afternoon sun, or the twinkle of a sunset casting a temple in cotton candy hues. However, there’s one temple in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province where the real showstopper happens once the sun has set.
What distinguishes Wat Sirindhorn from other temples is the amazing show of glowing art that comes alive once the night arrives. Surrounding all sides of the main temple hall are countless flourishing glow-in-the-dark designs. Many of the motifs reference the sacred Bodhi tree in Buddhism. In other places, swirls arc and lead visitors on winding paths around the grounds of the temple. The outer walls of the temple are also adorned with luminescent Buddha figures.
Inside the prayer hall, an imposing gilded Buddha statue provides a visually luminous crescendo as it is backlit by an illuminated tree design. The entire display mirrors off the reflective tile flooring, inviting you to take a moment to take in the glowing scenes inside and out.
Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phrao, named after beloved Thai princess Sirindhorn (herself an avid traveler and photographer) spreads across a green hilltop in a natural setting. The "phu" in the name tells you this temple is on a hilltop. The waters of lake Sirindhorn lap against one side of the hill, while the Laotian border is tucked a mere half mile away on the other side.
Leave the sunscreen at your hotel and time your visit for sunset. This will allow you to watch the last rays of the day set the nearby lake ablaze in colors and then, once the sky is dark, the real show at the temple silently begins. And if you’ve spent any time in Southeast Asia, you’ll appreciate the chance to go temple hopping after dark. The temple is some distance from the nearest town, but like most popular temples in Thailand, there will usually be a tuk-tuk driver waiting for farangs (foreigners) to shuttle back to town. If you come with your own wheels, there is parking available directly at the temple.