Wat Mani Banphot

Wat Mani Banphot Wat Mani Banphot has been Tak province’s respectable temple for hundreds of years. Previously, it is known as Wat Khao Kaew due to its location on a moderate hill. Later, the name was changed to Wat Mani Banphot and it became a royal monastery of the province. Visitors will find the temple dazzling from the moment they walk in, as both the assembly hall and the ordination hall stand on the hill. Moreover, there is a Buddha image in walking posture in front of the steps to pay homage to before ascending the hill. The ordination hall on the top enshrines Tak’s ancient and highly venerable Buddha image cast during Chiang Saen Period, Phra Budhha Saen Thong. Next to the ordination hall is a traditional Thai pavilion made of teak wood. The pavilion houses an ancient Burmese-style marble Buddha image. Also situated on the hill is the pagoda aged more than hundreds of years. It contains Buddha’s holy relics. It is a bell-shaped Mon-style with 16 indented corners. At the rear of the temple is the hall storing Buddhist scriptures. The wooden hall was beautifully craved, but it is unfortunate that patterns on most areas (except the pediment) have faded as time goes by. Another highlight of the temple is the Thai massage corner where visitors can enjoy their services. To get to the temple from Tak downtown, drive along the Highway No. 104 which goes backwards to Kamphaeng Phet Province. After passing Nong Mani Banphot and Koh Loy, you will find the temple of your right.