On our way back from Cheow Lan Lake, we made an unplanned stop that turned out to be one of the most powerful experiences of the entire trip. Wat Kongka Phimuk — also known as Kongka Temple — is a Buddhist temple located in the quiet town of Takua Pa in Phang Nga province, about an hour's drive from Khao Lak.
A Temple with Deep Roots
Wat Kongka Phimuk is one of the oldest temples in the Takua Pa area, founded in 1762 during the Ayutthaya era. In 1996, it was officially registered as an archaeological monument by the Thai Fine Arts Department. The temple's most striking feature is the Phra That Takola — a magnificent square golden pagoda built in honor of the late King Rama IX, said to contain Buddha's relics.
First Impressions
When we arrived, the temple looked closed — no visible entrance, no one around. But we eventually found our way in through a row of local market stalls selling souvenirs and religious items. The ladies there quickly reminded us: knees must be covered. Wrap-around skirts were available to borrow on the spot.
Incense, Candles and Sacred Rituals
Upon entering, we were offered incense sticks and candles to light. In Buddhist tradition, lighting a candle symbolizes the light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of ignorance, while incense represents purity and devotion — its rising smoke a reminder that good karma spreads like fragrance through the world.
The Golden Temple
Walking into the main temple complex took our breath away. The entire structure appeared to be covered in gold — most likely gilded paint or gold leaf, a common technique in Thai temples. The effect was stunning regardless. Inside, we admired beautifully decorated Buddha statues in various mudras (sacred poses), a ceiling covered in mirror mosaic tiles — a hallmark of southern Thai temple architecture — and painted scenes from the Buddha's life.
The Reclining Buddha and the Courtyard
From the upper floor, we had a sweeping view of the courtyard below, filled with statues and walkways. The most iconic was the Reclining Buddha — a symbol of the Buddha's final moments before entering parinirvana, the ultimate liberation. He lay on a bed of lotus flowers, his expression completely at peace.
A Live Ordination Ceremony
We were lucky enough to witness a monk ordination ceremony — one of the most important rituals in Thai Buddhism. Every Thai man is expected to spend some time as a monk at least once in his life, a rite of passage known as Buat Phra. The candidate, called Nak, has his head and eyebrows shaved, is carried in a procession to the temple, and then takes vows in front of assembled monks. Nearby, a loud celebration was in full swing — because in Thailand, the sacred and the joyful go hand in hand.
A Personal Note
Buddhism is one of the few religions that truly resonates with me. No crusades, no conversion by force — just meditation, inner peace, and mindfulness. Standing in that temple, surrounded by Thai nature and mountains, I felt the sincerity of it all. A quiet, beautiful place where you stop for a moment and reflect.
Practical Info:
- 📍 Takua Pa, Phang Nga province (~1 hour from Khao Lak)
- 🎟️ Free entry (donations welcome)
- 👗 Dress code: covered knees and shoulders, shoes off
- 💡 Tip: Part of a popular "Temple + Tsunami Museum + Old Town" Sunday tour from Khao Lak
Read the full article (in Czech) on CodedTrip: 👉 codedtrip.com
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