Buddhist Art in Padang Besar

Location: Wat Khao Rup Chang, Moo 6, Pa Daeng Besar Subdistrict, Sadao District, Songkhla Province 90240, Thailand

(Approximately 13 kilometers from Padang Besar Market)

Opening hours: 09.00 - 17.00 hrs.

Travel by train from Chumphon Railway Station to Padang Besar Railway Station (Thai side).

The morning light began to stream in through the train window. We must be arriving soon.

After waking up and washing up, the train staff began to make the beds (converting them from sleeping to sitting positions).

Let's go to the pantry with Dad and find something to eat.

The restaurant offers both breakfast and à la carte dishes. Order your food and find a seat.

Approaching the station.

Arrived at Padang Besar Station (Thailand)

The station is clean, shady, and beautiful.

The building's design seamlessly blends modern architectural elements with traditional Thai influences.

After walking around the station for a while, I asked the station master what kind of transportation was available.

Can you take us, father and son, to Wat Khao Rup Chang?

The station master suggested that everyone hire a motorbike taxi individually.

They called to order . . . very cute ^^

Riding a motorbike through small and large rubber plantations for a while, we arrived at our destination, Khao Rup Chang Temple.

Upon dismounting the motorbike, a breathtaking sight unfolded before my eyes. A colossal marble pagoda, meticulously modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in India, stood resplendent against the backdrop of the emerald mountains and a vibrant sky. Its architectural grandeur and intricate details were a testament to the artistry and devotion of its creators.

After admiring the pagoda's exterior, let's venture inside to explore its interior.


Wow!

The primary languages used for documents and communication within the temple are Chinese and English.

Let's go up to the second floor.

The walls along the walkway are adorned with exquisite murals.

Elephant Figure

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The closer you get, the more magnificent it becomes.

Behind the temple lies a large cave that snakes its way along the ridge of the mountain. At the mouth of the cave, a colossal Buddha statue stands amidst a mesmerizing display of stalactites and stalagmites, creating a scene of awe and wonder.



The interior of the cave is large and has several chambers with walkways paved with alternating marble and tile. The first section houses a large Buddha statue. As you ascend, you will find display cases showcasing exquisitely carved jade pieces, along with a reclining Buddha statue. The stalactites and stalagmites are illuminated with colorful lights, adding depth and visual interest to the cave's interior.

The area is characterized by a lush atmosphere, ample space, and a flowing stream.

Majestic, beautiful, peaceful, serene, as if under a spell.


After admiring the surroundings, my father and I returned to the meeting point with the motorcycle taxi driver. We rode back to the market area (near Padang Besar train station) where we boarded a van to Hat Yai city center. See you again in the next review, Soaring Above the Skies in Hat Yai Metropolis.

#songkhla
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