Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri
Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri is located in Uthai Thani on Khao Sakae Krang. Khao Sakae Krang is a mountain close to the city center. At the foot of the mountain there is a very beautiful temple. The pillars inside the main hall are resemble to ones in the Golden Castle of Wat Tha Sung. At the end of the main hall there is a 1,5 meter wide ancient bronze Buddha image from the Sukhothai period.
You can reach the top part of Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri by walking up the 449 stairs or drive there by car from the oher side of the mountain. Take the road next to the provincial stadium, at the intersection turn left and follow the road up to the mountain. Drive carefully as there are many people running and cycling up and down the mountain as exercise.
At the top of the mountain many tourists, both native and foreigners, tap the large bell 3 times. The bell of Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri is believed to be a holy bell.
Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri has a bot which houses a replica of Lord Buddha’s footprint. I personally am not much a fan of replica’s of no matter what, but I love the ceiling of the bot.
A replica of Lord Buddha’s footprint.
The ceiling of the bot.
On the top of Khao Sakae Krang, there is a statue of Somdet Phrapathom Borommahachanoknat or the Royal Father of King Rama I.
Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri is nationwide famous for the Tak Bat Devo festival. It is the biggest festival of the year in Uthai Thani which takes place at the end of buddhist lent. People from all over Thailand visit Uthai Thani. Resembling the buddhist myth hundreds of the monks descended from the stairs of Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri.
If you’re not into culture you can still enjoy the panoramic view over the city.
The temple is open from 8.00 am - 5.00 pm daily.