Wat Sirindhorn Wararam

Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao sits on a hill in Sirindhorn district near the Lao border, and it is a modern forest monastery with an unusual feature. The rear wall of the main ubosot carries a large mural of the Kalpavriksha, the wishing tree of Buddhist cosmology, painted in phosphorescent pigment: through the day it absorbs light and after dark it glows green, so the tree and its surrounding figures appear against the dark hillside. That has made it a night destination, with visitors arriving around dusk and the effect strongest in the hour or so after full dark. The temple otherwise has a white Buddha figure, terraces looking over the Sirindhorn reservoir and toward Laos, and a naga stairway. It is free. The glow depends on the day having been sunny - overcast weather means a weak effect - and the temple gets very busy after sunset in the cool season.

What you actually see

• The glowing mural - the phosphorescent wishing tree on the ubosot's rear wall.
• The reservoir view - over Sirindhorn reservoir toward Laos.
• The white Buddha - the figure on the hilltop terrace.
• The night crowd - Thai visitors arriving at dusk for the effect.

When to go

November to February, arriving at dusk and staying into full dark - the glow needs darkness and is strongest in the first hour or two. A sunny day beforehand makes it brighter.

Honest expectations

The glow is weak after an overcast day - it charges on sunlight. Crowded after dark in the cool season. Entirely modern. Free with donation boxes. A long drive from Ubon with no public transport.

Nearby

Sirindhorn reservoir is below; Khong Chiam and the two-colour river are north.