Phu Thok

Phu Thok means an isolated mountain in Isan dialect. Located in Ban Na Kham Khaen, Tambon Na Sabaeng, this sandstone range stands out and can be seen from a distance. It consists of two hills: Phu Thok Yai and Phu Thok Noi. Previously, this area was dense woods with many wild animals.

Because of its tranquility, Phra Achan Chuan Kunlachettho, a meditation master, initially established a meditation place here for Buddhists to practise the Buddha’s teachings.Phu Thok Noi is where Wat Chetiya Khiri Wihan (Wat Phu Thok) is situated. This temple is the starting point of a walk up to the top of Phu Thok, via a wooden bridge winding around the steep mountain.

The bridge was built with faith from monks, novices and villagers. The construction began in 1969 and took five years to complete. This bridge is compared to a path of virtue that leads a righteous man to leave a World and enter into emancipation by their own efforts and determination. Phu Thok is still a meditation practice centre and a place for the community’s religious affairs.

Visitors shall be calm in manner and pay respect to the place. The bridge’s stairs to the mountain top are divided into seven sections.The first and second sections leading to the third section wind around the mountain which is covered by a dense dark forest with boulders and rocky grounds. At the end of the third section, a left turn is a very steep shortcut through the channel-like rock formation straight to the fifth section, but a right turn provides a path up to the fourth section.