Wat Phra That Phu Khao Temple
Ancient hilltop temple with panoramic provincial views
Wat Phra That Phu Khao at a Glance#
Hours: Daily dawn-dusk
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
About Wat Phra That Phu Khao#
On a hill above the Mekong River and beside the House of Opium stands Wat Phra That Phu Khao, “the temple on the hill”, founded in the 8th century by the king of the long-vanished city-state of Wiang Hirannakhon Ngoen Yang.
A stone-built and restored viharn and several crumbling chedis are all that remain of this ancient temple. Few visitors show much interest in the temple itself, however, as this is the best spot in Sop Ruak from which to view and photograph the majestic Mekong and the Golden Triangle. Do not expect to escape the vendors: the viewpoint over the confluence of the rivers and the meeting point of three countries is surrounded by souvenir shops, and children dressed in hill-tribe costume will pose beside the Golden Triangle sign for a small fee.
Best Time to Visit Wat Phra That Phu Khao#
Plan a visit in the cool, dry season (November-February) for the most comfortable conditions and best visibility.
Weather & Climate near Wat Phra That Phu Khao#
Wat Phra That Phu Khao's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 13°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1193 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (218 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (245 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (191 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.