Wat Phu Thok

Wat Phu Thok, also known as Wat Chetiyakhiri, is a Buddhist forest temple built around an isolated sandstone hill in Na Sawan, Si Wilai District, Bueng Kan Province, northeastern Thailand. Founded in 1968 by meditation master Phra Ajarn Juan Kulachettho, it is notable for its seven-tier wooden walkway encircling the hill, representing stages of Buddhist enlightenment, and for its meditation caves, cliffside shrines and panoramic views over the surrounding plains and Mekong region.

Visitors can expect an isolated sandstone mesa with a network of wooden walkways, stairs and balconies built around its cliffs on seven levels. The lower levels contain meditation caves, shrines and forest surroundings, while upper levels offer open walkways with views over paddy fields and forests. The climb involves steep wooden stairs and narrow passages. Areas include temple halls, chedi on the summit, and viewpoints at various tiers.

Founded in 1968 by Phra Ajarn Juan Kulachettho, a disciple in the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Mun Bhuridatta. Construction of the wooden walkways and stairs around Phu Thok hill took about five years with assistance from monks and lay followers, completed around 1973. The temple was established as a forest meditation monastery.

Important forest meditation temple in the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism. The seven levels are interpreted as representing the seven factors of enlightenment and stages of spiritual practice. It serves as a pilgrimage and meditation site for Buddhists and is respected for its association with Phra Ajarn Juan Kulachettho.