Phra Yai Phu Kok Gnew @Kok Gnew Mountain - Go discover Thailand from a local perspective

Editor's Comment

Good point: A large Buddha image on a pedestal on top of a mountain. The mountain is located where the Mekong river first meets the Esarn region. The Hu-ung River, the river that borders Thailand and Laos, connects with the Mekong to produce a two-colored stream of water.

Bad Point: The road to the temple is rough. Parking space is not available, so you will have to park wherever you can.

Summary: The mountain top viewpoint has beautiful sceneries. From up here, you can also watch the way of life of Thai and Laotian fishermen.

01 The TripPacker's Review

Phra Yai @Kok Gnew Mountain

Phra Yai Phu Kok Gnew is very precious to people in Chiang Karn

“Phra Yai Phu Kok Gnew” (the local name) is a Walking Buddha image on the top of Kok Gnew Mountain in Chiang Khan. The image stands 19 meters tall with a pedestal base 7.2 meters wide. It is cast of fiber mixed with resin, and colored in gleaming gold. The 2nd Army built the Buddha image with help from the locals. It was built as a gift for HM King Bhumibol’s 72nd birthday, and the 50th Royal Coronation Anniversary of the king and queen. Relics from various temples and images were gathered and placed in the base. A royal relic was placed in the head of the Buddha image. The official name (very long) of the image means good fortune to the reign of King Rama 9.

Hu-ung River ends by converging with the Mekong to produce a two-colored stream of water in the river
Map of Phra Yai Phu Kok Gnew and stunning view of Mekong river

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Kok Gnew Mountain is located where the Mekong River first meets the Esarn region of Northeast Thailand. A second river from Laos, Hu-ung River, ends by converging with the Mekong to produce a two-colored stream of water in the river; one darker than the other. The Hu-ung River is a natural border between Thailand and Laos. From the top of the mountain, you can see superb views of the river below and sunsets.

Visitors who would like to pray to the statue can purchase flowers and joss sticks from the nearby vendors for 10 Baht. Don’t forget to visit this towering Buddha image, and watch it gleam under the sun on this mountaintop.

02 General Info + How to go

Phra Yai on Kok Gnew Mountain

Address	:	Kok Gnew Mountain, Ban Tha Dee Mii, Pak Tom subdistrict, Chiang Khan district, Loei
GPS	:	N17 49 10.14, E101 33 15.48
Operating Hours	:	9.00-21.00 Hrs.
Best Time	:	Any time of the year
Highlight	:	Beautiful views of both sides the river. Watch the two-colored water stream from the Hu-ung River converg
Activities	:	Sightseeing/ Praying

How to get there

Map of Phra Yai Phu Kok Gnew at Chiang Karn, Loei province

From Loei Town, take Route 2195 (Loei-Chiang Khan direction) for 20 kilometers then turn right at the T-junction in front of Ban Tha Di Mhi School, then continue for 2 more kilometers.