Wat That Noi
Following the Path of Faith: Paying Respect to Pho Than Klai Wajasit
If you are looking for a destination in Nakhon Si Thammarat that offers not just scenic beauty, but also rich history and spiritual devotion, we invite you to pin Wat That Noi (or Wat Phra That Noi) in Chang Klang District on your map. This is a highly revered temple deeply connected to Luang Phor Klai Wajasit, the legendary monk whose sacred words and teachings remain close to the hearts of people throughout the south of Thailand.
Before heading inside, you will notice that every visitor stops near the entrance of Wat That Noi. Along the walkway, colorful fresh flowers, incense sticks, candles, and gold leaves are thoughtfully prepared for worship. After receiving our offerings, we take our first steps... with the scent of incense and flowers in our hands. The temple is filled with people holding the exact same offerings. A gentle aroma of incense drifts through the air, mingled with the occasional sound of prayers and soft murmurs. Yet, the atmosphere feels surprisingly serene rather than chaotic. This is a sanctuary of faith, where everyone arrives with their own shared intentions—some to ask for blessings, some to give thanks, and some simply to pay respect and remember Pho Than Klai. And we are no exception...
As we step inside, the first thing that catches our eye is the Phra Chedi That Noi. Standing prominently in the center of the temple grounds, this grand pagoda is the very heart of faith here. The closer we walk toward it, the more we can feel the sheer elegance of its architecture. Looking at the front of the pagoda, we see a steady flow of people walking up the steps to pay respect inside. We pause for a moment—looking up at the spire reaching into the sky, watching the devotees in prayer, listening to the gentle breeze, and simply letting the surroundings wash over us. Perhaps the true charm of this temple cannot be captured in photographs; it is a feeling that only reveals itself when you are actually standing right there.
And of course, once you arrive at Wat That Noi, the ultimate highlight you cannot miss is paying respect to Pho Than Klai Wajasit. He is a highly revered guru monk among the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat and the entire southern region, often celebrated as the 'Angel of Muang Kon' (Nakhon Si Thammarat). The title 'Wajasit,' meaning 'sacred words,' stems from the locals' profound faith in his words and blessings. His most familiar blessing is 'Pen Suk, Pen Suk' (Be happy, be at peace)—just a few simple words, yet they bring an indescribably warm feeling to the heart. As we walk inside to pay homage to his uncorrupted body, the surrounding atmosphere is remarkably peaceful. Devotees sit with their hands pressed together in reverent prayer; some close their eyes for a long moment, some bow deeply to the floor, while others simply raise their hands, whispering prayers in their hearts. We, too, sit down for a while, taking our time to let the sounds around us fade away, before setting our minds on the good things we hope to bring into our lives.
Another must-visit spot at this temple that you shouldn't miss is the Reclining Buddha. This massive reclining Buddha image is so striking that it made us pause and marvel for a moment. This area offers a slightly different vibe from the pagoda, with plenty of space to stroll around. If you visit during the soft afternoon sun, the atmosphere becomes even more magical. A gentle breeze sweeps through the temple grounds, leaves rustle overhead, and flickering sunlight dances across the golden Buddha statue. It is a truly beautiful sight—and the perfect corner to slow down your pace and capture memories of this unforgettable place.
If you ever visit Nakhon Si Thammarat, I highly recommend coming to Wat That Noi. Don't rush to leave right after paying your respects to Pho Than Klai. We invite you to take your time wandering around the temple grounds—visit the various sacred spots, admire the grand pagoda, stroll past the Reclining Buddha, and simply soak in the atmosphere. Along the way, you will witness people of all generations brought together by faith. You will see families bringing their children to make merit, groups of friends, and individuals sitting in serene prayer. These sights prove that Wat That Noi is far more than just a tourist destination; it is a living sanctuary where people remain deeply bound to their beliefs, their faith, and their cherished memories.
Before leaving the temple, take one last look back at Phra Chedi That Noi. When we first arrived, it might have seemed like just a beautiful pagoda filled with worshipers. But after walking through the grounds, hearing the stories of Pho Than Klai, and experiencing the atmosphere firsthand, that same view now feels a little more meaningful. Perhaps, what we take home with us isn't just beautiful photos on our phones, but a sense of inner peace and the timeless blessing that so many still carry in their hearts... 'Pen Suk, Pen Suk' (Be happy, be at peace). If you ever have the chance to visit Nakhon Si Thammarat, clear some time to visit Wat That Noi in Chang Klang District and walk this path along with us. Perhaps... you will finally understand why so many people keep returning here, time and time again.