Taeki Chan After a satisfying meal at Nanyuan Noodle Restaurant, it was time to continue our journey.
Our next destination was Wat Phra Non Laem Pho, a beautiful temple located on Ko Yo Island in Songkhla. But getting there was part of the adventure.
We hopped onto our bikes and set off for a ride of more than 25 kilometres, taking us approximately 45 minutes to reach the temple.
It was quite a distance, but the journey gave us the opportunity to see another side of Southern Thailand beyond the busy streets of Hat Yai.
Finally, We Arrived at Wat Phra Non Laem Pho
After riding for around 45 minutes, we finally arrived at Wat Phra Non Laem Pho.
The first thing that caught our attention was the enormous golden reclining Buddha.
The temple is famous for this impressive reclining Buddha image, which stretches approximately 25 metres in length. The Buddha is depicted lying on his right side, representing the traditional posture associated with entering Nirvana.
Standing in front of such a massive Buddha after our long motorcycle ride was quite a memorable experience.
A Temple Beside Songkhla Lake
One of the things that makes Wat Phra Non Laem Pho particularly interesting is its location.
The temple sits on Ko Yo Island, surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Songkhla Lake. The peaceful lakeside setting gives the temple a very different atmosphere from the temples located in the middle of busy urban areas.
Nearby, you can also see the Tinsulanonda Bridge, which connects the mainland with Ko Yo Island.
The combination of the temple, the giant reclining Buddha, the lake and the surrounding scenery makes this a particularly photogenic stop.
More Than Just a Giant Buddha
Although the reclining Buddha is undoubtedly the main attraction, there is more to explore around the temple grounds.
You’ll find various Buddhist statues and religious shrines throughout the temple, including images associated with different forms of Buddhist and Chinese religious traditions.
Take some time to walk around rather than simply stopping for a photograph of the giant Buddha. There are plenty of smaller details, statues and architectural elements that are easy to overlook.
One particularly interesting detail is found on the soles of the Buddha’s feet, which feature traditional 108 auspicious symbols.
These intricate details are worth getting closer to see.
A Temple with History
Wat Phra Non Laem Pho is also associated with a long history, with the temple believed to date back more than 200 years.
However, the giant reclining Buddha that has become the temple’s most recognisable landmark was constructed much later, in 1994.
This combination of an old temple setting with a much newer monumental Buddha image makes the site particularly interesting for visitors.
Was the 25KM Ride Worth It?
For us, absolutely.
The journey from Nanyuan Noodle Restaurant to Wat Phra Non Laem Pho wasn’t a short one. We spent around 45 minutes on the bikes and covered more than 25 kilometres.
But that’s also what made the visit more memorable.
Instead of simply jumping into a car or taking a quick ride to the temple, we experienced the journey along the way — travelling through the surrounding areas and eventually arriving at Ko Yo Island.
After spending time exploring the temple, admiring the giant reclining Buddha and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Songkhla Lake, it felt like a nice change of pace from the food, shopping and nightlife that Hat Yai is usually known for.
A Different Side of Southern Thailand
When people visit Hat Yai, the trip often revolves around food, shopping, massage and nightlife.
But just a short journey away, Songkhla offers a completely different experience.
Wat Phra Non Laem Pho is a great example of this — a peaceful cultural destination where you can experience Thai Buddhist traditions while enjoying the natural beauty surrounding Songkhla Lake.
And for us, the journey there was just as enjoyable as the destination.
After a delicious bowl of noodles and a 25-kilometre motorcycle ride, we finally made it to this beautiful temple.
Sometimes, the best travel experiences aren’t simply about where you go.
They’re about the journey that takes you there.
Watch Our Journey
Join us as we ride from Nanyuan Noodle Restaurant to Wat Phra Non Laem Pho, explore the temple and discover the giant reclining Buddha of Ko Yo Island.
Watch the full YouTube video to experience the journey with us!
