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Visit Wat Tham Sumano (Phatthalung)
Presentation Wat Tham Sumano
Located in Tambon Ban Na, Srinagarindra District, about 21 km from Phatthalung City and 34 km from Trang City, Wat Tham Sumano is much more than just a Buddhist temple, it is a haven of spirituality and nature.
Founded in 1988, this unique meditation center blends harmoniously into a stunning natural setting, where limestone caves mingle with sacred geological formations. Although recent, this site evokes the mystical aura of an ancient place thanks to its architecture and the layout of its cave.
The Caves: A Natural and Spiritual Treasure
The heart of Wat Tham Sumano lies in its connecting caves that attract pilgrims, the curious and those who come here to meditate. Inside, the stalactites and stalagmites as well as the small indoor river create a mystical atmosphere conducive to meditation. Nestled in the corners are several Buddha statues, including a reclining one facing a large opening onto the forest. While there are a few bats, they are few in number. We are in a cave with walkways and stairs and a paved main room.
Keep a close eye on your children because the railings are only ramps and they could easily fall..
When you have crossed all the caves, you will arrive at a clearing with the temple's ordination hall standing in front of you. Well, in fact, you can also access it by road but this arrival via the caves is so much more magical! It almost feels like discovering a secret temple.
Temple and spiritual activities
Wat Tham Sumano is a renowned Buddhist meditation center. Nuns, novices and also ordinary visitors like you and me can participate in meditation sessions to deepen their practice or attend Buddhist ceremonies during religious holidays. For retreats lasting several days, it will probably be more complicated for a foreign tourist. Please respect the silence in the meditation areas to preserve the serenity of the place.
Important note
Although sometimes associated with Trang province due to its geographical proximity, Wat Tham Sumano is officially located in Phatthalung province.
Practical information about Wat Tham Sumano
Free entryThe Wat Tham Sumano cave is open from 8am to 5pm.
You can come and meditate in the temple every day (except on days of religious ceremonies) until 4pm. For a session with a monk, you have to ask (and if you don't speak Thai, it's a bit complicated). I haven't tried it yet but I think I will one day.
How to get to Wat Tham Sumano ?
- Coming to Wat Tham Sumano from Phatthalung: if the bus or van to Trang can drop you off in front of the entrance on the side of the road, it will be complicated to catch transport to return to Trang so it's better to have a vehicle. The entrance to Wat Tham Sumano is on Phatthalung-Trang Road (Phetchakasem Highway No. 4) 34 km from Trang. The cave is 500 meters from the main road.
- From Trang: the Trang - Phatthalung bus or van can drop you off in front of the entrance on the side of the road, it will be complicated to catch a transport to return to Trang, once the visit is over.
Find Wat Tham Sumano on GoogleMap
Rules to respect when visiting a temple
Wat Tham Sumano is a temple and when you visit a temple in Thailand there are some rules to know and follow :
- Dress properly (knees and shoulders should be covered)
- Take off your shoes when entering the buildings
- Be quiet
- Don't hug or kiss
- Don't point your feet to Buddha's image
- Don't smoke
