Wat Tha Kok - a culmination of art and culture from many nations.
Chiang Khan district in Loei province has always had a history and relationship with the Mekong River and Laos, more specifically Luang Prabang. This can be observed by the similarity of the language used as well as the architectural design of the temple halls in many temples in the area. Many temples have Laotian designs, and most are over 200 years old.
Wat Tha Kok has been a part of Chiang Khan district for over 200 years. Originally, the temple was situated on a river bend that resembles a whirlpool; that’s how it got its name. Stone inscriptions retell the story and history of how the temple came to be. This temple was built during the time when Chiang Khan belonged to Pitsanulok province in BE 2395. The ruler of Chiang Khan had the temple built as a gift to the French to avoid being colonized.
Not only is this temple an important religious site in the district, it is the culmination of art and culture from many nations as well. The temple has elements of French, Laotian and Thai design combined.
