Wat Pa Udom Somphon

Wat Pa Udom Somphon is a forest monastery in Phanna Nikhom district, Sakon Nakhon Province. Luang Pu Fan Ajaro, a disciple of Ajahn Mun, built it with its sister monastery Wat Tham Kham on the nearby hill. Thai Wikipedia dates its founding to 1940, citing the national Buddhism office’s register. Luang Pu Fan spent his rains retreats here from 1965 and died here on 4 January 1977.

The museum is the main thing visitors come to see. It is a stupa-shaped building on a three-tier lotus base, 27.9 metres high. Inside are a life-size statue of him, his ashes and his requisites, and the walls tell the story of his life. King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikit and Princess Sirindhorn opened it in 1982 (Thai Wikipedia; Matichon). Outside, tile bas-relief murals show scenes from his life.

My Sakon Nakhon describes the grounds as shady, with paths to walk along while reflecting on his teachings. It pairs well with Wat Pa Ban Nong Phue, where Ajahn Mun spent his last years. A local community tourism project lists the two as 38 km apart.

This is a place to pay respects and to learn about a teacher, not a retreat centre. Behave as in any working monastery, and ask before photographing monks.