Wat Kaew (Kaeo) Prasert

Location 10.890564, 99.475822

Wat Kaew (Kaeo) Prasert is some 74km north of Chumphon town. Take road No. 3180 out of Chumphon Town. After 21km turn right onto road No. 3201 which forms part of the "Scenic Route".  You will see these signs along the road.

Follow the "Scenic Route" on roads 3201, 4004, 3253 and the 4015. The temple complex is on the left some 12Km after turning onto the 4015.

Within the temple you will find many structures and statues which will take some time to explore all. There is a mixture of Thai, Chinese and Indian styles of Buddhism.

A good viewing platform is from the top of this coffee shop which is in the shape of trees.

From the top you get a good view, westwards looking up the hill.

The view to the east is over Maha Bay.

When you have explored the buildings at the lower level it is worth climbing the Monk lined staircase.

At the top of the stairs in the woods opposite you will find a heaven and hell garden. Whilst Buddhists believe in the rebirth of the soul, they also believe that there are periods between each incarnation where souls spend time in either a heavenly realm or a ghastly hell-like place. The left hand side of the garden you will see rather graphic representations of what a person might expect after death if they have failed to live a moral and good life..

Or on the right is what those who have been good might expect.

On the far right you will find prehistoric animals. Not too sure how they fit in with this story.

A lot more pictures can be found here - https://photos.app.goo.gl/FUcFD2XKAa6GS9Xg2

On the net found this rather good drone photo of Wat Kaew Prasert