Seeing The (Really) Big Buddha At Wat Muang

The Buddhists love their Buddhas, the bigger, the better. Sure, there's big. And at Wat Muang, there's colossal.

Looming large on approach from the back.

Presenting Mahaminh Sakayamunee Visejchaicharn. Tallest statue in Thailand, second tallest statue in Southeast Asia. Eighteen years of construction. Can you imagine if he stood up? Also hanging out, a natty tatted monk figure.

Another look at the big boy. He's sitting in the posture called Maravijaya Attitude. The designers were clever, having Buddha's hand dangle just so, so worshippers could reach out on their tipppy toes and touch God.

A monk, literally playing with fire. Mirrored interior of one of the temples, looking a little like the reception area of a Las Vegas hotel.

Opposite of the big Buddha, a monk mummy in repose.

The Nice Variety Of Sculpture At Kyaw Aung San Dar Monastery

Beyond the collection of giant Buddhas, Kyaw Aung San Dar Monastery has an impressive collection of all sorts of other religious sculptures, Buddha and otherwise.

One big Buddha or many smaller ones? Both!

Bloodshot brown monkey with claws, genitals hanging down, maybe holding a piece of meat. Did we miss anything? Back to Buddha and reclining, this time smaller in scale.

Outside, gold stupas and super-neat piles of leaves and branches.

White elephant with flowers and fun with perspective.

Buddha, busting through the ceiling, perhaps to get closer to God.

Lying Down On The Job At Wat Hat Yai Nai

One of the highlights of Hat Yai is a giant, reclining Buddha, housed in its own, open air building. The Buddha is a big boy, about 35 meters in length, 15 meters in height. A true can't miss.

"Oh, hi there. I didn't see you approaching. Because you are SO SMALL."

Delightful details. Heavily coiffed hair and mosaic toenails.

The Buddha is part of a large complex. How to get around during the frequent showers? Use a holy umbrella.

Prayers in a nearby hall. Pigeons down by the baptismal area of the river.

Common in Thailand, lots or ornamentation on top of the temple buildings.

A Visit To Hat Yai's Munincipal Park

Hat Yai has a nice main park, a meandering green space that heads up a hill overlooking the city. Nice view, some nice attractions.

The gateway view from the top of the hill.

The park is dotted with quasi religious and mystical figures. A huge dragon you're expected to walk through and the lily white Goddess of Mercy.

Behold the Supreme August Jade Emperor. Colorful chap.

Baby Buddha, practicing a power fist move. Putting power all together, our friend the Mercy Goddess with support staff and the mighty standing Buddha up on the hill.

Even the parking lot isn't exempt from a little God bling.

Basking in The Presence Of A Big Buddha In Hat Yai

The tallest Buddha statue in South Thailand is in Hat Yai. One gaze at the big boy and a confirmation is easy to make. He brings 20 meters in height, plenty of length to crane the neck.

Lording over the city.

In case you didn't get the message that bigger is better, they break out just the feet for you.  Hang 10,000. Inside the base of Buddha, some icons.

The most impressive display is a sort of Hall of Fame of past monks, forever remembered in incredibly detailed wax.

Back outside, the hilltop location is a favorite spot for pictures. We can get behind that.