Phetchabura Buddha Park

Its centrepiece is Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha Chaloem Phra Kiat, a giant replica of the Lopburi-style Phra Phuttha Maha Thammaracha kept at Wat Trai Phum, said to be the largest such replica in the world. The statue is 16.5899 m tall and 11.984 m wide, about 35 m above the ground with its base, weighing over 45 tons — some sources say brass, others bronze.

The statue honours King Bhumibol's 84th birthday on 5 December 2011. According to the Government Public Relations Department, construction began in September 2009, and on 26 September 2011 Princess Sirindhorn presided over enshrining relics, placing the golden crown tip and the eye-opening rite; 5 December is the birthday it honours, not a ceremony date.

The original Maha Thammaracha is a crowned Lopburi-style bronze 13 in across the lap and 18 in high. Legend says it was found in the Pa Sak, and it is used in the Um Phra Dam Nam diving rite on Sart Thai, the 15th waning day of the 10th month, at the Wat Bot Chana Man pier, where the governor dives holding it; the tradition is said to be over 400–500 years old; in 2025 it was held on 22 September and in 2026 it opened on 11 October. The great staircase to the statue bears reliefs of this rite.

The park has a shrine room under the statue with a small replica, a lake with an island and pavilion where you can feed fish, white-stone tableaux of the Buddha's life, brass animal sculptures, walking and cycling paths, and a green market with stalls and cafés, busiest on weekend afternoons.

There is little shade, so come early or late with water and a hat. The many steps to the statue can tire older visitors; children enjoy feeding the fish. Dress modestly near the statue. Wat Mahathat, Phetchabun, is about 3 km south.