Wat Thung Sri Muang is located in Mueang district, Ubon Ratchathani province, to the east of Thung Sri Muang, close to government offices such as the postal office, Ubon Ratchathani Municipality, and Ubon Ratchathani Kindergarten. This temple is well-known among tourists, who come to admire the Hall of Scripture in the Water, which embodies the wisdom of ancient people in preserving important texts and documents. Here are some interesting features of Wat Thung Sri Muang: 1. **Ubosot or Hall of Buddha Footprint**: The Hall of Buddha Footprint was built to replicate the sacred footprint of the Buddha from Wat Saket, allowing the devotees in Ubon Ratchathani the opportunity to pay their respects. Local craftsmen from Vientiane were commissioned to undertake the construction. 2. **Replica of Buddha Footprint from Wat Saket**: The Hall of Buddha Footprint measures 6 meters wide and 13 meters long, built in the traditional Thai architectural style of Vientiane. To protect it from flooding during the rainy season, an embankment was constructed around the Hall of Buddha Footprint, designed as a two-tiered dam. The embankment extends 23 meters wide and 32 meters long, with the land being raised to provide a stable base for the hall, using soil excavated from a northern pond that measures 13 meters wide, 24 meters long, and 3 meters deep (later, this pond was developed into the Hall of Scripture, hence its name, "Sra Hall of Scripture"). 3. **Hall of Scripture in the Water**: When the Hall of Scripture was excavated, it was discovered that there was insufficient soil to raise the Hall of Buddha Footprint, so another pond was dug to the west of the temple. This pond is called "Sra Nong Mak Saew," named after a large betel palm located nearby. It is approximately 3 meters deep and similar in size to the Hall of Scripture pond. During the late period of Luang Pu Phra Khru Wiroj Ratthano, the abbot, cement tiles were laid on the ground of the Hall of Buddha Footprint, and a glass wall was constructed around the entrances on the north, south, and west sides, with the east entrance being added later and made the largest since it serves as the main entrance in front of the Hall of Buddha Footprint. The Hall of Scripture built in the middle of the water serves to preserve the Tripitaka, which comprises Buddhist scriptures, local philosophies, and various texts. 4. **Phra Chao Yai Sri Muang**: After the assembly hall was completed, the government planned to establish a health center near the old pier. The large Buddha statue in the assembly hall of Wat Nuea Tha did not have monks caring for it, so Phra Khru Wiroj Ratthano invited laypeople to request it to be the principal Buddha image in the assembly hall of Wat Thung Sri Muang. 5. **Assembly Hall of Wat Thung Sri Muang**: To visit Wat Thung Sri Muang, you can find the temple located on the main road within the municipal area, right in front of the provincial hall. Visiting this temple will not only enrich your understanding of local culture and history but also offer a serene and spiritual atmosphere perfect for reflection and appreciation.