When most people think about visiting Khao Yai, their thoughts usually turn to national parks, waterfalls, wildlife and beautiful mountain scenery. However, the area around Khao Yai also has several interesting cultural and religious sites that are well worth discovering. One of these is the Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung Church, a peaceful Catholic church in the Pak Chong area of Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
The church is a particularly interesting place to visit because it offers something completely different from the Buddhist temples that are found throughout Thailand. Set in the beautiful countryside around Khao Yai, it provides a quiet and peaceful place to pause during a day of sightseeing.
A Catholic Church in Buddhist Thailand
Thailand is overwhelmingly a Buddhist country, with much of the population following Theravada Buddhism. However, one of the things that I appreciate about Thailand is the general tolerance shown toward other religions. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism are all officially recognized religions in Thailand, and religious freedom is protected by law.
As you travel around the country, you will occasionally come across churches, mosques, Hindu temples and other places of worship standing comfortably alongside Thailand’s countless Buddhist temples. The Blessed Nicholas Church is a lovely example of this religious diversity.
I think this is one of the things that makes traveling through Thailand so interesting. The country is deeply influenced by Buddhism, but that does not mean that other religions are absent. Instead, visitors can discover places of worship representing several different faiths, often in areas where Buddhist temples are far more common.
Who Was Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung?
The church is named after Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung, a Thai Catholic priest who dedicated his life to missionary work. He served communities in several parts of Thailand and is remembered for his devotion to the Catholic faith and his service to others.
The church provides an opportunity to learn a little more about the Christian community in Thailand and the history of Catholicism in the country. Christianity may represent a relatively small proportion of Thailand’s population, but Catholic churches have been part of the country’s history for centuries.
What to Expect When Visiting the Church
The Blessed Nicholas Church is a peaceful and attractive place to visit. The atmosphere is very different from the busier tourist attractions in the Khao Yai area. Rather than crowds, souvenir stalls and tour buses, visitors can expect a calm environment and an opportunity to appreciate the church and its surroundings.
The church is open to visitors every day from 8AM to 6PM. Sunday services are held at 10AM. If you are visiting during a service, remember that this is an active place of worship and visitors should be respectful of those attending Mass.
Even if you are not Catholic, you can still appreciate the architecture, the peaceful surroundings and the opportunity to see another aspect of Thai culture. One of the great things about travel is discovering places that are different from what you expected to find.
Is Blessed Nicholas Church Worth Visiting?
If you are already exploring the Khao Yai and Pak Chong area, the Blessed Nicholas Church is worth adding to your itinerary. It is not likely to be the main reason for traveling to Khao Yai, particularly when the national park and its spectacular scenery are nearby, along with many fantastic Khao Yai restaurants. However, it can make an interesting stop during a wider day of sightseeing.
For me, the appeal is not just the church itself. It is also the opportunity to see another side of Thailand. From Buddhist temples and Chinese shrines to mosques and Christian churches, Thailand’s religious landscape is more diverse than many visitors realize.
The Blessed Nicholas Church offers a peaceful change of pace and is a reminder of the religious tolerance and diversity that can be found throughout the country. If you are visiting Khao Yai and enjoy discovering lesser-known cultural attractions, this quiet Catholic church is certainly worth considering.
Find The Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung Church, Khao Yai on Google Maps.
Conclusion
During my two visits to Khao Yai, I first stayed at the Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai for just one night and then at Hotel MYS for six nights.
Otherwise consider one of the other hotels in Khao Yai by clicking in the box below.
Consider reading other posts on Thailand by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in December 2025)