The ordination hall or sim at Wat Sra Bua Kaeo has a double-tiered gabled roof above a hipped lower tier, a design commonly found in Isaan temples. Unlike at Wat Srathong, however, the hipped roof extends well beyond the main structure below and is supported by columns all around, thus creating a covered walkway that surrounds the main structure and that also affords greater protection from the elements to the exterior paintings.

Entrance to the sim

The elaborate paintings on the exterior of the sim are an illustrated rendering of the story of Phra Lak Phra Lam from the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Hindu classic Ramayana.

The Ramakien's Phra (Lord) Lam and Phra Lak are the Thai equivalents of the original version's Rama and his brother Lakshmana. I won't even attempt to elaborate on the epic tale here except to add that Rama is an earthly avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu.

Northwest corner, looking east

Detail from the north wall. Note how some of the characters—most notably the army members—have been "updated" to their early-20th-century equivalents.

Paintings on the interior of the sim depict the Five Buddhas of the Past as well as scenes from the life of the Buddha.

The altar

More details (here and following) from the south exterior wall of the sim

Southwest corner

Detail from the west wall

Another detail from the west wall

The west wall of the sim depicts climactic scenes from the Ramakien, including a triumphant return from battle of Phra Lam and Phra Lak and the consignment to hell of their evil enemies.