Overview:

: Wat Phra That Phanom is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the town of Nakhon Phanom, located on the banks of the Mekong River in Northeastern Thailand. The temple is in the complex of Mekong Ancient Ruins and Ruins of Nakhon Phanom City, which are registered as World Cultural Heritage. The temple is considered to be the most sacred Buddhist site in Isan, the vast northeastern region of Thailand. The temple complex houses several large features like a massive open-air stupa and statues of the Buddha. The most striking feature is the Most Revered Chedi or Stupa, built from brick and covered in different hues of gold. It is considered one of the most important Buddhist religious monuments in the entire region. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Thailand
Prominent Features:

1. Central Chedi: The Central Chedi, or Stupa, is the most prominent feature of the Wat Phra That Phanom temple complex. It is the largest Stupa in Thailand and is over 36 meters high. It is formed of seven concentric tiers, each shows a glimpse of silk garments and gold leaf decorations. 2. Vihan: Vihan, or Hall of the Buddha, is an important structure at Wat Phra That Phanom. The Hall was built to house several important Buddha statues, including a large bronze figure of the seated Buddha, believed to have been gifted to the King of Nakhon Phanom. The walls of the Hall are decorated with intricate murals depicting events from the Buddha’s life. 3. Ho Trai: The Ho Trai, or the temple’s library, is a traditional Thai-style building with an elaborate carved roof and window frames. It is located just to the northeast of the Central Chedi. The library serves to protect Buddhist sacred texts and also hosts educational events and exhibitions. 4. Chom Thong Chedi: The Chom Thong Chedi is a small chedi located to the south of the main hall. It contains a holy relic of the Buddha and is believed to have been constructed centuries ago. It is a popular spot for pilgrims to perform rituals. 5. Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit: The Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit is a grand white temple building with eight arched windows at the entrance. It is home to a famous statue brought from the Mahabodhi Temple in India, believed to have been made during the time of the Buddha. This beautiful structure is an essential part of the Wat Phra That Phanom complex. This national monument of Thailand portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Wat Phra That Phanom is a Buddhist temple located in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. It is one of the country's most sacred sites and is believed to have been constructed during the reign of the Khmer Empire, sometime between the 10th and 13th centuries. The temple complex is made up of several buildings, including the main stupa, which is believed to house a relic of the Lord Buddha. This relic is believed to be the same one found in the famous city of Ayutthaya, which is now the old capital of Thailand. The temple complex is built in the Khmer architectural style and is decorated with beautiful carvings. It is also home to a number of Buddha images, and several other relics and artifacts. The temple is also believed to have been constructed as a place of pilgrimage for Khmer rulers, who regularly visited to pay their respects to the relic. The complex underwent several renovations and restorations over the centuries and was almost destroyed during a catastrophe in 1883. However, the temple was later rebuilt and continues to serve as one of the most important religious sites in Thailand. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims from around the world and is a popular site of religious tourism. The temple is also known for its annual cremation ceremonies, which take place in April and October every year. During these ceremonies, images of the Lord Buddha are cremated in honor of deceased loved ones. It is believed that the cremation ceremonies help to cleanse the soul and ensure that the deceased’s soul reaches its final resting place. You must visit one of these historical places in Thailand on your Thailand tour

Interesting facts:

1. Wat Phra That Phanom is the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in Thailand and is believed to be the oldest and most important Buddha shrine in the country. 2. It is said to have begun almost 2,000 years ago when the first Chedi or main building of the temple was built in the 5th century by a wealthy family from the region. 3. The Chedi is considered to be the holiest part of the temple and is believed to contain a hair relic from Lord Buddha inside. 4. The temple is also known as “The Wat of the Holy Relic” due to its close connection to Buddhism. 5. Thousands of people from all over the world visit this temple each year to pay their respects. 6. During the Full Moon Festival, a fair is held and the temple is adorned with lighted candles and colorful cloth decorations. 7. Wat Phra That Phanom is the venue for the annual Flaming Candle Festival which is held annually to honor the Lord Buddha and is an important event in the local culture. Visit one of the famous monuments of Thailand with your friends and family.