Erected some 2500 years ago, Wat Phra That Phanom is a place where history can be seen and felt in its full bloom despite the fact that it has been renovated several times. The Wat Phra That Phanom temple is located in the Southern part of Nakhon Phanom province in a small village named That Phanom which is about 70 kilometers south of the provincial capital Nakhon Phanom.
Located near the banks of Mekong River, its most distinct feature is its central piece which is 57 meters tall Chedi- all done in white and decorated with 110 kg gold. The Chedi is the best example of Laotian style whose base is also exceptional as it holds the reliefs that shows the scenes from Brahman mythology. It is of great religious importance for according to legend it houses a relic- breastbone of Buddha.
History of Wat Phra That Phanom
Legend says that this temple was built few years after the demise of Buddha by an association of five kings of Sri Gotupura Kingdom. It is said that the Chedi was built in 10th century and was renovated and constructed in 17th century; it was during this phase that the Chedi was also elevated to a height of 47 meters. In 1941 the Chedi was restored by Fine Arts Department and was raised to its current height of 57 meters. Most of the changes were made after 1975 when, because of heavy rains, the structure fell and the need of restoration arose but all the major reproduction and rebuilding was done till 1978.
Highlights
Every year a week-long festival is organized in the Wat’s grounds, where thousands of Buddhist priests and Thais come to pay their respects. Visit the temple at such merry-times and make a beeline line for cherished memories; treat yourself with a Nakhon Phanom car hire and travel at a leisurely pace.
