Nakorn Phanom Temples
Amphoe Muang
Wat Maha That
Wat Maha That, another temple on Sunthon Wichit Road, is on the Mekong bank. Phra That Nakhon is a sacred pagoda worshipped by Buddhists everywhere. It has a square base, is 5.8 meters wide and 24 meters high. It was built by Phraya Ammat (Pom), the army commander-in-chief from Vientiane who built Nakhon Phanom city.
Wat Okat
Wat Okat on the Mekong bank is on Sunthon Wichit Road and is a temple that has been in the province since it was established. Many old Buddha images regarded as sacred by Buddhists are housed here. The temple also features beautiful wall murals.
Wat Si Thep
Wat Si Thep is on Sunthon Wichit Road. The convocation hall and wall murals are exquisite. The temple houses Phra Saeng, which is said to have been built along with Phra Suk and Phra Sai, two other important images of Nong Khai.
Amphoe Ban Phaeng
Phra Achan Bua Temiyo Museum
Phra Achan Bua Temiyo Museum is at Wat Sila Mongkhon in Ban Lak Sila, 5 kilometres from Amphoe That Phanom. The museum houses the remains of the famous monk Phra Achan Man Phuritatto and the religious items of another monk, Phra Achan Bua Temiyo. In addition, the well-preserved body of the latter monk is kept here and is much revered by locals.
Amphoe Pla Bak
Phra That Maha Chai
Phra That Maha Chai is at Wat Khosadaram, Tambon Maha Chai, 40 kilometres from Nakhon Phanom town on the Nakhon Phanom-Sakon Nakhon (Highway No. 22). A 2-kilometre road leads to the temple. This important site houses the holy relics of Lord Buddha. Inside the convocation hall is the largest wooden Buddha image in Thailand. The hall also has a most beautiful mural of the life of Lord Buddha that is regarded as one of the finest and rarest of the Northeast.
Amphoe Renu Nakhon
Phra That Renu Nakhon
Phra That Renu Nakhon is 52 kilometres south of Nakhon Phanom town on Highway No. 212. Upon reaching the 44-km marker, turn right and drive for 7 kilometres. The pagoda was built in 1918 and is a smaller replica of Phra That Phanom. The pagoda is 35 meters high. A Buddhist scripture and a gold Buddha image are housed inside.
Renu Nakhon is the home of many Phu Thai people. This indigenous group excels in woven products that are sought after by tourists.
Amphoe Tha Uthen
Phra Bang of Wat Trai Phum
Phra Bang of Wat Trai Phum is a standing image 80 inches high with an octagon base surrounded by 8 elephants. Built in 1465, it is believed that this sacred image can grant rain.
Phra That Tha Uthen
Phra That Tha Uthen is opposite Hin Bun town in Laos. Similar to Phra That Phanom pagoda, it is 66 meters high and was constructed in 1912 to house the relics of monks brought from Yangon in Myanmar. To get there, take Highway No. 212 for 26 kilometres.
Amphoe That Phanom
Phra That Phanom
Phra That Phanom is 50 kilometres from Nakhon Phanom town on Highway No. 212. It is an important Buddhist site of the province. This square-shaped pagoda is 53 meters high and was built during 657-857. It is believed that it originally had Khmer design that was renovated through the years to its present Laotian design. The pagoda enshrines the holy relics of Lord Buddha. On August 11, 1975 at 19.00 hrs., the entire pagoda collapsed after many days of rainstorm. The Thai public subsequently made considerable donations to rebuild the pagoda back to its original splendour. People placed many valuables inside and topped the pagoda with a 110-kilogram solid gold spire.
