Yasothon Temples

Amphoe Muang

Wat Maha That

is an important provincial temple. An important building situtated here is the Phra That Yasothon, or Phra That Anon, an ancient square pagoda with the top similar to that of Phra That Phanom. The architecture is in the Laotian style, which was popular in the late Ayutthaya to early Rattanakosin periods. The pagoda houses the relics of Phra Anon, a state minister from Si Sattana Khanahut (Vientiane) who brought migrants to settle here about 200 years ago. It was constructed around 1778.

Another historical site within the compound is the scripture hall that is in the Isan art style. The doorway and the door consist of beautiful carved woods with exquisite lacquer designs. The designs on the walls show a mixture of art from the Central Region. Built during the reigns of Rama IV and Rama V of the Rattanakosin period, the hall stores scriptures on dried palm leaves and art objects from Vientiane.

Phra That Kong Khao Noi


is at Tambon Tat Thong. Take the Yasothon-Udon Thani route for 2 kilometres to get to the site. Built during the 18th-20th century in the late Ayutthaya period, the small, square brick pagoda has a distinctive top. The middle part has designs of doorways on all 4 sides. A brick wall surrounds the pagoda. A sacred Buddha image was placed behind the pagoda. Legend has it that it was built by a young farmer who became repentant after killing his mother because he was upset with hunger.

Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha

Phu Tham Phra

is east of Ban Kut Hae, 12 kilometres from Loeng Nok Tha on Highway No. 212. Inside the spacious cave are countless sacred Buddha images. Visitors can walk through to the other exit. A thick jungle covers the area.

Amphoe Kham Khuean Kaeo

Wat Song Puai

is 21 kilometres from the town on Highway No. 23 on the way to Ubon Ratchathani. Take a right-hand road for 5 kilometres. The historical building of note here is the large Buddha image that is 8 metres high and is over 200 years old. A pagoda houses earth from Buddhist sites in India where Lord Buddha was born, found enlightenment, gave the first sermon, and died. There is also a museum housing artefacts from Dong Mueang Toei, an ancient Khmer city, like a stone bed and a stone inscription.

Amphoe Maha Chana Chai

Lord Buddha’s footprint


is 6 kilometres west of the district on Highway No. 2083. The footprint was originally on a sand dune in the middle of the Chi River. A laterite Buddha image 1 metre tall is located here and so too too is a laterite stone inscription with old alphabets stating that all 3 artefacts were taken from Ayutthaya.