Phrathat Bang Phuan, Nong Khai Province, Thailand

3Ayutthaya-History 5:00 PM Nov 18, 2015

For temple and/or history lovers.
Wat Phra That Bang Phuan is one of Nong Khai region most sacred temples and located on a prominent hill. The stupa is 34 meters high and stands on a 17-square meters base. The Phra That is said to contain 29 Buddha relics of which one is a sacred bone of the Lord Buddha. The original pagoda dates back to ancient times. The Lao King of Lan Chang, Sai Setthathirath I or Setthavong (1534–1572), was a profound Buddhist and erected many Buddhist monuments such as Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang and the Phra That Luang in Vientiane. After having moved his capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in the mid-16th century, King Setthathirath ordered here a stupa built over the ancient one as a demonstration of his faith. Setthathirath's pagoda became heavily damaged over the years and toppled in 1970. The stupa was renovated by the Fine Arts Department in 1976-77. We biked from Nong Khai to Wat Phra That Bang Phuan and back. It took us a bit more than two hours, including the visit of the temple site. It is a nice and tranquil place. We would classify this for foreign visitors with an interest in old temples and history.

3Rada C 5:00 PM Jan 18, 2016

Little Gem of Nhangkai
The place here is not only Pagoda. There are about 800 years of ancient remains. Take a walk around and you will see King of Naka pond where water is used in many important Thai royal events.