Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol

The Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol or “The Great, Victorious and Auspicious Pagoda” is one of the largest chedis (pagoda) in Thailand. It is located on the grounds of the Wat Pha Namthip Thep Prasit Vararam, a temple complex in Roi Et province in rural Northeastern Thailand.

This huge chedi is 101 meters long, 101 meters wide and 101 meters high and was built on a plot measuring 101 Rai, which is about 40 acres. The number 101 comes from the name of the province it is located in, namely Roi Et, which means 101 in Thai.

Enshrines Buddha relics

The chedi, which is also known as Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon is highly revered in Roi Et province, since relics of the Buddha are contained in the top of the pagoda.

Finial of pure gold

The fairly new chedi was designed by the Department of Fine Arts, and was built to serve as a center of learning for Buddhist monks. The very elegantly shaped chedi is painted in white color and very elaborately decorated in golden colored artwork in modern style. Surrounding the chedi are eight smaller pagodas. The finial on top of the chedi is made of 60 kilos of pure gold.

The chedi and temple are located on top of Nam Yoi cliff, from where you will have a wonderful view of the surrounding rural area.

The interior of the chedi

The pagoda contains five floors.

• The first floor is used for meetings and conferences. The names of the people who donated for the construction of the chedi are engraved in the wall
• The second floor is beautifully decorated with murals, showing scenes from the life of the Buddha
• The third floor is used as an ubosot or ordination hall. The marble images of 101 highly revered monks are displayed here
• The fourth floor is a museum, where you can learn about the abbot of the temple
• The fifth floor contains a staircase to the hall where the relics of the Buddha are enshrined

How to get to Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol

The Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol in the Wat Pha Namthip Thep Prasit Vararam temple complex is located in Nong Phok district, some 80 kilometers from Roi Et town.

Getting to the chedi by public transportation from Roi Et town could be a hassle, by far the most convenient and comfortable option is to hire an air conditioned car with driver to take you there. Most hotels will be able to arrange one for you. Agree on the price before leaving.

Opening hours

The chedi is open daily from 6 am until 5 pm.

Entrance fee

Admission is (Thai Baht):

• Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol
• Wat Klang Ming Muang

• Roi Et province
• Northeast Thailand