Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon
“The nine storey chedi”
Phra That Mahathat Kaen Nakhon 1990’s
Khon Kaen town
Khon Kaen’s most striking and eye catching sight is a nine storey chedi named Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, also known as “The nine storey chedi”. The chedi is found on the grounds of the Wang Nong Waeng, a Royal temple on the edge of Kaen Nakhon lake in Khon Kaen town. Wat Nong Waeng temple was founded in 1793.
On the stairs towards the temple extend the bodies of multi headed Nagas, a snake from Buddhist mythology. On the large temple grounds of 4½ acres surrounding the chedi are various symbols and images such as a Dhamma wheel with two elephants, Naga snakes and Buddha images.
“The nine storey chedi”
The chedi was built to commemorate the 50 years anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the throne and the 200th anniversary of the founding of Khon Kaen town. The chedi consists of nine storeys of receding size topped with a golden spire and a ceremonial umbrella. Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon is very highly revered, because it enshrines relics of the Buddha.
At night the 80 meter tall chedi is beautifully illuminated.
Interior of the chedi
All the chedi’s nine floors are open to visitors, a stairway leads to the top. The 9th floor offers scenic 360 degree views of Khon Kaen town and Kaen Nakhon lake.
At the center of the first floor is a very ornate throne that enshrines relics where Buddhists come to pray and make merit. Along the walls are several large images of the Buddha in the Phra Buddha Chinnarat style, statues of important monks as well as a long row of alms bowls, in which devotees put coins to make merit. Over the windows are large colorful murals.
The 4th floor contains a collection of old Buddha images. On the 8th floor visitors can see a collection of scriptures from the Tripitaka, the Buddhist teachings. The 9th floor enshrines relics of the Buddha. Other stories contain displays of ancient objects, a learning hall for monks, a collection of Buddha images and Buddhist artifacts, several historical displays and fortune telling machines.
Murals depict the history of Khon Kaen, daily life of Isan people and their culture as well as Buddhist stories. The wooden doors and window panels are carved with stories from the Jataka tales, the stories that tell about the previous lives of the Buddha.
How to get to the Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon
The Wang Nong Waeng is located on Klang Mueang road at the South end of Kaen Nakhon lake in Khon Kaen town.
Opening hours
The temple grounds open daily from 7 am until 5 pm.
Please dress respectfully, meaning no revealing clothes.
Entrance fee
Admission is free.