Phra That Mahachai

Phra That Mahachai is a revered Buddhist stupa located at Wat Phra That Mahachai in Mahachai Subdistrict, Pla Pak District, Nakhon Phanom Province, northeastern Thailand. Built in 1949-1950 and standing about 37 meters tall, it enshrines Buddha relics and is theประจำธาตุ for those born on Wednesday (daytime). The octagonal chedi with surrounding temple grounds is an important pilgrimage site in the group of sacred That Phanom stupas.

Visitors can expect a tranquil temple compound centered on a tall, white octagonal stupa with a gold spire, surrounded by a cloister, prayer halls, Buddha images, and landscaped grounds. The site is active for worship and merit-making, with areas for circumambulation, offering flowers and incense, and viewing religious art and murals. The surroundings are a quiet rural town setting with parking and small shops selling offerings.

Phra That Mahachai was constructed in 1949 and completed in 1950 through cooperation of local officials and residents in Pla Pak District. Built to enshrine Buddha relics and serve as a center of Buddhism in the area, the stupa is designed in a distinctive octagonal form, approximately 37 meters high, and has since been restored and maintained as one of the important Phra That stupas of Nakhon Phanom.

The stupa is highly revered in Isan Buddhist tradition as theประจำธาตุ for those born on Wednesday (daytime) and is one of the eight sacred Phra That stupas of Nakhon Phanom. It serves as a center for religious festivals, merit-making, and annual worship fairs where devotees pay respect, make offerings, and participate in traditional ceremonies.