Phra That Yakhu

Phra That Yakhu is an ancient brick chedi located at Ban Sema in Non Sila Subdistrict, Kamalasai District, Kalasin Province, northeastern Thailand. It is regarded as the largest and most complete Dvaravati-period stupa in Thailand, dating to the 8th-10th century. The octagonal stupa stands on a laterite base and is surrounded by boundary sema stones. It is an important archaeological and Buddhist site within the ancient town of Muang Sema.

Visitors can expect an open-air archaeological site centered on a large octagonal brick chedi on a laterite base, set in a cleared park area with ancient sema boundary stones and laterite foundations of the former Muang Sema town. The site includes information boards explaining Dvaravati history, a small exhibition area, and open grounds for walking around the stupa and viewing the structure from all sides. The setting is rural and quiet, surrounded by village and fields.

Phra That Yakhu is a Dvaravati-period monument dating to the 8th-10th century, built during the Dvaravati cultural period in northeastern Thailand. It is the largest surviving Dvaravati chedi in Thailand and marks the center of the ancient fortified town of Muang Sema. The octagonal brick stupa with laterite base and surrounding sema stones reflects Mon-Dvaravati Buddhist architecture and urban planning.

The stupa is a revered Buddhist site for local communities and is the focus of annual merit-making and worship events, traditionally held in May during Visakha Bucha. The sema stones and stupa represent early Buddhist art and belief in Isan and are considered a sacred symbol of Kalasin Province.