Wat Phra Mahathat

Wat Phra Mahathat

Wat Phra Mahathat (Wat Phra Mahathat) is a famous and one of Thailand’s oldest temples in Nakhonsithammarat town on Ratchadamnoen Road. It is recognizable from afar by its 74 m high chedi with a spire made of 216 kg of pure gold. The exact date of the foundation of the wat is unknown, it is believed to have been built in the 10th century. Between 1157-1257, the temple complex underwent a radical rebuilding, after which almost nothing remains of the original buildings.

General information

The vast area of the vat is surrounded by a gallery roofed with colorful tiles. In the courtyard stand one hundred and fifty-six bell-shaped chedi, or stupas, of various sizes. The central chedi, whose foundations date from 757, is also surrounded by a covered gallery with one hundred and seventy-two statues of Buddha. The main sanctuary is to the north of the chedi. From here a wide staircase guarded by lions and yaks leads to the terrace of the chedi. On the sides of the stairs are two chapels, the left one has an interesting Sukhothai style Buddha statue and plaster reliefs from the Srivijaya and Ayutthaya eras, while the right one has a Buddha statue from the Ayutthaya era and plaster reliefs in the altar.

Temple Museum

The small museum of the temple displays many handicrafts: fine silverware, as well as Chinese and Savankhaloka earthenware. Of particular value are two sculptures of rare beauty: a seated Buddha in the Srivijaya style and a standing one in the Dvaravati style.