Introduction

This Buddhist temple is notable for its towering pagoda, Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram in Roi Et. The temple is an essential part of the region's spiritual and cultural life, conducting a variety of religious rites and activities year-round.

Visitors at Wat Pha Nam Thip can tour the temple grounds, admire the scenery, and engage in traditional Buddhist activities. Respectful demeanor and suitable clothes are required for all temple visits in Thailand. Let’s explore this temple with Asia King Travel!

Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

History of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram, with its iconic Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol, is a notable Buddhist temple in Roi Et Province, Thailand, with a rich history that underscores its religious and cultural significance. 

History of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

History of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

The temple, established as a spiritual center for the local community, reflects the deep roots of Buddhism in the Isan region. Its most remarkable feature, the towering Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol, was constructed in the late 20th century and has since become one of Thailand's tallest and most visually striking chedis. 

History of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

History of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

This structure incorporates traditional Thai architectural elements and intricate Buddhist iconography, serving as a beacon for both local devotees and visitors from afar. Beyond its architectural splendor, the temple is an important part of the community's religious life, hosting a variety of rituals, festivals, and meditation retreats. 

History of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

History of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

It also focuses on education and the promotion of Buddhist principles, as well as philanthropic efforts to benefit the community. Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram's history demonstrates its function as a spiritual refuge and cultural monument, representing Buddhist principles and helping to preserve Thai culture.

Read more: Northeast Thailand Tours

Architecture of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanara

Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram is a significant religious site with an architectural style that fuses traditional Thai elements with modern design features. The architecture of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram is a remarkable blend of tradition, symbolism, and artistic expression, creating a space that is both spiritually significant and visually captivating.

Architecture of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanara

Architecture of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanara

Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol

The most prominent architectural feature of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram is the towering Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol, one of the tallest chedis in Thailand. This grand pagoda, which stands over 101 meters tall, is designed with intricate details and serves as a central focus for the temple complex.

Architecture of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanara

Architecture of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanara

Design Elements

The chedi is characterized by its traditional Thai architecture, incorporating elegant curves, multiple tiers, and elaborate ornamentation. The use of gold accents and colorful tiles adds a sense of grandeur and opulence. The pagoda's spire, or "chofah," is an iconic symbol in Thai architecture, representing a mythical bird or serpent.

Architecture of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanara

Architecture of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanara

Symbolism and Layout

The architecture of Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol is rich in symbolism. The height and design of the chedi are intended to represent the spiritual ascent toward enlightenment. The base of the chedi is designed with reliefs and carvings that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and history. These artistic elements serve both a decorative and an educational purpose, illustrating key aspects of Buddhist teachings.

Architecture of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanara

Architecture of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanara

Temple Grounds

The surrounding temple grounds are designed with traditional Thai structures, including ordination halls (ubosot), assembly halls (vihara), and monk's quarters (kuti). The overall layout reflects a harmonious balance, with landscaped gardens, statues, and other religious icons contributing to the serene atmosphere.

Architecture of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanara

Architecture of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanara

Traveling cost of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

Traveling cost of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

Traveling cost of Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

The cost of visiting Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram varies. 

  • Taxis to the temple cost around 300-600 THB ($10-20), while rental vehicles and motorcycles cost between 150 and 2,500 THB ($5-80) each day. 
  • Budget guesthouses start at 300 THB ($10), followed by mid-range hotels between 600 and 1,500 THB ($20-$50), and higher-end alternatives ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 THB ($50-$100). 
  • Food is relatively cheap, with street food costing 30-100 THB ($1-$3) and restaurant dinners averaging 100-500 THB ($3-$16). 

Best time to visit Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram is open every day, including public holidays, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram in Roi Et, Thailand, is best visited during the dry season, which lasts from November to February. This season has nice weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C and little rainfall, making it perfect for visiting the temple grounds and other outdoor activities.

If you want to experience local Buddhist festivities, try going during major events such as Visakha Bucha in May or Asalha Bucha in July. 

How to get to Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram

Visitors can use the Roi Et-Pon Thong District-Nong Pok District Route. It is about 62 kilometers from Roi Et City along the Public Highway No. 2044 and 2136. It takes about 1 hour to get to Nong Pok District.

Continue driving to Baan Tha Sa Ad, Pha Nam Yoi District, and Khao Kiew for 5 kilometers and arrive at Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram where Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol is located. Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram is opened from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day including public holidays without admission fee.

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Place Nearby Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram