Phra That Bang Phuan is one of the most sacred sites in the Isaan Region, in the North-East of Thailand, not least because this ancient pagoda is said to contain some of the Lord Buddha's bones.

The site dates from between the 1st and 3rd century A.D. In 1559 the original chedi was replaced with a taller Lao-style one, built as a demonstration of faith by King Jayachettha of Chantaburi (Modern day Wiang Chan or Vientiane, in Laos) as he spread his capital south across the Mekong River. For many years the monument had leaned to one side because of subsidence and finally collapsed in 1970. Restoration of the Chedi by the Fine Arts Department was completed in 1977.

Standing at 34.25m high, the beautiful chedi is surrounded by a number of other smaller chedis.

There are a number of other interesting structures within the complex, including the temple boundary markers and an ancient stone inscription. The site is also home to the Sa Phraya Naga (pond of the Naga Serpent) from which water was taken to bath newly appointed city lords as a blessing.

[View the Phra That Bang Phuan Photo Gallery]

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