Phra Pathom Chedi, one of the earliest Buddhist stupas in Thailand
Last updated: 25
Aug
2022

Buddhist Stupas in Thailand – The golden architectural era

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Buddhist temples in Thailand are characterized by tall golden , and the Buddhist architecture of Thailand is similar to that in other Southeast Asian countries, particularly Cambodia and Laos, with which Thailand shares cultural and historical heritage.

Origin of Buddhist Stupas in Thailand

During Ram Khamhaeng’s reign, stupas were built, reflecting the Sri Lankan influence. One of these is Wat Chang Lom.

Thai travelers to Sri Lanka also brought back the root of a Bodhi tree, which began the Thai tradition of venerating Bodhi trees. Sukhothai style Buddha statues also reflect Sri Lankan art styles.

Later Sukhothai kings would continue this policy of supporting Lankavong Theravāda, and numerous monasteries, Buddha images and stupas were built during the Sukhothai period.

The third Chakri monarch, Rama III (reigned 1824–1851), was known as a devout Buddhist.

More than 50 temples were built and repaired in his reign.

These include the first Chinese style temple at Rajorasa, the stupa at Wat Arun, the Golden Mount at Wat Sraket, the metal temple at Wat Ratchanadda, and Wat Pho, the site of the first university in Thailand.

List of Buddhist stupas in Thailand

This is a non-exhaustive list of Buddhist stupas in Thailand.

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen

is a royal wat (‘temple’) located in Phasi Charoen district, Bangkok, at the Chao Phraya River. It is part of the Maha Nikaya fraternity and is the origin of the Dhammakaya Movement. It is a large and popular temple, supported by prosperous community members.

Chedi Doi Trimoorati

is a Chedi in Chiang Rai, set in a countryside location surrounded by ricefields, woodland and mountain views. It is maintained by its designer Luang Phra Wichai Chotivaro and a small group of fellow monks. The Chedi is a few kilometers out of the city in the Bandu area; turn off the main road on soi 6 and follow the road a few kilometers until the tarmac ends and a dirt road starts, then take a right fork through a gate and up a slight incline.

Phra Chedi Klang Nam

is a chedi in Rayong Province. Phra Chedi Klang Nam was built approximately 2 kilometers away from Rayong city and it is located in the middle of the mouth of the Rayong River. Tourists can travel to Phra Chedi Klang Nam everyday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Muaeng, Rayong. The Chedi (pagoda) was constructed in 1873 by Kate Yomjinda, who was the Rayong provincial administrator at the time. The feature of pagoda looks like large white bell which stands 10 meters high and the ground is reddish-brown brick. Once the Chedi used to symbolise reaching Rayong for sailors. Now the people ofRayong esteem the Phra Chedi Klang Nam and it is a symbol of Rayong. The tourists should travel to Phra Chedi Klang Nam during the twelfth lunar month because at that time the annual celebration takes place. In November during the Loy Krathong festival, festival for paying respect to the Phra Mae Kong Ka, people can join the festival at Phra Chedi Klang Nam and there is Thai traditional boat racing as well. In mid-December every year, there is an offering robes to Buddhist monks and cover clothes for pagoda tradition. Two men cover the apex of pagoda by a 6 meter long red cloth. The area around Phra Chedi Klang Nam is covered by pine trees, so the weather is pretty good. People usually go there to relax and have a picnic.

Phra Pathommachedi

or Phra Pathom Chedi is a Buddhist stupa in Thailand. The stupa is located in the Wat Phra Pathommachedi Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan (Thai: วัดพระปฐมเจดีย์ราชวรมหาวิหาร), a temple in the town center of Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand. Phra Pathommachedi is the tallest stupa in Thailand. The top of its spire reaches 120.45 meters, with the base circumference of 235.50 meters.

Phra Prathon Chedi

is one of the oldest stupas in Thailand with the height of 50 metres (164 ft). The stupa is located in the Wat Phra Prathon Chedi Wora Viharn, a temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 3 km east of Phra Pathommachedi.

Phra That Si Song Rak

is a Buddhist stupa built in c. 1560 by Laotian and Thai kings. It is located on the Man River in Dan Sai district, Loei province of modern-day Thailand, 30 kilometers from the modern Thailand-Laos border. The name means “Stupa of Love from the Two Nations”.

Wat Phra That Phanom

is a temple in the That Phanom District in the southern part of Nakhon Phanom Province, northeastern Thailand. According to legend, the temple contains Phra Uranghathat / พระอุรังคธาตุ or Phra Ura / พระอุระ are enshrined, and as such, it is one of the most important Theravada Buddhist structures in the region. Each year, a festival is held at That Phanom to honor the temple. The week-long festival attracts thousands of people who make pilgrimages to honor the shrine.

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