Before we drive to Wat Phra That Phanom, we have a look at the banks of the Mekong in Phra Klang Thung. Near the Thai banks of the Mekong, you find again and again islands. Almost all belong to Laos. The reason for this is to be found in the past.
Siam was the dominant country in this region. As of the middle of the 19th century onwards, the French developed their influence as a colonial power in Southeast Asia and conquered the eastern bank of the Mekong.
They then forced Siam to recognize the Mekong as a border river. In return, the part of Laos to the east of the Mekong came to Siam. This part corresponds to Isan today. The islands in the Mekong remained with Laos.
Wat Phra That Phanom
We continue our way to the Wat Phra That Phanom. It is one of the most important Temple complexes in Isan. The Chedi allegedly houses the breastbone of Buddha and is said to have been erected 8 years after his death.
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More InformationThe outer covering of the That, as the quadrangular Chedis are called here, dates back to the ninth century. It received its present appearance in the Laotian style in 1690.
At that time, the monk Phra Khru Luang Phonsamek increased the height to 47 m and gave it a tip of 16 kg of pure gold. In 1941 the That was renovated and once again increased to 57 m.
A thunderstorm strongly damaged the That in 1975 and it was renovated again in 1979.
It is said to have been decorated with 110 kg of gold. In an adjoining building is a small museum with items that have survived the storm in 1975.
The ornate and approximately 2 m high perimeter wall with its magnificently ornamented main entrance, as well as a sedentary Buddha with a golden honor umbrella in front of the That, date from more recent times.
Lakes and trees adorn the surroundings of the temple. Outside the wall, you find souvenir booths everywhere.
Since 2017, Wat Phra That Phanom belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
A shrub became the home of many Lyssa zampa (Tropical Swallowtail Moth), also known as Laos Brown Butterfly.
Please read on > Mukdahan – Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
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