29/06/2025
: 🇹🇭Visiting Wat Phra That in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, also known as Wat Phra That, is a sacred landmark and spiritual heart of Nakhon Si Thammarat. I was lucky enough to visit on Visakha Bucha Day, which fell on May 11, 2025, and take part in a meaningful merit-making ceremony.
The first moment I laid eyes on the temple, I was absolutely amazed by its majestic beauty. It’s a grand temple complex, surrounded by numerous stupas of various sizes, all encircling the towering central chedi – the Phra Borommathat Chedi.
This visit was also my very first time joining the traditional “Pha Khuen That” ceremony – where a long piece of cloth is respectfully wrapped around the main chedi as an offering during major Buddhist holidays such as Visakha Bucha and Makha Bucha. This sacred cloth is called “Pha Phra Bot” (ผ้าพระบฎ) , a symbolic gesture of devotion.
The topmost part of the main chedi is covered in pure gold, and it was built to enshrine important Buddhist relics – including the Buddha’s tooth relic.
It’s no surprise why this temple continues to attract devout Buddhists from all over. Just outside the temple grounds, you’ll also find a variety of local snacks and souvenirs, such as Khanom La, Khanom Kalamae, and more – all incredibly delicious. (Highly recommended! 😋)
And most importantly – if you’re in Nakhon Si Thammarat, you have to try “Mang-Kud-Kad or Raw peeled mangosteen” at least once in your life! 🤣
Remark: Peel the raw mangosteen and wash it to remove all the latex. Then soak the peeled mangosteen in clean water mixed with lime water and a little salt. This method will help the mangosteen have white, crispy, beautiful flesh (It is recommended to eat it in the evening for a crispy and delicious taste).
🚗 Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan: Google map, please look at under comment. 🩵🙏
⏰ Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
🇹🇭 Please dress respectfully when entering temples.
