Phra Pathom Chedi, meaning the ‘Holy chedi of the beginning’, is recognized as the world’s tallest chedi, towering an impressive 127 meters from its base to the tip of its orange roof. The Phra Pathom Chedi marks the site where Buddhism was first introduced to Thailand more than two thousand years ago.
Customer feedback – “Not just another temple. Enjoyed the day trip here and learning more about Thai culture and Buddhism. Take the journey, worth it!”
Many cities in the world sprung up around important religious temples, landmarks, or chapels. However, none of them are as interesting as Phra Pathom Chedi. The chedi has a long, varied history dating back to the 4th century when the Indian emperor Ashoka sent monks to many parts of Asia, including Thailand, in an effort to spread Buddhism. The cheri, which houses relics from the Buddha brought to Thailand by Indian monks, was modeled after the Great Stupa of Sanchi in central India.
Customer feedback – “Nakhon Pathon is a place worth exploring and is a perfect day trip for travelers who have already seen most of Bangkok and want to experience a more realistic feel of what Thai life is outside the capital.”
Long after its construction, the chedi was visited by Thailand’s King Mongkut when he traveled the country as a monk. He observed that the chedi had fallen into disrepair and had become overgrown by the surrounding jungle. Upon his accession to the Throne in 1851, King Mongkut commissioned the original chedi to be preserved by building an enormous chedi over the original structure. The restoration included the addition of a compound area containing four viharns (chapels), numerous sculptures, castings of Buddha, meditation caves, and a garden sanctuary.
Some of the more unique items you will see at Phra Pathom Chedi:
- A massive, standing golden Buddha in Pang Ham Yati posture.
- Small alcoves around the base of the chedi contain a gallery displaying hundreds of Lord Buddha images in the postures representing each day of the week.
- A large gilt standing Buddha image (Phra Ruang Rodjanarith) where the ashes of King Rama VI are installed in the base of the statue.
- Next to the chedi is a large market selling Buddhist amulets.
- Wat Phra Pathom Chedi Museum – Housing historical remains which were discovered during excavations in Nakhon Pathom.
- The National Museum of Phra Pathom Chedi – A modern Thai building housing artifacts and historical remains, most of which dates back to the Dvaravati period.
Customer feedback – “Truly beautiful. Not crowded at all. Lots of history and we were glad our private tour guide suggested this temple to us. Well worth the visit and was happy to get outside of Bangkok.”
The temple complex at Phra Pathom Chedi can be visited any day from 7:00 am until 8:00 pm. The Phra Pathom Chedi Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm. The National Museum of Phra Pathom Chedi is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.
Admission Price: The temple complex at Phra Pathom Chedi is 20 Baht per person.
Other attractions that can be easily arranged along with a visit to Phra Pathom Chedi include our Sanam Chandra Palace and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market tours. Visit this attraction on our Thailand Royal Coast Experience tour.
Things you should be aware of when visiting Phra Pathom Chedi:
- Respectful attire is required. Phra Pathom Chedi is a revered Buddhist site, and as such the management insists that visitors dress in a respectful manner.
- Photography is highly encouraged along every part of this tour.
- On the twelfth lunar month, usually in November, Phra Pathom Chedi hosts their main Annual Fair. On this very special day, thousands of residents come and pay homage to the temple and walk around the base of the chedi.
