This temple, formerly known as Wat Mahathat, is located about 3km southwest of Uttaradit beside Highway 102. Its main feature is a Sri Lankan-style chedi that contains a holy relic, but all the temple buildings have an aura of great age.
In the grounds there are several small, laterite chedi that are clearly very ancient, and are mostly overgrown with weeds, but it is the viharn, with its low sweeping roofs, that catches the eye. The front panels are decorated in gold against a deep blue background, and depict scenes from the Ramayana, while the walls inside retain traces of ancient murals, though these are badly deteriorated.
There is an unusual festival that takes place at this temple after the Visaka Bucha festival (usually in May), which involves a re-enactment of a funeral ceremony for the Lord Buddha; the festival is unique in Thailand.
Need to Know
- What is It? An ancient temple with a Sri Lankan-style chedi.
- When to Go: Any time - for the festival in May would be ideal.
- Where/Nearest Town: 3km southwest of Uttaradit
- Address: Highway 102
- Opening hours: 06:00-18:00
- Entrance fees: Free