Wat Nong Wang
Northeastern Thailand Region
Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, commonly referred to as Wat Nong Waeng, is a royal temple located in Khon Kaen, Northeastern Thailand. Established to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's reign and the bicentennial of Khon Kaen province, the temple features a striking nine-story stupa inspired by Indochina-Dvaravati architectural styles, with a distinctive Isaan fishnet pattern. The stupa stands 80 meters tall with a 50-meter square base, housing Buddha relics protected by crystal walls guarded by seven-headed nāga sculptures. Each of the nine stories offers unique cultural and religious experiences: from the first floor's crystal relics and alms bowls representing Buddha's disciples, to the upper floors showcasing museums of ancient Isaan artifacts, carved doors and windows depicting Buddhist tales, and halls dedicated to Buddhist teachings and disciples. The top floor provides panoramic views of Khon Kaen town and the adjacent Kaen Nakhon marsh. The temple has been recognized as a model of development and was officially designated a royal temple in 1984. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural center preserving Isaan heritage and Buddhist traditions.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate carvings and panoramic views from the top floor. It is advisable to check opening times in advance and consider purchasing tickets or making donations onsite to support temple upkeep. Participating in merit-making rituals, such as offering coins or paying respect to Buddha images on birthdays, enhances the spiritual experience. Avoid visiting during major Buddhist holidays when the temple can be crowded.
Interesting facts
- •The nine-story stupa is designed in the Indochina-Dvaravati style with an Isaan fishnet pattern, reflecting regional architectural heritage.
- •Each corner of the stupa's base houses miniature Buddha relics protected by seven-headed nāga crystal walls.
- •The temple contains 108 alms bowls representing each of Buddha's disciples, symbolizing spiritual completeness.
- •The upper floors feature carved doors and windows depicting traditional Buddhist Jataka tales and local Isaan legends.
- •The ninth floor offers panoramic views of Khon Kaen town and the Kaen Nakhon marsh to the east.
History
Wat Nong Waeng, originally named Wat Nuae, was founded in 1789 at Ban Bueng Bon near Kaen Nakhon Marsh by the first ruler Thao Pia Mueng Pan.
The temple's boundaries were officially granted in 1899 and expanded in 1984 when it was designated a royal temple.
The iconic nine-story stupa, Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, was constructed to celebrate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's Golden Jubilee and Khon Kaen's 200th anniversary.
Over time, the temple has evolved into a cultural landmark and was recognized as a model temple in the early 1980s.
Place Guide
First Story - Crystal Relics Chamber
This floor houses Buddha's relics on a movable throne surrounded by three Buddha images. It also displays numerous relics of disciples in glass jars and 108 monk's alms bowls. Visitors can engage in traditional fortune-telling and offer coins for good luck.
Second Story - Isaan Museum
This museum displays ancient appliances rare in modern times and murals illustrating the 35 prohibited rules of daily life in Isaan culture.
Third Story - Monk-Learning Hall
Featuring intricately carved doors and windows, this hall presents the Nang Phom Hom Isaan tales, talipot fans, fan ranks, and eight necessities of famous Khon Kaen monks.
Fourth Story - Museum of Ancient Objects
Exhibits include ancient doors, windows, Buddha images for each birthday, and compass angles, emphasizing historical religious artifacts.
Fifth Story - Utensils of Phrakhrupalad Bussaba Sumano
This hall contains personal utensils of a former abbacy, with doors and windows carved to depict the Buddha's life and past reincarnations.
Sixth Story - Preceptor Hall
Doors and windows here are intricately carved with scenes from the Vejsandhorn Jataka tales, illustrating moral lessons.
Seventh Story - Enlightened Disciples’ Hall
This hall features carvings depicting the tale of Prince Temi the Dumb, an important Buddhist story.
Eighth Story - Buddha's Teaching Hall
Housing the Tripitaka Buddhist scriptures, this hall's carvings illustrate the 16 classes of visible deities in Brahma's world and various Buddhist rites.
Ninth Story - Buddha Hall and Panoramic Viewpoint
The top floor contains a Buddha hall with relics and carved doors featuring 3D depictions of Brahma's deities. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Khon Kaen and Kaen Nakhon marsh.
Contact
Phone: 080 236 6391
