Phra Pathom Chedi

The primary or major holy stupa, Phra Pathom Chedi, is Thailand's highest stupa, with a spire reaching 124 meters into the sky. Despite the fact that the stupa has no known historical roots, it has been a sacred place at Phra Pathom Chedi since the era of Emperor Ashoka on the Indian subcontinent, which lasted from 269 to 232 BC.

Buddhist writings from 675 mention the stupa for the first time. However, archaeological evidence from the 4th century suggests that the stupa was one of the most important stupas in ancient Nakhon Pathom, the major Dvaravati culture town from the 6th to the 8th centuries.

In the 11th century, the Khmer Empire conquered Dvaravati villages, including old Nakhon Pathom. After that, a Khmer-style prang was added to the summit of the stupa. The city and Phra Pathom Chedi had been abandoned and overrun by the jungle after Anawrahta of the Pagan Kingdom conquered and devastated old Nakhon Pathom.

Today, visitors may see the amazing complex, which, when viewed from above, resembles a massive Buddhist mandala and reflects Buddhist cosmology, with Phra Pathom Chedi at the center. A large golden Buddha statue may be found within Phra Pathom Chedi.

Location: 27 Tesa Rd, Phra Prathom Chedi Sub-district, Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand