Phra That Tha Uthen, enshrined within Wat Phra That Tha Uthen in Nakhon Phanom Province, stands as one of the most revered spiritual monuments in the Upper Mekong region. Its construction began in 1911, led by the charismatic meditation master Phra Ajarn Si That Yannasampanno. While wandering along the Mekong, he identified this auspicious riverside site and mobilized a combined workforce of Thai and Lao devotees from Khammouane Province to build the stupa. Driven by profound faith, the community worked together to construct a permanent home for sacred Buddha relics brought from Yangon, Myanmar. These holy relics, along with numerous golden Buddha images and ancient treasures donated by the faithful, were ceremoniously interred within the hidden chambers and the various tiers of the pagoda.

Architecturally, Phra That Tha Uthen is a masterpiece that draws inspiration from the original Phra That Phanom structure but features a more slender and vertical profile. The stupa rises to a total height_ of approximately 66 meters, crowned with a golden pinnacle. Its square base measures 6 meters on each side, built with meticulously laid brick and mortar and adorned with delicate stucco reliefs that reflect the elegance of Lan Xang artistry, subtly influenced by Burmese styles. The structure is divided into three primary levels: the lower tier houses ancient artifacts and silver-gold Buddha images, the middle tier preserves the monastic requisites and personal belongings of Phra Ajarn Si That as a memorial to his leadership, and the uppermost pinnacle serves as the sacred repository for the Buddha’s relics.

In Thai Buddhist cosmology and local astrology, Phra That Tha Uthen is designated as the auspicious relic "for individuals born on Friday". Its geographic location to the north of the Great Phra That Phanom aligns with the direction of the planet Venus in ancient astrological charts. It is traditionally believed that those who pay homage here will be blessed with a life of brilliance and prosperity, as radiant as the morning sun rising over the Mekong. The temple's location is also geographically significant, sitting directly across from where the Hinboun River of Laos merges with the Mekong, providing a serene and majestic backdrop. Every year, during the waxing and waning of the 4th lunar month, a grand annual festival is held. Pilgrims from across the country gather to perform circumambulation and wrap the pagoda in sacred cloth, ensuring the continuity of a spiritual tradition that has flourished for over a century.

• From Nakhon Phanom city, take Highway 212 (Chayangkoon Road) heading north (towards Ban Phaeng district) for approximately 26 kilometers. Upon entering Tha Uthen district, you will see a turnoff to Wat Phra That Tha Uthen, located on the right-hand side by the Mekong River.

• Friday-born visitors should bring blue or light blue flowers and scented water for blessings.

• Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photography by the Mekong River.

• Dress modestly as a sign of respect when visiting this highly revered religious landmark.

• The temple’s riverside area offers a clear, scenic view of Hinboun in Laos across the water.

• Visiting during the 4th lunar month (Feb-Mar) allows you to experience the grand annual festival.

• Always walk clockwise (circumambulation) three times around the pagoda as per Buddhist tradition.

• Bring an umbrella or hat if visiting midday as the courtyard around the stupa is open and sunny.

• Offering a sacred cloth to wrap the pagoda is a popular way to pray for a peaceful and radiant life.

• Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor as the temple is a place of worship and meditation.

Admission Fees:

• No admission fee

Opening Hours:

• Open daily, 24 hours a day.