Gplace > Thailand > Surat Thani > Chaiya > Phra Borom That Chaiya

“A 24-meter-high square Srivijaya-style chedi surrounded by four satellite stupas and a cloister lined with ancient red sandstone Buddha images, plus a nearby museum of rare artifacts.”

Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan is a first-class royal temple and one of the most important religious landmarks in Surat Thani. Located in Wiang, Chaiya, about 54 kilometers from the city center, it stands as a spiritual hub and a key historical site of the ancient Srivijaya Empire.

The highlight of the temple is the Phra Borommathat Chaiya stupa, an ancient monument built under Mahayana Buddhist influence during the 13th–14th Buddhist centuries, when Srivijaya flourished. The structure features a distinctive square-based, multi-tiered Srivijaya-style chedi, approximately 24 meters high, set on a stepped square base. Surrounding the main stupa are four smaller stupas at each cardinal direction, along with a cloister housing numerous ancient red sandstone Buddha images.

Architecturally, the stupa sits on an original base measuring about 13 meters wide (from the western side), which predates later restorations. The base lies below the current ground level, and the surrounding area has been excavated into a shallow moat-like structure about 60–70 cm deep, often filled with water year-round. In the past, a natural spring emerged here, believed by locals to be sacred water with healing properties, though it has since been sealed.

The eastern side of the stupa is accessible via stairs, allowing visitors to enter and pay respect inside. The interior reveals ancient brickwork constructed without mortar, rising in stepped layers toward the top chamber, while the other three sides remain enclosed. The upper structure features three receding tiers adorned with arches and 24 miniature stupas, showcasing the craftsmanship of Srivijaya artisans.

Although the monument has undergone several restorations—especially during the reign of King Rama V, when the damaged top was rebuilt, and a major conservation effort in 1978–1979—it still preserves its original Srivijaya architectural form remarkably well, making it one of the best-preserved examples in Thailand.

Historically, the exact builder remains unknown, but the site is believed to date back over 1,200 years, during the peak of Srivijaya’s influence. Local legends tell of two Indian brothers, “Pamo” and “Paman”, with Pamo said to be the master builder of the stupa. After completing the construction, he was punished to prevent him from replicating such beauty elsewhere. A statue of Avalokitesvara was later created in his memory. These stories reflect the deep-rooted beliefs and folklore of the region.

The stupa is also regarded as a highly sacred site, long revered by local communities. Traditional Nora dance troupes would stop here to pay homage before passing through, as it was believed misfortune would follow those who showed disrespect. There are also long-standing beliefs about supernatural occurrences in the area.

The significance of Phra Borommathat Chaiya is further emphasized by its role as the official emblem of Surat Thani Province, appearing on provincial seals, flags, and scout insignia. It is often said that “a visit to Surat Thani is incomplete without paying respect to this sacred stupa.”

The temple grounds offer a peaceful and serene atmosphere, ideal for worship, meditation, and historical exploration. In the early morning, sunlight beautifully illuminates the white stupa, enhancing its visual appeal. The temple also hosts the annual cloth-wrapping ceremony (Hae Pha Hom Phra That), reflecting strong local devotion.

For travelers, Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya is a must-visit destination, offering a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and cultural heritage in one place.

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