Prasat Phra That Narai Cheng Weng is a quintessential Hindu sanctuary dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries (the 16th–17th Buddhist centuries), aligning with the reigns of King Jayavarman VI to King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Empire. This single-tower prang is constructed from buff and pink sandstone, resting on a formidable laterite foundation. The architectural layout follows the "Redented Square" plan, featuring twelve indented corners—a hallmark of sophisticated Khmer masonry. Oriented toward the east to capture the first rays of the rising sun, the temple represents Mount Meru, the celestial center of the universe. While the topmost pinnacle (the 'Amalaka') has crumbled over centuries, the main body of the sanctuary remains remarkably intact, showcasing the precision of dry-stone masonry where blocks were fitted together without the use of mortar.

Exquisite Sculptures and Stone Iconography The sanctuary is internationally acclaimed for its masterpieces of stone carving, predominantly executed in the "Baphuon Style." The lintels and pediments across the four cardinal directions provide a window into ancient Vedic cosmology:

• Eastern Lintel: Features the iconic "Reclining Vishnu" (Narai Banthom Sin) atop the serpent Ananta in the Milky Ocean, with Goddess Lakshmi at his feet and Lord Brahma emerging from a lotus out of his navel.

• Northern Lintel: Depicts "Lord Krishna Subduing the Lion" (or the serpent Kaliya), framed by intricate floral motifs and "Phuong Uba" (garland) carvings that are considered among the most delicate in Southeast Asia.

• Scattered throughout the exterior are bas-reliefs of ascetics (Rishis) and planetary deities (Devas), emphasizing the site's original dedication to Vaishnavism before its later adaptation into a Buddhist stupa.

Folklore and Cultural Significance Beyond its archaeological merit, the temple is a central pillar of the "Urangkathat" chronicles—a collection of sacred legends belonging to the Mekong River basin. Local lore recounts a legendary construction race between two groups: the men, who were building Prasat Phu Phek on a distant mountain, and the women, who were building this sanctuary. The wager was that whoever finished before the rising of the North Star (Mao Phek) would win the honor of enshrining the Buddha's relics. The women outsmarted the men by hoisting a lantern onto a tall tree; the men, mistaking the lantern for the star, abandoned their work, allowing the women to complete the temple. This victory gave the site its name and cemented its identity as a monument to feminine wit and devotion. Today, it is a registered National Ancient Monument, serving as a spiritual beacon for the people of Sakon Nakhon.

• Located approximately 6 kilometers from Sakon Nakhon city center along Highway 22 (Sakon Nakhon-Udon Thani Road), the temple is near Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University and is easily accessible by both private car and public bus.

• Recommended time: Morning or late afternoon is best for capturing beautiful light to photograph the sandstone carvings.

• Dress code: As this is a temple area, please dress respectfully.

• Recommended activity: After visiting the temple, you can pay respects and offer prayers at the main chapel of Wat Phra That Narai Cheng Weng for good fortune.

Admission Fees:

• No admission fee (Free of charge)

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM