The temple is situated near the center of town, and is the second in a string of riverside temples along the Mekong.
History
The original Wat Mahathat was deserted in 607 C.E. by Phraya Maha Ammat, a Commander-in-Chief of the army who came from Vientiane.
The temple compound includes the Phra That Nakhon chedi and a magnificent chapel.
What to see
The gold and white chedi, reminiscent of Phra That Phanom, is 24 meters high and dates from 1922 C.E. It enshrines the
remains of some important Buddhist saints (arahants), a gold Buddha statue and other valuable objects donated by worshippers.
Getting there
The temple is within walking distance of the Windsor Hotel and other lodgings in the center of town.
Updated: March 1, 2011.
