Phra That Kong Khao Noi, located in the serene landscapes of Thailand, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty of the region. This sacred stupa attracts travelers and pilgrims alike, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and offering stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
Nestled in the heart of Thailand, Phra That Kong Khao Noi is an exquisite stupa that reflects the region’s profound spiritual significance and artistic mastery. Revered by locals and visitors, this landmark signifies peace and tranquility, drawing those in search of both cultural insight and breathtaking vistas. The intricate design and serene ambiance make it an ideal spot for reflection and contemplation, while the surrounding nature enhances its serene appeal. As you explore the area, the blend of history and spirituality becomes evident, creating a unique experience that resonates with the soul. A visit to Phra That Kong Khao Noi is not just a journey to a physical location but an invitation to immerse oneself in Thailand’s vibrant traditions and natural beauty, ensuring lasting memories for all who venture here.
Phra That Kong Khao Noi is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Thailand
In May 2014 we were in Yasothon for the annual Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival (ประเพณีบุญบั้งไฟ) and this attraction Phra That Kong Khao Noi (พระธาตุก่องข้าวน้อย) was another we were familiar with and planned to visit. We end up visiting it two times as we decided to go back and do some more shopping at the small market stands surrounding it.Those unable to read Thai might have difficulty finding it without directions. With directions it is easy. From Yasothon city center the turn to access this is about 7km or 8km away on main road that runs through Yasothon city (Highway 23) in the directions of heading towards Ubon Ratchathani (as opposed to Roi Et which would be the wrong direction). Just before the turn you’ll see a small outdoor grocery market, and then the road changes to a divided highway. Just after it changes you need to U-Turn to access it as it would require taking a left which isn’t possible as the divided highway will have just started. Last month when here there was a sign for the turn but it looks disposable and was only in Thai language. In case coming from the other direction the location of this turn is near km.194 (that’s the road’s distance marker) on the main road that goes from Roi Et towards Yasothon city (Highway 23). Once making this turn it is 1km away and can’t miss it. Though when first making this turn I did have a moment of an “are your sure” feeling as wasn’t obvious it was the road to a temple, but this passed quickly and could then see the parking lot which has security guards.As I understand it people visit this temple to pray for forgiveness to any wrong doing they have done to their parents. The legend behind this place, and to the best of my knowledge many people believe it to be true, is that during the late Ayutthaya period (perhaps 18th century Roman calendar) a young farmer was hungry and was waiting for his mother to return with food. It was taking a long time for her to return. When she did with a small sticky-rice container, he feeling hungry and restless was so upset with how tiny the portion was that he attacked her. He however ate the food, felt full and sorry he had attacked his mother, but then got worse that he discovered she had died due to the attack. In deep sorrow he built this stupa to ask to seek forgiveness for his sin.When built this was just a rice paddy in Tambon Tadthong. It later became Wat Phra That Kong Khao Noi. The stupa is of typical Khmer style. It however differs from most stupas concerned with Buddhism for the reason it was built by an ordinary man. That’s where Noi (which is Thai means small) gets added to the name which is an important distinction.Now in addition to this folk-legend the fine arts department has discovered evidence of prehistoric people in this area and made excavations including skeletons and painted pottery similar to that of Ban Chiang, which located in Udon Thani is one of Thailand’s many historical sites.Today the stupa is still standing in decent shape, but there is also a temple to give offerings too. Around it are many small shops, most which sell items related to making sticky rice. It draws a fair number of visitors in weekends, and also other festivals and various Buddhist related activities take place here during occasions. It is a nice little area to pass through. It doesn’t take long at all to visit. 5-10 minutes there would be fine for many, but if wanting to poke around some the shops can take 45 minutes there easy enough. The reason we returned a second time is we live in Thailand and decided to bring back gifts for all the mothers we know living in a small village. Most people wouldn’t need to visit twice.
Ancient stupa or Chedi, a structure that enshrines holy Buddhist relics. Built during the 18th-20th century in the late Ayutthaya period, Legend has it that it was built by a young farmer who was repentant after murdering his mother. In a tale that aims to teach forbearance, it is said that the young farmer grew irate when a lunchbox packed by his mother seemed to have a tiny amount of rice. Furious, he killed his mother. It was only when he discovered that there was in fact so much rice he could not finish his lunch, as it was packed tightly, that he realized his folly… This place is very popular with the Locals
The story goes that the Chedi was built by a young farmer who felt sorry after murdering his mother who he felt had not put enough rice in his lunch box! later he discovered that there was so much rice he could not eat it all.Very well maintained an an important and popular site for Thai people, so very busy at weekends and holidays. Lots of interesting shops selling a wide range of souvenirs and gifts…. a chance to try your haggling skills!!!
This attraction is easy to be acceded by private car from Yasothorn city , 12kms on highway No.23 to UbonRatchthani. The place is free for admission, there is OTOP center for selling local handcraft. The pagoda locates near the parking lots, a lot of tourists on weekend, esp. sunday.
Lots of old statues and Buddist relics – many of which are still blessed by the local Thais. Wont take long, but worth a visit if you are in the area. Lots of vendors and some foods/drinks available.
My wife told me about the story behind this pagoda & the reviewer who wrote about it under the heading “cool place with a neat back story” relates the story so will not repeat it. Needless to say it was well worth the visit before continuing our journey to Ubon Ratchathani. The location is just past Makro in Tambon Tat Thong.
Just off highway 23 en-route from Yasothon to Ubun Ratchathani is this interesting little Stupa, there isn’t a great deal of imformation about the stupa or the area around it in latin script but we enjoyed our visit here. The area to the side seems to have a drive through shopping area, we had to drive our car through the undercover area past all the little shops to get into the car park area.
This chedi is quite small but we both enjoyed it. We arrived late in the day, around 4:30, and it was bathed in golden afternoon light, which created a romantic aura.The chedi (locally known as a thaat, in Isaan dialect) is in the slender, elegant Laotian style. It is surrounded by ancient sandstone boundary markers which were one of the hallmarks of the Mon culture. This place has been a holy site since the 9th century, though the chedi is a more recent addition.Entrance is free.