Visit Phra Pathom Chedi (Nakhon Pathom)

When you come to Nakhon Pathom, you can not miss the Phra Pathom Chedi. With its 127 meters high, is the largest stupa in the world. its story is also impressive. The chedi was built on the site where Buddhism was introduced into Thailand two thousand years ago. The original structure is mentioned in Buddhist scriptures dating back to 675 years but archaeologists think there was already a structrure there in the 4th century. In the 11th century, a prang similar to the ones in Angkor Wat was built here. The temple was abandoned and gradually buried in the jungle. It was only in the 19th century that King Mongkut visited the remains of the temple and ordered the construction of a huge chedi completed in 1870. The Phra Pathom Chedi Temple has the highest rank for temples in Thailand. It is one of the 6 Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan and contains the ashes of King Rama VI.
Covered by ceramic tiles, the chedi stands in the middle of a large central square where a night market with a huge food court where you can eat for cheap take place every evening. In the wall of the temple, two small stairs leads to a cave with small rooms with Buddha images and altars . The temple is illuminated every night.

Admission fee: 60 THB
The access to the courtyard where the chedi stands is open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
There is also a museum open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m (admission: 100 THB)

Phra Pathom Chedi is a temple and when you visit a temple in Thailand there are some rules to know and follow:

• Dress properly (knees and shoulders should be covered)
• Take off your shoes when entering the buildings
• Be quiet
• Don't hug or kiss
• Don't point your feet to Buddha's image
• Don't smoke