Thailand

With its impressive all-white pagoda plated in gold, Wat Phra That Nong Bua is a fantastic attraction for tourists passing through Ubon Ratchathani.

Among images of temples, pagodas, and golden stupas, Isan has much to offer. However, Wat Phra That Nong Bua stands out among all the temples you may have seen and visited in Ubon Ratchathani. Having been established only 65 years ago, this Buddhist monastery lacks historical elements. Nevertheless, its unique and grand architectural style compensates for this. You'll notice with delight the large decorative windows of the ubosot, arranged in a circle reminiscent of the Dharma wheels. You'll admire the seated Buddha in the central space of the facade. But above all, you'll fall in love with the gleaming white stupa plated in gold, standing over 183 feet tall. A favorite subject for photographers and cameramen, this stupa is famous throughout Thailand for its resemblance to the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodh Gaya. A pure and simple marvel not to be missed during your visit to Ubon, a city in northeastern Thailand.

The temple as seen and described by the annals

Wat Phra That Nong Bua, or simply Wat Nong Bua, was founded in the mid-1950s. It was built by the Dhammayuttika monks, followers of Theravada Buddhism. The beautiful chedi of the temple dates back to 1956. Like Thai chedis from the last century, it marks a special occasion: the 25th centenary of the Buddha's birth. The initial dimensions of the structure were extremely modest: 16 feet wide and 3.3 feet high. It took 12 years for the chedi to reach its current size of 183 feet, or 56 meters. Besides its architectural achievement, the pagoda is a pilgrimage site for thousands of practicing Buddhists. Legend has it that a relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined here.

Today

Despite its recent origins, Wat Phra That Nong Bua enjoys great popularity among visitors. It ranks among the most celebrated Buddhist monuments in Ubon. It combines the strengths of a historical marker of Buddhism, a relic site, and an architectural gem that is the pride of the region.

Exploring the Buddhist monastery

In 1956, two and a half millennia had passed since the Buddha had shown the way to Nirvana. To immortalize this event, Wat Nong Bua erected a worthy chedi. This chedi is the highlight of any visit to the monastery.

Sri Maha Pho Chedi

The chedi rests on a marble base, surrounded on all four sides by miniature chedis of the same shape. Rectangular in plan, it tapers gradually as it rises in height. A golden bell crowns it, topped by a spired umbrella.

While all eyes are fixed on this 56-meter tall pyramidal tower, it is not just its architecture that draws attention, impressive as it is. Its shape recalls the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodh Gaya, a temple of paramount importance to the international Buddhist community. In the holy city of Bodh Gaya, under a Bodhi tree, the Buddha attained enlightenment, or the perfect understanding of wisdom.

Take a moment to appreciate the charming facade. Between golden borders, intricately carved panels depict the life of Prince Jataka. Each of the four faces of the stupa features ten panels arranged in two rows. The contrast between pale gray and shining gold gives the chedi its distinctive appeal. Inside is no less charming; there is a casket containing sacred relics that, according to believers, belong to the Buddha himself.

Other interesting buildings can be seen, although they are much more modest and less impressive.

The Ubosot, the ordination hall

Near the Sri Maha Pho Chedi stands the Ubosot, where monks receive their ordination. The walls are adorned with circular windows depicting circles. The arrangement of windows is skillfully designed to reflect the three wheels of Dharma. Admire the tall pillars adorned with gold leaf motifs on the capitals, symbolizing the leaves of the Bodhi tree. Observe the nine Buddhist iconographies covered in solid gold. The building is modeled after the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar, the place of the Buddha's death.

The pagoda tree grows within the temple grounds. Leaving the stupa to head towards the Ubosot, you'll surely notice its sprawling form and wide, drooping leaves.

Things to know before you go

Entrance fee and opening hours

Entrance is free for tourists. The temple is open daily from Monday to Sunday, but visiting hours are limited from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is advisable to visit on weekdays, as the chedi is crowded on weekends.

How to get there?

From downtown Ubon, it's about 3 kilometers to the monastery. The best way to get there is to hail a songthaew no. 10 or no. 11. If you take the first songthaew, you'll get off at the intersection leading to Wat Phra That Nong Bua. The second songthaew stops 50 meters before the intersection.

Rules to observe

Foreigners must observe modesty laws to enter Wat Phra That Nong Bua. No plunging necklines, short pants, or garments revealing shoulders or legs are tolerated. Remember to remove your shoes before entering prayer halls.

Nearby attractions

While Wat Nong Bua is the most significant temple in Ubon Ratchathani, other points of interest include:

• Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram;
• Wat Si Muang, famous for its floating library;
• Wat Ban Na Muang, resembling a boat;
• The series of rock carvings at Pha Taem National Park.