The stupa is believed to contain genuine relics of Gautama Buddha brought from Sri Lanka.
Local belief holds that the shadow of the main chedi never touches the ground, regardless of the sun's position.
The gold spire is made of approximately 600 kilograms of pure gold.
The base of the stupa is decorated with 173 elephant-shaped sculptures emerging from the masonry.
Archaeological digs within the temple grounds have uncovered remnants of ancient foundations dating back to the 3rd century.
The temple was the regional hub for the Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom, which exerted significant influence over the Malay Peninsula.
It is one of the few Thai temples to maintain a 'Royal Temple of the First Class' status.
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is the primary Buddhist temple of Nakhon Si Thammarat and one of Southern Thailand’s most sacred sites. Its centerpiece is the Phra Borommathat Chedi, a 78-meter tall bell-shaped stupa topped with a solid gold spire. Architectural analysis suggests the current structure was significantly expanded during the Ayutthaya period, incorporating elements from the Srivijaya era. The temple complex houses a museum containing artifacts recovered from the stupa’s relic chamber. It is a candidate site for UNESCO World Heritage status due to its historical importance in the spread of Theravada Buddhism. The site is uniquely known for its lack of a shadow at certain times of the year, a phenomenon often attributed to the orientation of the stupa. Pilgrims frequently circumambulate the base of the main stupa as a gesture of religious devotion. The temple serves as the spiritual heart of the province and is central to the annual Hae Pha Khuen That festival.
From the far end of the courtyard near the main entrance gates for a full view of the gold-topped stupa.
Visit during the early morning to participate in the traditional almsgiving rituals.
Look for the museum exhibits located in the inner courtyard to see ancient votive tablets.
Walk the full circumference of the chedi to view the diverse elephant sculptures at the base.
Avoid touching the religious artifacts or walking on the prayer mats where monks are meditating.
Strict dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered. Remove shoes before entering the inner sanctums and refrain from pointing feet toward Buddha images.
