The first-class royal temple, formerly known as Wat Phra Borom That, is today the most important Buddhist temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat and all of southern Thailand. Built at the time of the city's founding, it houses a tooth of the Buddha, which is said to have led Prince Thanakuman and Queen Hem Chala to this location. They erected a small pagoda here in 291 AD. Later, King Si-Thamma Sokarat founded the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat and commissioned a new temple on the same site. The main feature is the 78-meter-high, pristine white chedi, which, following its recent renovation, is surrounded by 173 smaller chedis. The temple is on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status and is depicted on the 25-Satang coin (Thai cent). At the base of the chedi is the square Wihan Tap Kaset gallery, adorned with numerous Buddha statues. The temple complex also contains three small museums.

Free entry. Open from 8 am to 5 pm and beautifully illuminated at night.

Depending on the location of your hotel, you can reach the temple on foot. Alternatively, city bus number 5 (actually pickup trucks with benches in the back) will take you directly to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramawihan. The fare is 10 THB, regardless of distance. Simply wave the bus down from the roadside to hail it and board.

Wat Phra Mahathat Woramawihan is a temple. When visiting a temple in Thailand, there are some rules to observe: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), remove shoes upon entering the building, be quiet, no hugging or kissing, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, and do not smoke.

How to get there

How do I get to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramawihan? Depending on the location of your hotel, you can reach the temple on foot. Alternatively, city bus number 5 (actually pickup trucks with benches in the back) will take you directly to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramawihan. The fare is 10 THB, regardless of distance. Simply wave the bus down from the roadside to hail it and board.