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Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Prakat is one of the most important attractions in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province in terms of religion, history, and tourism. This magnificent golden chedi stands on Khao Thong Chai within the grounds of Wat Thang Sai in Ban Krut, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan. It is a major landmark along the Gulf of Thailand coastline and can be seen from a great distance, both from the sea and from Ban Krut Beach, making it a destination that many travelers wish to visit when exploring the southern coastal area of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

 

This great chedi was built as a royal merit-making offering to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, Rama IX, on the auspicious occasion of the 50th anniversary of his accession to the throne in 1996. The construction of Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Prakat therefore carries deep meaning for the Thai people, as it represents loyalty, reverence, and devotion to a monarch who dedicated himself to the nation and its people for many decades.

 

When viewed from Ban Krut Beach, visitors can clearly see the golden chedi standing prominently on Khao Thong Chai, surrounded by mountain and sea scenery. The sight of the golden chedi reflecting sunlight beneath a bright blue sky and above the blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand creates one of the most beautiful landscapes in Prachuap Khiri Khan and leaves a lasting impression on visitors from across the country.

 

Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Prakat measures 50 meters wide, 50 meters long, and 50 meters high. The number 50 is highly symbolic, representing the 50th anniversary of the reign of King Rama IX, which was the principal reason for the chedi’s construction as a monument of royal commemoration.

 

The interior of the chedi is designed on five levels, symbolizing the important Buddhist principle known as the “Five Aggregates,” namely form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness, which are regarded as the components of human existence in the teachings of the Buddha. This design concept means that the chedi is not only an impressive architectural work but also a structure rich in profound Buddhist philosophy.

 

Surrounding the main chedi are eight smaller satellite chedis, which symbolize the eight kings of the Chakri Dynasty who reigned before King Rama IX. This arrangement reflects the close relationship between Buddhism, the Thai monarchy, and the faith of the people.

 

The building itself was designed in elegant Thai architectural style and decorated with intricate traditional Thai motifs. The doors and windows are adorned with classical Thai artistic patterns, while inside there is a graceful walking Buddha image inspired by Sukhothai art, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful forms of Buddhist art in Thailand.

 

Inside the chedi, visitors will also find mural paintings that depict stories of Buddhism, Thai arts and culture, and the royal duties of King Rama IX. These murals do more than enhance the beauty of the building; they also reflect the wisdom and craftsmanship of Thai artisans who collaborated to create a highly valuable artistic legacy within this sacred place.

 

Another highlight that has made Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Prakat such a popular attraction is the magnificent panoramic view of Ban Krut Beach from Khao Thong Chai. Standing on the terrace around the chedi, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the long sandy shoreline together with the blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand stretching toward the horizon.

 

In the early morning, the area around the chedi is also one of the finest sunrise viewpoints in Prachuap Khiri Khan. The golden light of the rising sun slowly appearing above the sea horizon, together with the glow of the golden chedi in the first light of day, creates a memorable scene that is difficult to forget.

 

The surroundings of the chedi are peaceful and well suited to meditation and quiet reflection. As it is located within the grounds of Wat Thang Sai, a temple that plays an important role in spreading Buddhism in the Ban Krut area, the site serves as both a spiritual center for the local community and a place where many people come to make merit, listen to Dhamma teachings, and seek inner peace.

 

Getting There If traveling from Prachuap Khiri Khan town, take Highway 4, also known as Phet Kasem Road, south toward Bang Saphan District. At around kilometer marker 382, you will find the junction leading to Ban Krut. Turn left onto the Ban Krut road and continue for about 9 kilometers. When you reach the Ban Krut Beach area, you will see the road up Khao Thong Chai, where the chedi is located. Visitors can conveniently drive up to the parking area near the chedi.

 

 

A: It is located on Khao Thong Chai within Wat Thang Sai, Ban Krut, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

 

A: It was built in 1996 to honor His Majesty King Rama IX on the 50th anniversary of his accession to the throne.

 

A: The chedi measures 50 meters in width, 50 meters in length, and 50 meters in height.

 

A: The best viewpoint is the terrace around Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Prakat on top of Khao Thong Chai.

 

A: You can travel via Phet Kasem Road to Bang Saphan, turn into Ban Krut, and then drive up Khao Thong Chai to the parking area near the chedi.