Wat That Noi (Wat Phra That Noi)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 09.00 – 19.00

 

Wat That Noi, also known as Wat Phra That Noi, is one of the most important pilgrimage temples in Chang Klang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The temple is strongly associated with Phor Than Klai Wajasit, formally known as Phra Khru Phisit Atthakan, one of southern Thailand’s most revered monks. For many Thai visitors, Wat That Noi is not only a temple for merit-making, but also a memorial chedi dedicated to a monk remembered for his compassion, public works, and sacred blessings. The temple is located in Lak Chang Subdistrict, Chang Klang District, and is known for its striking white Lankan-style stupa modeled after Phra Borommathat Chedi in Nakhon Si Thammarat city.

 

The heart of Wat That Noi is the large white chedi that enshrines Buddhist relics and the glass-encased remains of Phor Than Klai Wajasit. The temple was built according to Phor Than Klai’s wish on land donated by Nai Klap Ngamphrom. Covering about 46 rai, the temple became a major religious landmark after Phor Than Klai began the construction of Phra That Noi in 1961. Its architectural concept follows the model of the famous Phra Borommathat in Nakhon Si Thammarat, but in a reduced and locally meaningful form.

 

The chedi at Wat That Noi is a Lankan-style stupa with a square base measuring about 27 meters on each side and a height of about 70 meters. Its white body creates a clean and dignified appearance, while the upper spire is divided into three sections. The lower section is white, the middle section is decorated with mosaic, and the top section is covered with 400 baht-weight of gold. This combination of architecture, sacred relics, and local devotion gives the chedi its powerful spiritual presence.

 

Phor Than Klai Wajasit remains the central figure of the temple’s identity. He was widely respected throughout southern Thailand for his moral discipline, kindness, and reputation for sacred speech. Devotees remember his blessing, often expressed as “May you be happy, may you be happy,” as a phrase of compassion and spiritual encouragement. He was also known as a monk who contributed to temples, schools, roads, bridges, water sources, and other public benefits. For this reason, many people in Nakhon Si Thammarat refer to him with deep respect as an almost legendary spiritual figure of the South.

 

After Phor Than Klai passed away, his remains were placed in a glass coffin inside the chedi at Wat That Noi. Devotees continue to travel from many provinces to pay respect, ask for blessings, and remember his contribution to Buddhism and local development. The act of visiting Wat That Noi is therefore not limited to personal prayer; it is also an expression of gratitude toward a monk whose life left a lasting impact on the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

 

Visitors arriving at the temple will see the prominent entrance sign, the spacious temple courtyard, the statue of Phor Than Klai, the white chedi, Buddha images, a reclining Buddha, and worship areas arranged for pilgrims. The grounds are broad and suitable for visitors traveling by private car. On ordinary days the temple feels calm and spacious, while on religious days and major local events it becomes much busier with worshippers, processions, and merit-making activities.

 

One of the most important traditions connected with Wat That Noi is the annual cloth-wrapping ceremony for the chedi. This tradition honors Phor Than Klai Wajasit and preserves the local cultural identity of Chang Klang District. Worshippers bring a ceremonial cloth, walk in procession around the chedi, and place the cloth around the sacred stupa. The ceremony carries the spirit of southern Thai “hae pha khuen that” traditions, while also expressing gratitude to Phor Than Klai as the founder and spiritual inspiration of the temple.

 

The temple is suitable for many types of travelers. Devotees come to pray and pay respect to Phor Than Klai. Cultural travelers come to understand southern Thai Buddhist devotion. Architecture enthusiasts can observe the chedi’s relationship to Phra Borommathat in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Local-history travelers can connect the temple with Phor Than Klai’s birthplace, Wat Suan Khan, and the wider spiritual landscape of Chang Klang and Chandi.

 

A meaningful visit usually takes at least one hour. Visitors should begin by paying respect to the statue of Phor Than Klai, then proceed to the chedi area and the glass-encased remains. They can also walk around the temple grounds, view the reclining Buddha, take photographs from appropriate areas, and spend quiet time reflecting on the life and teachings of Phor Than Klai. Morning and late afternoon are especially comfortable times to visit, while festival days require extra time due to larger crowds.

 

Getting There is easiest by private car. From Nakhon Si Thammarat city, travelers can drive toward Lan Saka and continue toward Chang Klang, or use routes connecting Chandi and Chang Klang. From Surat Thani, travelers can approach via the Asian Highway and continue toward Chandi before entering Lak Chang Subdistrict. Visitors using public transport can travel by train to Chandi Station or nearby stations, then continue by local transport to the temple. The Plus Code 9GFV+843 can also be used as a navigation reference.

 

Proper temple etiquette is important. Visitors should dress modestly, speak quietly, avoid climbing on sacred structures, and behave respectfully near the glass coffin of Phor Than Klai. Photography should be done only in suitable areas and in a respectful manner. The most meaningful way to experience Wat That Noi is to visit with a calm mind, pay respect to the sacred spaces, and remember the generosity and public spirit of Phor Than Klai Wajasit.

 

Wat That Noi can be combined with nearby attractions such as the birthplace memorial of Phor Than Klai, Wat Suan Khan, Tha Phae Waterfall, Khao Heman Viewpoint, Namtok Yong National Park, and Kiriwong Village. This makes it a strong stop in a cultural and nature route through Nakhon Si Thammarat’s inland districts. For travelers interested in southern Thai temples, sacred personalities, and living devotional traditions, Wat That Noi is one of the most meaningful places to visit in the province.

 

 

A: Wat That Noi is located in Lak Chang Subdistrict, Chang Klang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

 

A: Wat That Noi is open daily from 09.00 to 19.00.

 

A: It is famous for Phra That Noi Chedi, the memorial stupa of Phor Than Klai Wajasit, and the glass-encased remains of the revered monk.

 

A: Phor Than Klai, formally known as Phra Khru Phisit Atthakan, was a highly respected southern Thai monk known for compassion, public service, and sacred blessings.

 

A: Phra That Noi is a white Lankan-style stupa modeled after Phra Borommathat in Nakhon Si Thammarat, with a base of about 27 meters on each side and a height of about 70 meters.

 

A: The temple is associated with the annual cloth-wrapping ceremony for Phra That Noi Chedi in honor of Phor Than Klai Wajasit.

 

A: The temple is easiest to reach by private car via Chang Klang District. Travelers can also take a train to Chandi Station and continue by local transport.

 

A: Nearby places include the birthplace memorial of Phor Than Klai, Wat Suan Khan, Tha Phae Waterfall, Khao Heman Viewpoint, Namtok Yong National Park, and Kiriwong Village.