Chedi Sitrairattana Nuson

Chedi Sitrairattana Nuson stands at Samnak Chee Ban Huay Sai, a nuns’ monastery in Khamcha-i district, Mukdahan province, roughly 30km west of Mukdahan town. Built between 2005 and 2006, the octagonal golden chedi is a memorial to Mae Chee Kaew Sianglam, a Thai Buddhist nun recognised as a disciple of two of the most revered teachers in the Forest Tradition lineage, Luang Pu Mun and Luang Ta Maha Bua. Entry is free.

The building has two levels rather than a single hall. The ground floor holds a seated statue of Mae Chee Kaew alongside her personal belongings and photographs documenting her life, with captions in Thai and English. The upper floor holds a second statue, seated in meditation posture, along with her relics — climb the internal staircase for this level, which also opens onto views across the surrounding countryside. A separate structure on the grounds, the Mondop Sri Saraniyalai, was built before the main chedi and originally held her remains.

This is a working monastery rather than a tourist site with fixed hours or a ticket desk, so the atmosphere depends on when you arrive — quiet and largely empty on an ordinary weekday, busier around merit-making days when local devotees come to pay respects. Insider Tip: if you want the place to yourself, avoid weekend mornings, when Mukdahan-area visitors tend to combine a stop here with other temples in Khamcha-i district.

Watch out: as with any monastery, cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes before entering the chedi — sarongs aren’t reliably available on-site, so bring your own if you’re not dressed for it.

Getting there requires your own transport — car or motorbike — since public transport doesn’t run out to this rural stretch of Khamcha-i district. Bring water and a hat; there’s little shade in the open forecourt around the chedi. Namtok Kham Cha-i, a waterfall in the same district, makes a natural pairing for a half-day out from Mukdahan town.