Phra Sutham Chedi, Wat Aranyabanphot

Phra Sutham Chedi stands on the grounds of Wat Aranyabanphot on the Si Chiang Mai-Sangkhom road, Ban Mo subdistrict — Si Chiang Mai district, Nong Khai province, roughly 57 km from Nong Khai city. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) built the chedi as a tribute to Luang Pu Rian Waralapho, a widely revered forest-tradition monk who died in 2005. It functions as both a reliquary, housing Buddha relics, and a small museum holding items connected to Luang Pu Rian’s life. Entry is free, daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

The chedi’s most distinctive feature is architectural rather than decorative: multiple circumambulation terraces (lan pratak) stack up the structure, and lotus ponds ring the base on every side — from most angles the chedi appears to rise directly out of water. Visitors walk the terraces in the traditional clockwise direction past Buddha images placed at intervals, a common practice at Thai chedis built for veneration and merit-making rather than daily worship.

Because the site is a memorial to a specific, recently deceased teacher rather than an ancient monument, it draws a steady stream of devotees who knew of Luang Pu Rian’s reputation during his lifetime, alongside general Buddhist heritage visitors. The grounds are quiet outside of merit-making dates — expect a handful of local worshippers rather than crowds.

Insider Tip: Walk the lotus-pond perimeter before climbing the terraces — that’s the angle photographers use to get the “floating chedi” effect, and it’s best in the morning before the light gets harsh.

Watch out: Si Chiang Mai is a genuine day’s-drive detour from Nong Khai city rather than a quick stop — factor in the return trip if you’re combining it with other Nong Khai sights on the same day.

Dress with covered shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering the reliquary/museum building. Getting there requires your own car or a hired driver from Nong Khai city — there’s no direct public transport to the temple.

For more of Nong Khai’s Buddhist landmarks, see Wat Pho Chai and the bronze Luang Pho Phra Chao Ong Tue image, both under the Nong Khai hub.