Wat Don Nanghong

Wat Don Nanghong is a Mahanikai-order monastery in That Phanom district, founded by local record around 1757 — 2300 in the Buddhist calendar — making it one of the older working temples along this stretch of the Mekong. The name comes from Don Nang Hong subdistrict, where the temple sits roughly 3 km off Highway 212, the main road linking Nakhon Phanom city to That Phanom town, about 50-55 km to the south.

The temple’s real draw is modern, not ancient: Phra Borommathat Chedi Kor Vor, a 32-metre stupa built in the Lankan style and completed in the 2000s. It holds nine Buddha relics presented by the Supreme Patriarch, and the formal installation ceremony took place on 12 November 2008 with Princess Ubon Ratana presiding — a significant enough occasion that it’s the detail most locals mention first when asked about the temple. The chedi’s scale is unusual for a village monastery; it’s a genuine landmark visible well before you reach the temple gate, not a modest village stupa.

Around the chedi, the grounds hold the working parts of an active Isan temple — an ordination hall (ubosot), a preaching pavilion, and a distinctive bell tower, shaded by old bodhi trees that predate the chedi project by generations. This is a functioning monastery rather than a museum piece: monks go about daily routines, local families come to make merit, and there’s no formal visitor program, gift shop, or entrance fee structure. What you’re seeing is largely what the local community sees on an ordinary day, with the chedi as the standout addition.

Because it’s a genuine working temple rather than a curated attraction, the best visits are unhurried — walk the grounds, view the chedi from a distance to take in the full scale, and don’t expect English-language signage or a guided tour. Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) applies as it would at any active wat.

Insider Tip: Combine the stop with Phra That Phanom, in the same district a short drive further south — the contrast between Wat Don Nanghong’s newer, oversized chedi and the ancient, more modestly scaled stupa at Phra That Phanom is worth seeing back to back.

Watch out: There’s minimal shade in the open chedi courtyard, and the temple sees little English-speaking staff — bring water and expect to navigate mostly with signage in Thai.

From Nakhon Phanom city, take Highway 212 south toward That Phanom (roughly 52 km), then follow the signed turn-off for about 3 km to reach the temple; there’s no direct public transport, so a rental car, taxi, or motorbike is the practical option. Phra That Phanom and Phra That Renu, Nakhon Phanom’s two best-known relic stupas, both sit within easy range for the same trip, and Nakhon Phanom is the natural base.