Wat Na Phrathat

Wat Na Phrathat stands on the eastern bank of the Nan River in Ban Na Phrathat, Phichai district, Uttaradit — one of the older and more venerated religious sites in the province. By local tradition the temple traces its origins to around 927 CE (roughly the 10th century), when the ruling lord Phraya Khotabong is said to have commissioned the principal Buddha image that remains the heart of the complex today.

That image — Luang Pho To — is the reason pilgrims travel here. Seated in a lotus position, the gilded figure occupies a five-spired cruciform sanctuary named Prasat Phra Nawamrajabophit, a name granted by royal decree under King Bhumibol Adulyadej. At around 43 metres tall, the sanctuary is the only structure of this design in Uttaradit province — built specifically to house Luang Pho To rather than serving as a standard ordination hall. Inside, alongside the main image, sit a Buddha’s footprint replica and a collection of relics.

A separate chedi on the grounds is said to enshrine genuine Buddha relics, adding to the temple’s importance for the surrounding Phichai community. Resident monks maintain it as a fully active place of worship, and each year in the first half of February the grounds host Ngan Nop Luang Pho To, a merit-making festival paired with a local produce fair that draws devotees and visitors from across the province.

Insider Tip: Time a visit around the February festival if you want to see the temple at its most active — outside that week it’s a quiet, uncrowded stop even by Uttaradit’s already low-traffic standards.

Watch out: There’s no fixed opening/closing signage at the gate the way there is at bigger temples — if you’re visiting outside the morning, it’s worth calling ahead (0 5542 1660) to confirm the sanctuary itself is open rather than just the grounds.

Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees. Phichai district takes its name from Phraya Phichai, the general born here who is remembered at the Phraya Phichai Dap Hak Memorial and Phraya Phichai Dap Hak Museum in Uttaradit town, both worth combining with a visit to Wat Na Phrathat on the same day out.