Phra Borommathat Chaiya, Surat Thani landmark

Phra Borommathat Chaiya

Phra Borommathat Chaiya, or officially known as Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan, is a first-class royal temple (Ratchaworawihan) located in Tambon Wiang, Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province. It is considered a significant and revered landmark of Surat Thani Province and one of the three sacred ancient sites highly respected in Southern Thailand.

History and Significance
Phra Borommathat Chaiya has a long history, believed to have been constructed around the 13th-14th Buddhist centuries during the flourishing period of the Srivijaya Kingdom. This signifies the prosperity of Buddhism in this region at that time. The stupa itself is the only Srivijayan architectural structure in Thailand that remains in the most complete condition.

The primary importance of Phra Borommathat Chaiya is that it enshrines the relics (Phra Borom Saririkathat) of Lord Buddha. For this reason, it is a place where Buddhists show great reverence and frequently travel to pay homage.
Furthermore, Phra Borommathat Chaiya also holds significance as the symbol of Surat Thani Province, appearing on the provincial seal and the flag of the Surat Thani Provincial Scout Corps.

Distinctive Architectural Features
The Phra Borommathat stupa is a prasad-style chedi (resembling a castle or palace) with a cruciform base and four porticoes on each side. It stands approximately 24 meters tall from base to top, resting on a square pedestal adorned with lotus motifs. The stupa is beautifully decorated. Around the main stupa, there are also four smaller stupas at each cardinal direction, encircled by a cloister (wihan khot) which houses various sizes of ancient Buddha images.
Points of Interest Within the Temple
In addition to the main Phra Borommathat stupa, there are other interesting attractions within the temple grounds:

• Chaiya National Museum: Showcases stone and bronze sculptures discovered in the ancient city of Chaiya, reflecting the art and culture of the Srivijayan era. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM (closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays). There is an entrance fee.
  
• Sacred Well: Associated with numerous traditional tales and legends.
  
• Three Red Sandstone Buddha Images: Situated outdoors in the open air.
  

Getting There
Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan is located approximately 54 kilometers from the city of Surat Thani. If traveling by private car, take Highway 41 towards Chumphon, then turn right at Kilometer 134 or the Mo Thai Intersection, and turn right again onto Highway 4011. Continue for about 2 kilometers, and the temple will be on your right.

If you have the opportunity to visit Surat Thani Province, you shouldn't miss paying homage at Phra Borommathat Chaiya to experience the rich history, art, and long-standing faith of this sacred place.