Phra Chedi Yak | Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Phra Chedi Yak in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province is a significant ancient monument, ranking second in size only to the Phra Borommathat Chedi. It is located along Ratchadamnoen Road (also known as Si Prat Road), adjacent to the Nakhon Si Thammarat City Municipality office and the Vocational College. Locals often refer to the site as "Wat Phra Ngoen" or "Wat Sema Ngoen." Architectural Features • Chedi Form: The structure is a white, bell-shaped (Lanka-style) chedi, set upon a square base with 12 recessed corners (*yo mum 12*). • Restoration: The chedi underwent repairs during the Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin periods, followed by a major restoration project carried out by the Fine Arts Department between 1975 and 1979 (2518–2522 B.E.). • Vihara Phra Ngoen: In front of the chedi stands a *vihara* (sanctuary hall) built in 1963 (2506 B.E.). It houses "Luang Pho Ngoen" (or "Phra Ngoen"), a large Buddha statue in the *Maravijaya* (subduing Mara) posture, dating from the Ayutthaya period. History and Background • Historical Hypotheses: Archaeologists estimate that the structure was built between the 13th and 14th centuries (approx. 1800–1900 B.E.). Some theories suggest it may date back to around 1003 (1546 B.E.), attributed to a group—possibly Mon or Sri Lankan—who arrived to propagate the Lanka-vamsa (Lankavong) school of Buddhism. It is believed to have been constructed around the same time as the Phra Borommathat Chedi. • Local Legend: "The Giant’s Stupa": Legend has it that during the construction of the Phra Borommathat Chedi (the Great Reliquary Stupa), a giant arrived in the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat with the intent to harm and devour its inhabitants. To thwart him, the townspeople devised a clever ruse: they challenged the giant to a competition—whoever could finish building a stupa first would win. As the giant hurried to complete his structure, the townspeople hung a piece of yellow cloth (resembling a Buddhist monk’s robe) atop their own stupa and rang a bell, signaling that it was finished. Seeing this, the giant conceded defeat and departed. The unfinished stupa he had begun building has been known as "Chedi Yak" (The Giant’s Stupa) ever since.
Chedi Yak (The Giant’s Stupa) is located at 19 Phra Ngoen Road, Khlang Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province 80000.
(Situated along Si Prat Road and Ratchadamnoen Road, next to the Nakhon Si Thammarat City Municipality Office and the Nakhon Si Thammarat Vocational College.)
Information
• Characteristics: A large, ancient, white-colored stupa built in the Sri Lankan style.
• Significance: It is the second-tallest stupa in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, surpassed only by the Phra Borommathat Chedi (at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan).
• Opening Hours: Open daily, 24 hours a day.