Ban Phon and the Chedi with Nine Spires

At Wat Sawan Nimit in Ban Wang Pla Sueam stands Phra That Chedi Kao Yot, in the vicinity of Ban Phon Yai and close to the destination. The stupa is octagonal, 21 metres high and shaped like an inverted bell; nine spires complete its silhouette. Inside are the principal Buddha image, Luang Pho Phutthanimit Udomchai, and powder associated with the Buddha’s relics. The chedi thus combines a clearly describable architectural form with specific religious details.

Octagon, bell shape and nine spires

The chedi is made of brick and mortar and is 21 metres high. Its octagonal ground plan and the comparison to an inverted bell describe different aspects of its shape: the octagon refers to the plan, while the bell describes the profile. Nine spires complete this picture as a distinct feature. This makes it possible to distinguish the ground plan, silhouette and spires rather than describing the entire architecture with a single term. The height also provides a separate indication of the structure’s size.

Those who enjoy looking more closely at architectural forms can take in the chedi in several steps: first the ground plan, then the bell-shaped profile, and finally the spires. For those with a shared interest in architecture, the structure can be broken down into individual questions: What does the octagon describe, what does the bell shape describe, and what do the nine spires represent? This distinction brings together different features without equating them. Even without architectural expertise, it is possible to understand how form and details work together.

Buddha image and connection to relics

Inside the stupa is the principal Buddha image, Luang Pho Phutthanimit Udomchai. The chedi also contains powder associated with the Buddha’s relics. The principal image and the connection to the relics give the exterior architecture a specific religious dimension. The details remain distinct: on the one hand, there is the named Buddha image; on the other, the connection to the relics. Those interested in Buddhist culture can consider the exterior form and religious contents together; they describe different aspects of the same structure. Alongside its striking silhouette, the religious contents are therefore also part of its cultural appeal.

Year built and location

Its construction in 1994 provides a historical context for the chedi. Its location can also be understood step by step: it was built in nearby Ban Wang Pla Sueam, in Ban Phon Subdistrict, Phon Na Kaeo District, Sakon Nakhon Province. Ban Wang Pla Sueam is the place where it was built, Ban Phon is the subdistrict, Phon Na Kaeo is the district and Sakon Nakhon is the province. These levels help distinguish the structure from its regional location and place the chedi in the destination’s surroundings.

A cultural highlight for your travel planning

This cultural highlight can be a specific consideration when choosing where to stay. If you would like to include religious architecture and cultural topics in your trip, the chedi offers a clearly identified point of interest nearby. Its architectural form and religious details provide different starting points for conversations about the structure. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Ban Phon, you can take these interests into account when choosing a suitable holiday destination. This way, you can connect your choice of destination with the kind of trip you want and the cultural topics that interest you during your travels.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hai Yong, Nong Sanom, Chiang Khruea, Na Kham, Wanon Niwat, Samakkhi Phatthana, Sakon Nakhon, Sawang Daen Din.

Go to the main travel overview: Sakon Nakhon.