Page 68 - Experience Thailand and More
P. 68
WHAT TO DO
AND SEE
Wat Mano Phirom
Na Si Nuan, Mueang, Mukdahan
Open daily from 8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Following the Mekong north from Mukdahan city center will take
you to Tambol Chanot in Wan Yai district and its revered temple,
Wat Mano Phirom. It was first constructed in 1907 under the
supervision of Vientiane architects, another indication of the fluidity
of the inhabitants who resided along the river. Much of it burned
soon after, but by 1911, it had been reconstructed in all its grandeur
with murals adorning the ceiling and walls of the convocation hall
with depictions of the life of the Lord Buddha. The vihan, or prayer
hall, reflects the influence of the previous great Laotian kingdom,
Lan Xang, that reigned from 1354 to 1707, with its intricately carved
wooden bas-relief gables and eight beautiful, serenely smiling
Buddha images carved from black ivory. A wooden stairway is also
impressive in its own right as it leads up to panoramic views of the
tranquil riverside communities on both banks, Lao and Thai.
68
