Wat Pho Chai

Legend has it that three princesses of the Lan Xang king cast three Buddha images and named them according to their royal names: “Phra Serm” for the eldest princess, “Phra Suk” for the middle princess, and “Phra Sai” for the youngest. Originally, all three Buddha images were enshrined in Vientiane. Later, during the reign of King Rama III, all three Buddha images were transported by boat across the river to Nong Khai. However, a strong storm caused “Phra Suk” to fall into the water and disappear. “Phra Serm” and “Phra Sai” were brought to be enshrined at Wat Pho Chai, Nong Khai province. During the reign of King Rama IV, “Phra Serm” was moved to be enshrined at Wat Pathum Wanaram in Bangkok. On the full moon day of the seventh lunar month every year, the people of Nong Khai hold the traditional Rocket Festival to worship Phra Sai at Wat Pho Chai.