The cultures on the Mekong Riverbank are very unique cultures in terms of the way of live. The lifestyles on the riverside of the Mekong River have the Mekong River current as its life. The river has nourished both the Thai and Lao riverside communities that have mutual beliefs for a long period of time. In addition to similar lifestyles, the religion is congruent too, as it is widely-known that both the Thai and Lao people are mostly Buddhists. Hence, the existing faith is common between the two races. Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan in Nakhon Phanom Province is an ancient stupa which has attached the spirits of the people in the communities for ages. This does not only apply to the Thais but also the Lao people who live on the Mekong Riverside. Wat Phra That Phanom is another temple that is revered by people from all over the country and is one of the most famous stupas in Thailand and Laos. It is the the place where the Buddha’s sternum or breastbone is enshrined. The holiness and delicate beauty of Phra That Phanom results in countless number of Thai, Lao and foreign tourists flowing in to visit Wat Phra That Phanom every year. Phra That Phanom does not only have a long history but it has also witnessed many crucial events. In 1975, the torrential rainstorm which continued for several days led to the collapse of the whole ancient stupa. It caused damages to the venues in the temple. After that, there was consequently a big restoration for the stupa and the stupa celebration for 7 days and 7 nights. His Majesty King Rama IV and Her Majesty the Queen were the presidents of the royal ceremony. Not long after that, the stupa restoration was completed. In addition to the original Buddha’s breastbone, many priceless items were also contained in the stupa. The travel of His Majesty King Rama IV and Her Majesty the Queen to Phra That Phanom for the Buddha’s breastbone containment was considered a highly royal grace and brought great moral support to the people in Nakhon Phanom Province. Every year, Phra That Phanom Festival is held on the 10th day of the waxing moon of the 3rd lunar month. This festival is a very widely-known event that attracts the Thai, Lao and foreign tourists from all over the place to visit Wat Phra That Phanom to worship the stupa. In the festival, Thai dance from the 7 tribes in Nakhon Phanom Province are performed to worship the stupa. The dance represents a great worship to the sanctity and the belief on hand and arm offerings for the stupa as the highest reverence. A great sanctity that the people from both riversides have faith in and respect is compared as the spiritual attachment of the Buddhists along the Mekong Riverside since the ancient times. It reflects the unanimous way of life. If you would like to visit and experience the Mekong lifestyle, don’t hesitate to visit Wat Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom Province.