Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan, located 50 kms south of Nakhon Phanom, is one of the most important wats in north-east Thailand. The main chedi, 57 metres tall, in Laotian style, is visible from some distance away. The chedi contains a holy relic (the Buddha’s breastbone), along with 110 kg of gold. The site receives a regular flow of pilgrims; all seem to congregate in front of the chedi to have their photo taken. Hawkers abound: photographers mainly, but also youngsters selling this and that or offering you a caged bird to release.