The first governor of Khon Kaen, Phraya Borirak Borom Raja Bhakdi built Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon in 1789 around the time the city was founded. Formally named Wat Nua, the temple on about 11 acres of land has been officially recognized as an outstanding temple several times and was promoted to the status all royal temple in 1984. The highlight is the pagoda of Phra Maha That Kaen Nakhon which contains Buddha relics received from His Holiness the supreme patriarch of Wat Rachabopit in Bangkok in 1979. The pagoda is a combination of Dvaravati and Indochinese styles, while the form of the main structure remains truly representative. Murals inside the temple depict the history of Khon Kaen.