The chedi was built, according to legend, to house ninie pieces of the Lord Buddha's foot relics.
With continued erosion, it now lies roughly in the centre of the river.
However, it fell in to the river in 1849 due erosion of the river bank it was built upon.
The remains of the Pha Nong Khai chedi can only be seen during the dry season when the river lever is low.
Devoted Buddhists decorate the exposed remains with colorful flags each year as a sign of respect.
The Pha that Nong Khai can be seen from the eastern end of the Rim Khong Road.
A beautiful replica chedi has also recently been in this location, painted brilliant white with a golden spire.