Wat Phan Tao

Location: Wat Phan Tao is located in the northwest corner of Chiang Mai’s old city, near Tha Phae Gate, and adjacent to Wat Chedi Luang, the address is 150 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200.

Opening hours: Wat Phan Tao is open every day, from 6 am to 6 pm

Entrance fee: Free

Reason to visit: It is an old and beautiful teak temple in Chiang Mai.

Our ratings: ★★★★★

Wat Phan Tao is an old and beautiful teak temple in Chiang Mai’s old city, with a long history and a unique architectural style. Compared to the other temples in Chiang Mai, which are splendid and crowded, this small and exquisite Wat Phan Tao is simpler and calmer, and peaceful. Here, in addition to admiring the traditional Thai temple architecture and Buddha statues, you can also participate in the temple activities, such as lighting candles and releasing water lanterns, or even find a place to meditate or experience Thai massage near the temple, and experience the faith and life of the Thai people.

The history of Wat Phan Tao

The history of Wat Phan Tao can be traced back to the 14th century, when it was part of Wat Chedi Luang, and was used as a place for casting Buddha statues, so it was named “Wat Phan Tao”, meaning “a thousand furnaces”. Later, Wat Phan Tao became an independent temple, sponsored and built by the kings and nobles of the Lanna Kingdom. The main hall of the temple is built with teak boards, and is one of the few remaining wooden temples in Chiang Mai. The temple has suffered from fire, flood and earthquake damage, but after several repairs and reconstructions, it still retains its original Lanna style and features.

The main feature of Wat Phan Tao

The main feature of Wat Phan Tao is its wooden structure, from the appearance to the interior, it shows the superb skills and meticulous craftsmanship of the carpenters. The gate of the temple is carved with wood, with exquisite patterns and designs, and there are two mysterious lion statues on the pillars, symbolizing the dignity and solemnity of the temple. The main hall of the temple is supported by 28 huge teak pillars, and the roof is made of wooden boards, with snake patterns and colorful mirrors on it, forming a beautiful mountain-shaped outline.

The interior of the temple is a spacious hall, with walls and ceilings covered with wooden boards, with golden decorations and paintings, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere. The center of the temple is a golden wooden Buddha statue, which is a typical representative of the Lanna style, and there are other Buddha statues and deities around it, for worshippers and prayers. There is also a precious exhibition in a corner of the temple, which is some ancient Buddhist scriptures printed on palm leaves, and teak cabinets for storing scriptures, which are the historical and cultural heritage of Wat Phan Tao.

What to Do/See in Wat Phan Tao

In addition to admiring the temple’s architecture and Buddha statues, you can also do some meaningful things at Wat Phan Tao, and experience the faith and life of the Thai people.

Participate in the blessing ceremony 
In Chiang Mai, Wat Phan Tao’s water lantern festival blessing ceremony is the most famous. The monks sit in front of the bamboo forest Buddha, and the sand in the forest is full of candles and colored lights, surrounded by water, with a faint reflection. Sometimes the monks’ Buddhist chanting can be heard. You can also light a candle in the front yard of the temple, make a wish, or release a water lantern, pray for peace and happiness.

Enjoy Thai massage near the temple 
Because it is in the old city center, it is very convenient to eat and drink nearby, and the Sunday night market is also in front of this temple, and there are also horse-killing chicken shops nearby. You can find a massage shop near the temple, enjoy the traditional Thai massage, relax your body and mind, and feel the enthusiasm and friendliness of the Thai people.

Visit Wat Chedi Luang 
Wat Phan Tao and Chiang Mai’s famous Wat Chedi Luang are adjacent, and you can reach it in about a minute by walking.

The visit information of Wat Phan Tao

Dress code: Wat Phan Tao is a religious place, so please respect the local customs and habits, dress appropriately, do not wear off-shoulder, backless, short skirts or shorts, do not wear shoes into the temple, do not take pictures of monks or Buddha statues, do not point or touch Buddha statues or monks, do not make noise or eat in the temple.

How to get to Wat Phan Tao: Wat Phan Tao is located in the old city of PhraPokklao Road, next to Wat Chedi Luang, you can walk there. If you live outside the city, you can take a songthaew car, about 20 baht per person.