Wat Phan Tao ‘Admire the most beautiful Ho Luang Thong Kham Vihara’
Each temple may has its own vihara. You may be able to find it easily. But if you want to see the most beautiful, glorious and stunning one, then you’re suggested to go to Wat Phan Tao!
You may wonder how did the name ‘Phan Tao’ come? ‘Tao’ is a Thai word, which means ‘stove’ in English. And ‘Pan’ means ‘thousands’. You may think ‘Were there thousands of stoves around this temple?’
The true answer is, in the past, this temple was once the location of the stoves used for Phra Atta Rassa molding. Therefore the name ‘Wat Phan Tao’ came
Wat Phan Tao is one of the most historic temple in Chiang Mai, located on King Prajadhipok Road. As soon as you enter the area, you will find a small pavillion on your left sidem along with signs written the interesting things within the temple, for instances, Phra Chao Phan Tao and Sarira.
The viharn of the Wat Phan Tao was originally a Ho Kham, a throne hall for one of Chiang Mai’s Kings built in 1846. After a new King ascended the throne, the Palace Hall was most likely torn down to make way for a new Palace building. The wooden panels of the old structure were used to build the viharn of the Wat Phan Tao in the year 1876.
The main highlight is that Ho Kham Luang Vihara is made of wood and carved into beautiful Thai-style patterns, including peacock pattern on the entrance door. So stunning! This is the most beautiful vihara in the province. Inside the vihara, the Lord Buddha statue ‘Phra Chao Phan Tao’, a Lanna-style statue, is located. The area is wide, Tourists are able to pay respect to anytime. But don’t forget to dress politely. No shorts or sexy costumes! In case you wear one of these, for instances, ladies wearing shorts or non-sleeved shirt, you need to cover your body with a jacket or a sheet of sarong first.
Behind the vihara, there is Chedi Phratan, a bell-shaped Chedi, standing on an octagon base and being surrounded with minor Chedis.
There are still more Lord Buddha statues around the Phan Tao temple, including the one nearby the pond. Don’t forget to see all of these.
It may be a quiet place, but it is a good place to bring your family with, just to relax, make merit, or learn about Thai history.
How to get there
First you need to take a look at Chiang Mai downtown map. You will see the moat in square shape. Wat Phan Tao is located almost in the middle of the square. It is also near northern Ratchadamnoen Road and eastern King Prajadhipok Road.
Nearby Places
Wat Chedi Luang stays so close to Wat Pan Tao. In fact, the entrance of Wat Pan Tao is located just several metres from Wat Chedi Luang’s gate. You may take a tour around both temples. In Wat Chedi Luang, the highlight is the Chedi. In Wat Pan Tao, the highlight is the wooden vihara. They all are valuable historic architects of Thailand, deserving reservation.
Wat Phra Singh is situated on the western end of the old city, nestled inside a moat that was originally established in the year 1345. The main attraction of Wat Phra Singh is Wihan Lai Kham, a complex which reiterates the history of Songthong and Suwanna Hongse. As for its grand architecture, visitors will be amazed by the majestic Lions that guard the main entrance of the temple overlooking the Ping River.
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