Wat Phan Tao

วัดพันเตา

A historic temple beside Wat Chedi Luang, its main hall built of teak, originally a palace of the Lanna kings. Dark wood carvings and orange prayer banners look especially enchanting on Yi Peng nights.

Wat Phan Tao sits right beside Wat Chedi Luang. Its main hall is a 19th-century teak building, moved from a Lanna royal palace and converted into a temple. The hall is supported by 28 teak pillars, and the peacock and naga woodcarvings on its gables are exquisite. It is one of the few temple halls in Chiang Mai built entirely of wood. The name means 'a thousand kilns,' and legend says kilns were set up here to cast the Buddha image for Wat Chedi Luang. The back courtyard has a small pond, a bamboo grove and monks' quarters, and it is peaceful and serene. During the Yi Peng festival, the temple is hung with colorful paper lanterns and candles, making it a favorite of photographers. Admission is free (donations welcome), and visitors must dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees. It can be visited on foot together with Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.

Opening hours

About 06:00–18:00

Temple · Teak architecture · Lanna

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Places to eat nearby

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