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Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours (public outdoor plaza)

 

The Royal Monument of King Sam Fang Kaen, located within the Muang Kaen Pattana Municipality in Inthakhin Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai, is a significant cultural landmark and a spiritual anchor for the local community. The monument was created through the collective devotion of the people of Muang Kaen, who contributed metal objects to be melted and cast into the royal statue. It now serves as a symbol of unity, reverence, and pride for residents and travelers passing through the region.

 

King Sam Fang Kaen, also known in Lanna documents as “Sam Prahnyā Fang Kaen,” “Sam Prayong Mae Nai,” or “Chao Dis Kumarn,” was a ruler of the Lanna Kingdom from the Mangrai Dynasty and a successor to the throne of Chiang Mai. He was the son of King Saen Mueang Ma and elevated his mother, the Mahadevi Loka Chukra Ratchathewi, to the esteemed position of Queen Mother and Regent — a reflection of the administrative structure and familial ties within the Lanna royal court.

 

The origin of the name “Sam Fang Kaen” is deeply connected to the ancient geography of Muang Kaen. Historical accounts suggest that the king was born in the area of present-day Inthakhin Subdistrict, where three major rivers converge: the Kaen River, the Ping River, and the Ngat (or Ngad) River. Because of this tri-river landscape, he was given a name referring to the “three river banks,” representing the rich cultural and agricultural heartland that nurtured the communities of Paen Aek, Paen Fuea, and Paen Na along the Kaen River basin.

 

King Sam Fang Kaen played an important role in maintaining the stability and prosperity of the Lanna Kingdom during his reign. He ensured peace within the Kaen–Mae Taeng river basin, forged diplomatic relations with neighboring towns, and continued the religious and administrative traditions of earlier Mangrai rulers. As a result, the Muang Kaen region flourished in agriculture, trade, and cultural life, becoming one of the northern centers of Lanna civilization.

 

The royal monument seen today is the result of a major communal effort. Local residents contributed metal objects, which were melted down and cast into the statue of King Sam Fang Kaen, installed on a central plaza platform. The base of the monument is surrounded by carved stone panels depicting important events in the king’s life, as well as inscriptions outlining his historical contributions. Visitors can learn about the king’s legacy as they walk around the monument, experiencing history through sculpture and narrative text.

 

The casting ceremony took place on 21 November 2010, with large numbers of residents and officials participating. The completed statue was formally installed on 16 April 2011 — a date known as “Phaya Wan,” the most auspicious day of the Lanna New Year. Since then, the 16th of April has been designated as the annual day of worship and ceremonial offerings for King Sam Fang Kaen.

 

During the annual worship ceremony, the plaza is filled with traditional offerings, processions, and Lanna dance performances. Rituals blend Buddhist and local animistic practices, accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as salo, sueng, and pi. The event highlights Muang Kaen’s identity, and visitors who arrive during the Songkran season will experience both the spiritual ambiance and the rich cultural heritage of the community.

 

Beyond its historical importance, the area surrounding the monument has been developed as a central event space for the municipality. Large annual festivals such as “Winter in Muang Kaen” and the famous “Muang Kaen Cosmos Flower Field” take place nearby, especially during the cool season. When the cosmos fields bloom in pink and white, they create a breathtaking backdrop for the royal monument and attract a large number of photographers and tourists.

 

Muang Kaen retains the charm of a traditional Lanna community, with wooden houses, ancient temples, and agricultural landscapes surrounding the area. From the monument plaza, visitors can see mountain silhouettes and open rice fields, making it a peaceful rest point before continuing toward other attractions such as Wat Ban Den, Mae Ngat Dam, and natural sites throughout Mae Taeng District.

 

For those interested in deeper Lanna history, the stone inscriptions at the monument can be studied alongside artifacts and exhibits at nearby archaeological sites and the Inthakhin Kiln Museum, which document Muang Kaen’s long-standing ceramic production tradition and its role in Lanna trade networks.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, take Highway 107 (Chiang Mai–Fang Road) north toward Mae Taeng for about 40–50 km. Turn onto the Mae Ngat Irrigation Road (Chiang Mai Rural Road 3038), pass Mae Taeng Hospital, and follow signs for “Muang Kaen Pattana Municipality.” Continue for approximately 8 km to reach the town center. The monument is located near the municipal office, with roadside parking and an open event plaza available for visitors.

 

For public transportation, take a white songthaew (shared truck taxi) on the Chiang Mai–Mae Taeng–Chiang Dao route from Chang Phuak Gate. Get off near the entrance to Road 3038, then hire a local taxi or secondary songthaew into Muang Kaen. While public transport is possible, visitors who plan to explore multiple attractions in Mae Taeng may find it more convenient to use a private car or rental vehicle.

 

 

A: The monument is located in an open public plaza and can be visited at any time of day. Early morning and late afternoon are recommended for cooler temperatures and better lighting.

 

A: King Sam Fang Kaen was a Lanna ruler from the Mangrai Dynasty and the son of King Saen Mueang Ma. He is closely associated with the Muang Kaen–Inthakhin region, believed to be his birthplace at the tri-river confluence. His reign contributed to political stability and cultural development in the Kaen River basin, making him a symbolic figure for the community.

 

A: Visitors often combine the monument with the Muang Kaen Cosmos Flower Field, Wat Ban Den, Mae Ngat Dam, and other natural attractions in Mae Taeng. A one-day or overnight trip is ideal for exploring the area comfortably.

 

A: Yes. Take a white songthaew (shared taxi) from Chiang Mai to Mae Taeng, then transfer to a local taxi or songthaew into Muang Kaen. Public transport is available, but a private car is more convenient for multi-stop trips.

 

A: The cool season (November–January) is ideal, especially during the “Winter in Muang Kaen” festival and the cosmos flower bloom. Visitors coming in April may also witness the annual worship ceremony held on “Phaya Wan,” an auspicious Lanna New Year day.