Wat Latthiwan

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Latthiwan, widely known as Wat Phra Non Khon Tan, is located at 203 Moo 3, Ban Khon Tan, Rim Tai Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province. It is a private Buddhist temple under the Mahanikaya order and one of the important religious and cultural sites in Mae Rim. The temple is best known for Phra Non Khon Tan, the sacred reclining Buddha image that has long served as a spiritual center for local residents and Buddhist visitors.

 

Wat Latthiwan has a long history dating back to 1760, during the time of Khru Ba Thammachai, also known as Phra Thammachai Khemaratto. The temple received its royal consecrated boundary in 2003. This historical background makes Wat Latthiwan more than a temple with a large reclining Buddha. It is an old community temple that reflects the continuity of faith in Ban Khon Tan, Rim Tai Subdistrict, and Mae Rim District over many generations.

 

The name “Latthiwan” means a palm forest. This meaning connects naturally with the local name Wat Phra Non Khon Tan and with Ban Khon Tan, the village where the temple is located. The informal name of the temple clearly reflects its most recognizable feature: the sacred reclining Buddha image. For many local people, the name Phra Non Khon Tan immediately brings to mind the image of a peaceful Buddha and the faith of the Mae Rim community.

 

Phra Non Khon Tan, also described as a reclining Buddha image associated with the episode of subduing Asurindarahu, is the most important sacred object at the temple. The reclining posture communicates serenity, release, and inner peace. Devotees commonly pay respect for health, protection, prosperity, and a peaceful life. The real value of visiting the image, however, is not only in asking for blessings but also in allowing the mind to settle quietly before a Buddha image that has carried the faith of the community for centuries.

 

The viharn housing Phra Non Khon Tan is one of the main areas of the temple. Its architectural elements reflect the northern Thai temple atmosphere, with decorated roof forms and sacred interior space surrounding the reclining Buddha. Visitors should take time to observe the viharn respectfully. It is not merely a shelter for a Buddha image, but a living devotional space shaped by offerings, prayers, annual ceremonies, and the ongoing care of local people.

 

The great chedi within the temple is another important point for worship. It is associated with sacred relics and is included in the annual bathing ceremony of the temple’s sacred images and chedi. The chedi adds another spiritual dimension to Wat Latthiwan, showing that the temple is not only known for its reclining Buddha but also contains several important religious elements, including Buddha images, a chedi, worship halls, and merit-making spaces.

 

The temple also contains Phra Chao Than Chai and other sacred images that are respected by visitors. During the annual royal bathing ceremony, several sacred objects inside the temple are mentioned, including Phra Non Khon Tan, Phra Phuttha Chao Som Pratthana, Phra Ruang Amarit, Phra Saribut, Phra Maha Moggallana, Phra Phuttha Chao Than Chai, Phra Chao Than Chai Sawat Sitthi Rattana Nopphaburi 720 Pi, and the chedi. This shows that Wat Latthiwan is a temple with multiple sacred focal points, not only one reclining Buddha image.

 

The annual ceremony for bathing sacred Buddha images and the chedi is one of the most important events at Wat Latthiwan. In 2023, 2024, and 2025, the temple was associated with the royal bathing water ceremony for Phra Non Khon Tan, the chedi, and other sacred objects. The ceremony brings together provincial officials, local administrative organizations, monks, and Buddhist devotees. It is both a religious event and a community tradition that continues to keep the temple active and meaningful.

 

Wat Latthiwan also plays an important charitable role. The temple is known for merit-making activities such as coffin donations, cattle and buffalo life release, food offerings, Kathin, robe-offering ceremonies, and Buddhist holy day observances. These activities make the temple more than a place to visit. It is a place where faith becomes practical generosity and where local people and visitors can take part in acts of merit throughout the year.

 

Ban Khon Tan is a semi-urban community in Rim Tai Subdistrict, conveniently connected to Mae Rim town and Chiang Mai city. Wat Phra Non Khon Tan is one of the community’s important landmarks. It is connected with local roads, nearby homes, community activities, and local memory. Its presence helps preserve the relationship between temple, village, and everyday life in Mae Rim.

 

The current abbot recorded in recent Buddhist office information is Phra Wisutthiwatcharaphon, abbot of Wat Latthiwan. He is mentioned in connection with important temple activities and preparations for a royal ecclesiastical ceremony in 2025. This confirms that Wat Latthiwan remains an active religious institution with ongoing Sangha and community activities.

 

Visitors should begin with Phra Non Khon Tan, the main reclining Buddha image, then continue to the great chedi, Phra Chao Than Chai, and other sacred images associated with the annual bathing ceremony. The temple grounds are easy to walk through and suitable for a calm visit. Wat Latthiwan is especially appropriate for travelers who want to experience an old community temple with clear religious identity and strong local devotion.

 

Wat Latthiwan is suitable for many types of visitors, including those who want to pay respect to sacred Buddha images, explore old temples in Mae Rim, follow a local cultural route, or combine temple visits with nearby attractions. Its location makes it easy to include in a half-day Mae Rim itinerary with Wat Pa Dara Phirom, Daraphirom Palace Museum, local restaurants, and natural attractions in the Mae Sa Valley.

 

A meaningful route can begin at Wat Latthiwan for worship at Phra Non Khon Tan, then continue to Wat Pa Dara Phirom, an important royal temple in Mae Rim. Travelers can then visit Daraphirom Palace Museum to learn about Princess Dara Rasmi and Lanna cultural history. With more time, the route can extend to Mae Sa Elephant Camp, Mae Sa Waterfall, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, or Mon Jam.

 

Wat Pa Dara Phirom is a particularly good nearby stop because it is an important temple in Rim Tai with royal and cultural associations. Daraphirom Palace Museum adds the historical dimension of Princess Dara Rasmi and northern Thai heritage. Visiting these places together gives travelers a fuller understanding of Mae Rim as a district shaped by Buddhism, Lanna culture, royal history, and local community life.

 

Getting There from Chiang Mai city is convenient by following Highway 107, the Chiang Mai–Mae Rim route, toward Mae Rim District. Continue into Rim Tai Subdistrict and Ban Khon Tan. The temple is located at 203 Moo 3. Travel by private car, rental car, taxi, or Chiang Mai–Mae Rim public transport with a local connection is possible. From Chiang Mai city, the journey usually takes about 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.

 

Visitors should dress respectfully, keep their voices low, and avoid touching or climbing on sacred objects. During the annual bathing ceremony, the temple can become crowded, so visitors should allow extra travel time and follow the instructions of temple staff or local officials. The temple remains a living religious space, and respectful behavior is essential.

 

Wat Latthiwan is valuable because it combines Buddhist art, sacred tradition, local history, and active community merit-making. Phra Non Khon Tan, the great chedi, Phra Chao Than Chai, and the annual royal bathing ceremony give the temple a strong identity. A visit here offers a calm and meaningful view of Mae Rim’s Buddhist culture and the continuing faith of Ban Khon Tan community.

 

 

A: Wat Latthiwan is located at 203 Moo 3, Ban Khon Tan, Rim Tai Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province.

 

A: Wat Latthiwan is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: Wat Latthiwan is also known as Wat Phra Non Khon Tan or Sacred Wat Phra Non Khon Tan.

 

A: Wat Latthiwan was established in 1760 during the time of Khru Ba Thammachai, also known as Phra Thammachai Khemaratto, and received its royal consecrated boundary in 2003.

 

A: The main highlight is Phra Non Khon Tan, the sacred reclining Buddha image, together with the great chedi, Phra Chao Than Chai, and the annual bathing ceremony of the temple’s sacred objects.

 

A: The current abbot recorded in recent Buddhist office information is Phra Wisutthiwatcharaphon.

 

A: Nearby places include Wat Pa Dara Phirom, Daraphirom Palace Museum, Wat Mae Rim, Mae Sa Elephant Camp, Mae Sa Waterfall, and Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden.

 

A: Travelers can follow Highway 107 from Chiang Mai city toward Mae Rim District, then continue to Ban Khon Tan in Rim Tai Subdistrict. A private car, rental car, taxi, or Chiang Mai–Mae Rim public transport with a local connection can be used.