Wat Sri Mongkhon

Rating: 3.8/5 (8 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Recommended 08.00–17.00

 

Wat Sri Mongkhon is located in Village No. 3, Ban San Sai, San Sai Subdistrict, Fang District, Chiang Mai Province. It is a community temple that locals have long held close as a spiritual anchor. While it is not a large, mainstream tourist temple, it stands out for its devotion-filled atmosphere and Buddhist artistry that is considered “rare to see” in Northern Thailand—especially its large teakwood reclining Buddha image, which is often mentioned whenever people talk about temple visits in Fang.

 

The atmosphere at Wat Sri Mongkhon clearly reflects the true character of a community temple. The space does not focus on grandeur, but on calmness, order, and the living presence of the local community. From merit-making ceremonies throughout the year, morning alms offerings, to regular visits by villagers who come with familiar respect, visitors can feel a simplicity that is not staged, but a “real calm” that shows the temple continues to serve its role steadily and sincerely.

 

The most important highlight of the temple is Phra Si Sakyamuni Ming Mongkhon, a reclining Buddha image carved from teakwood. It is stated that the teak used is over 300 years old. The statue measures 7 meters 19 inches in length and 1 meter 59 centimeters in height, and it is described as the largest teakwood reclining Buddha image in Chiang Mai Province. These measurements make it clear that this is not merely a “beautiful reclining Buddha,” but a high-level work of craftsmanship requiring both skill and deep dedication, because working with large-scale timber and maintaining balanced proportions along the entire figure is not easy.

 

From an artistic perspective, the beauty of a teakwood Buddha image does not come from flashy ornamentation, but from the form and the material itself—as if the wood has its own life. Teak is valued for strength, termite resistance, and dense grain, and as it ages, it carries a warm tone with calm, dimensional patterns. Choosing old teak adds symbolic power in the eyes of devotees because it is a precious material that has passed through time before being elevated into a lasting Buddhist offering for future generations to worship.

 

In Buddhist belief, the reclining posture is connected to the final period of the Buddha’s life and the idea of letting go. It is therefore often a place where people come to pray for peace of mind, for heavy misfortune to ease, for illness to lessen, and for their lives to move forward with mindfulness. When the image is carved from teakwood and created on such a large scale, the feeling during worship can be different from typical temple visits, because visitors stand before a piece of Buddhist art that carries both devotion and a powerful sense of awe at the same time.

 

The best time to come to pay respects and view the statue is from early morning to late morning, when natural light reveals the wood grain and the form more clearly. The overall atmosphere is also quieter then, making it suitable for setting intentions and taking time to walk slowly through the temple. If you plan to take photos, please respect the space, avoid disturbing those who are praying, and refrain from using flash in areas where religious activities are taking place.

 

Getting There: Use Highway No. 107 (Chotana Road) on the Chiang Mai–Fang route. Once you reach Fang District, head toward San Sai Subdistrict. The temple is located at No. 1, Village No. 3, Ban San Sai, San Sai Subdistrict, Fang District, Chiang Mai. It is convenient to visit by private car or motorcycle. If you would like additional route or local area information, you can contact the San Sai Subdistrict Municipality (Fang District).

 

For travelers looking for a peaceful temple in Chiang Mai without heavy crowds, yet still rich in devotion and distinctive Buddhist artistry, Wat Sri Mongkhon is a very fitting destination—especially for those interested in teakwood craftsmanship and those who want to see a large teakwood reclining Buddha image that feels like a “treasure of Fang,” carefully preserved by the community for the future.

 

 

A: The key highlight is Phra Si Sakyamuni Ming Mongkhon, a teakwood reclining Buddha image described as the largest of its kind in Chiang Mai Province and an important worship point for the Ban San Sai community.

 

A: It is stated to be 7 meters 19 inches long and 1 meter 59 centimeters high, carved from teakwood said to be over 300 years old.

 

A: It is in Village No. 3, Ban San Sai, San Sai Subdistrict, Fang District, Chiang Mai Province.

 

A: Take Highway 107 (Chotana Road) on the Chiang Mai–Fang route. After reaching Fang, head to San Sai Subdistrict. The temple is in Ban San Sai, Village No. 3. Visiting by private car is recommended.

 

A: You can contact the temple at 082-954-2627, or for general local information, contact the San Sai Subdistrict Municipality (Fang District) at 053-346-873-4.

 

A: Dress modestly, avoid overly short or tight clothing, and maintain respectful behavior within the temple grounds.

 

A: Yes. There are restaurants and accommodations in the San Sai–Wiang area of Fang. You can find a list with phone numbers in the summary table (it is recommended to call ahead to confirm opening hours or room availability).