Wat Chor Lae Phra Ngam (Wat Chor Lae)

Rating: 3.6/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00–17.00

 

Wat Chor Lae Phra Ngam (Wat Chor Lae) is a long-established community temple located in Chor Lae Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province. The temple is known for its distinctive craftsmanship that blends traditional Lanna artistry with influences from Mon–Burmese (Myanmar) artisans, creating a visual character that feels both graceful and refined. This fusion is especially noticeable in decorative details and architectural elements associated with the temple’s sacred structures.

 

What makes Wat Chor Lae Phra Ngam particularly meaningful to visitors is not only its tranquil atmosphere but also the local narratives that reflect the collective faith of the village. According to community accounts, the temple was once abandoned before being restored through the shared effort of local residents. Since then, it has resumed its role as a place for merit-making, religious ceremonies, and spiritual gatherings, once again becoming the heart of the Chor Lae community. The name “Phra Ngam,” meaning “beautiful sacred image,” is often associated with local legends about revered Buddha images and antiques admired for their exceptional beauty.

 

For visitors interested in traditional craftsmanship, the temple offers rewarding details to observe. Certain ornamental patterns reveal subtle Mon–Burmese influences woven into a Lanna structural framework. The result is a temple that feels familiar to Northern Thai visitors yet visually distinctive. Early mornings are especially pleasant, with soft light and cool air ideal for walking, observing architectural details, and paying respects in a calm setting.

 

The temple’s vitality is also reflected in its role during local religious events and community traditions. During important festivals such as Yi Peng, the village often comes together to create a spiritual atmosphere through merit-making and traditional activities. Similarly, during the end-of-Buddhist-Lent and Kathina periods, Wat Chor Lae Phra Ngam serves as a gathering point for communal devotion, reinforcing its identity as a living temple deeply connected to everyday local life.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, take Highway 107 (Chiang Mai–Fang Road) toward Mae Taeng District, then follow local roads into Chor Lae Subdistrict as indicated by community signposts. The route is most convenient by private car or motorcycle. If traveling by public transport, it is recommended to reach Mae Taeng first and then continue by local taxi or hired vehicle into Chor Lae.

 

A gentle reminder before entering the temple: dress modestly, keep noise to a minimum, and observe any posted guidelines regarding photography inside important buildings, as a sign of respect for the sacred space and local worshippers.

 

 

 

A: It is known for its role as a historic community temple and for its unique blend of Lanna and Mon–Burmese craftsmanship, reflected in its architectural details.

 

A: Early morning, between 08.00 and 10.30, offers cooler weather, soft light for photography, and a peaceful atmosphere.

 

A: The temple is closely connected to community merit-making, especially during Yi Peng and the end-of-Buddhist-Lent to Kathina periods, when villagers gather for traditional ceremonies.

 

A: Visitors can travel to Mae Taeng by public transport and then continue by local taxi or hired vehicle to Chor Lae Subdistrict.

 

A: No, there is no entrance fee. Visitors may make donations according to their faith.