Wat Phra That Si Wichai

Rating: 3/5 (11 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00–17.00

 

Wat Phra That Si Wichai is located in Moo 2, Ban Hua Pa Ha, Mae Taeng Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province. It is an important temple of the Mae Taeng area and a cultural tourism destination that reflects the firm faith of the Lanna people. The temple is outstanding in terms of religion, history, and art, especially as a religious site built by Khruba Sri Wichai, the revered monk known as the “Saint of Lanna,” who played a significant role in the revival of Buddhism in Northern Thailand during the late 19th Buddhist century.

 

The surrounding context of Wat Phra That Si Wichai retains the rural atmosphere of Mae Taeng District, encircled by the Ban Hua Pa Ha community and agricultural areas. As a result, the temple is peaceful and uncrowded, and it truly continues to serve as the spiritual center of the local community. It is not merely a tourist attraction, but a living place of faith that remains closely connected to the villagers’ way of life.

 

The principal stupa of Wat Phra That Si Wichai was constructed by Khruba Sri Wichai, who has been honored as the “Saint of Lanna.” His legacy includes the construction and restoration of numerous temples and stupas, as well as the unification of communal faith. His core philosophy emphasized building religious structures through pure devotion, without extravagance, but through sincere intention and collective effort—an ideal clearly embodied in Phra That Si Wichai.

 

After completing Phra That Si Wichai, Khruba Sri Wichai continued his journey to build Phra That Chom Tham. This makes Phra That Si Wichai one of the important landmarks along the spiritual route of Lanna. The stupas he built are not merely religious architecture, but symbols of interconnected faith, people, and places woven together into a spiritual network.

 

According to Lanna beliefs, a principal stupa represents the spiritual center of the Buddha and the Dhamma. Paying homage to the stupa serves as a reminder to live with mindfulness and moral discipline. Wat Phra That Si Wichai is therefore a place people visit with sincere intention—to pray, make wishes, and seek inner strength during times when spiritual support is needed.

 

The artistic elements of Wat Phra That Si Wichai reflect a simple, austere Lanna style that harmonizes with nature. Rather than emphasizing grandeur, the temple conveys serenity, making it suitable for meditation, slow contemplation, and mindful self-reflection.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, travel toward Mae Taeng District, then proceed into Mae Taeng Subdistrict and Ban Hua Pa Ha. It is recommended to use a navigation app and search for “Wat Phra That Si Wichai Mae Taeng.” The temple is located within the community and is easy to access. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is pleasant and the atmosphere is especially calm.

 

 

A: It was built by Khruba Sri Wichai, the revered Saint of Lanna.

 

A: It enshrines an important stupa and is a significant religious site reflecting Lanna faith and history.

 

A: It is suitable for cultural tourism, temple visits, and travelers seeking a peaceful atmosphere.

 

A: After completing Phra That Si Wichai, Khruba Sri Wichai continued on to build Phra That Chom Tham.