Wat Phrathat Chom Tham

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00–17.00

 

Wat Phra That Chom Tham (Wat Tin That) is a community Buddhist temple under the Mahanikaya sect, located at No. 96, Moo 5, Ban Tin That, Mae Taeng Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province. Although it is not a large or commercialized tourist temple, it plays a vital role in the spiritual life, beliefs, and cultural continuity of the local community. The temple clearly reflects the close relationship between the monastery, the villagers, and the surrounding natural environment in a traditional Lanna context.

 

The temple is situated on gently sloping foothills, surrounded by a quiet and natural landscape. To the north, the temple borders a protected forest area; to the west, it is adjacent to an irrigation canal that supports local agriculture. The southern and eastern sides border privately owned land. This geographical setting creates a peaceful atmosphere, making the temple suitable for religious activities, meditation, and community gatherings.

 

Wat Phra That Chom Tham occupies an area of approximately 8 rai, 2 ngan, and 18 square wah, and is supported by more than 150 households in the surrounding community. Its role extends beyond religious ceremonies, serving as a center for community events, merit-making activities, and local traditions that strengthen social bonds among residents of Ban Tin That.

 

Historically, Wat Phra That Chom Tham was officially separated from Wat Mae Kaluang in 1973. The establishment of the temple was led by Phor Luang Sanoe Sukkhluea, who mobilized villagers to develop the area from a simple sacred site into a formally recognized temple. This development was driven entirely by local faith and collective effort rather than external projects or directives.

 

The temple was originally known as “Wat Tin That” or “Wat Teen That,” a local Lanna term referring to a location at the foot or base of a reliquary site. Later, it was renamed “Wat Phra That Chom Tham,” meaning a temple where sacred relics and the Dharma are enshrined on elevated ground. The name symbolizes spiritual elevation and the moral principles that guide the lives of the community.

 

The spiritual heart of the temple is the Phra Borommathat Chedi, which serves as the primary object of reverence. The chedi was constructed through the collective faith of various groups, including personnel from the Port Authority of Thailand, local devotees of the temple, Phor Noi Tan and Mae Chan Som Chaiyawong, devotees from the Chiang Mai Gate area, and supporters from Wat Bang Phli. The chedi stands as a symbol of shared faith uniting people from different areas.

 

Within the temple grounds are several important religious and architectural features, including a replica Buddha’s footprint, the main viharn, a bell tower, monks’ residences built in a Lanna-inspired style, and a multipurpose pavilion. These structures emphasize simplicity, durability, and harmony with local climate and traditional ways of life rather than ornate decoration.

 

In terms of belief, local residents hold that paying respect to the Phra Borommathat Chedi brings blessings, protection, and spiritual reassurance. The temple becomes especially active during major Buddhist holy days such as Visakha Bucha, Makha Bucha, and the Buddhist Lent and End of Lent, when villagers gather to make merit and participate in communal rituals.

 

The temple also plays an essential role in local traditions, including the Lanna New Year (Pi Mai Muang), annual village merit-making ceremonies, and other religious events. Through these activities, the temple continues to function as a living cultural center where religion, tradition, and everyday life are closely intertwined.

 

Getting There Wat Phra That Chom Tham can be reached by driving from Chiang Mai city toward Mae Taeng District via the Chiang Mai–Mae Taeng route. From there, follow local roads and signposts to Ban Tin That in Mae Taeng Subdistrict. The route is mostly paved and suitable for private vehicles, with parking available within the temple grounds.

 

While Wat Phra That Chom Tham is not a mainstream tourist attraction, it is ideal for visitors seeking an authentic Lanna community temple experience, offering insight into the role of Buddhism as a living foundation of local culture and daily life in Mae Taeng.

 

 

A: It is a community Buddhist temple in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai, centered around a sacred reliquary chedi and local faith.

 

A: Yes. Wat Tin That is the former local name of the temple before it was renamed Wat Phra That Chom Tham.

 

A: The temple was officially established in 1973 after separating from Wat Mae Kaluang.

 

A: The Phra Borommathat Chedi and the replica Buddha’s footprint are the most revered features.

 

A: Visitors can drive from Chiang Mai city to Mae Taeng District and follow local roads to Ban Tin That; the route is convenient for private vehicles.