Wat Phuttha Nimit

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Phuttha Nimit is a local Buddhist temple in Moo 6, Ban Thaen Dok Mai, Sop Tia Subdistrict, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province. It is a community temple under the Maha Nikaya tradition and is closely connected with the story of Phra Bat Huai I Ling, an important sacred footprint site in the area. The temple originally stood on a hill to the west and was formerly known as Wat Phra Bat Huai I Ling. It was later moved down to its present location in B.E. 2480 under the leadership of Phra Khru Inthayanarangsi (Inta), the first abbot of the present temple. The name was changed to Wat Phuttha Nimit after a large principal Buddha image was enshrined in the vihara.

 

The main character of Wat Phuttha Nimit comes from the way it connects a village temple, a sacred hill site, and the faith of the local community. It is not only a temple for daily worship in Ban Thaen Dok Mai, but also a place that preserves the memory of the original hill temple and the revered Phra Bat Huai I Ling footprint. Visitors who come here can understand both the present temple and the older sacred landscape that shaped its identity.

 

The temple’s early history begins with Wat Phra Bat Huai I Ling, which stood on a western hill. The site was associated with a revered right-foot Buddha footprint, respected by local villagers over generations. Because traveling up the hill for religious activities was difficult for many people, the temple was moved down to the present village location in B.E. 2480. This relocation made worship and community activities more accessible while still preserving the spiritual link with Phra Bat Huai I Ling.

 

The name “Wat Phuttha Nimit” reflects the large principal Buddha image enshrined in the vihara. This Buddha image became a central focus of worship at the present temple. The change of name from Wat Phra Bat Huai I Ling to Wat Phuttha Nimit therefore marks an important stage in the temple’s development: from a sacred hill temple associated with the footprint to a community temple centered around the principal Buddha image and the religious life of Ban Thaen Dok Mai.

 

Phra Khru Inthayanarangsi (Inta) served as the first abbot after the temple was moved to its present location. He played a key role in establishing the temple as a stable religious center for the local community. After his passing in B.E. 2513, Phra Khru Inthayanarangsi (Ma Panyavaro) continued the temple’s leadership and became closely associated with the care of Wat Phuttha Nimit and the preservation of Phra Bat Huai I Ling. The history of the temple is therefore inseparable from the work of these monks and the faith of the local villagers.

 

Phra Bat Huai I Ling remains one of the most important elements in the story of Wat Phuttha Nimit. The footprint site is located in the Ban Thaen Dok Mai area of Sop Tia Subdistrict, Chom Thong District. Local tradition honors it as a right-foot Buddha footprint. A shelter was built to protect the footprint, and later villagers and hill-tribe communities helped gather stones from the mountain to build a stone boundary and a vihara covering the sacred footprint in B.E. 2465. This effort shows the strength of shared faith in the local community.

 

The story of Phra Bat Huai I Ling is also associated with Khru Ba Siwichai, the revered monk known as the saint of Lanna. His connection with the site gives it added meaning within the wider history of Buddhist restoration in northern Thailand. Later, in B.E. 2510, a naga feature was built at the entrance of the footprint temple area, beginning with the naga head. Over time, the older structures deteriorated, and Phra Khru Inthayanarangsi (Ma Panyavaro), together with local residents, helped restore the site. This restoration kept the original sacred place connected with the present temple.

 

The atmosphere of Wat Phuttha Nimit is calm, local, and meaningful. Visitors can pay respect to the principal Buddha image, learn about the temple’s relocation from the hill, and understand the role of Phra Bat Huai I Ling in local belief. The temple is especially suitable for travelers who prefer cultural depth over crowded sightseeing. Its value lies in its history, its community role, and its connection with one of the sacred footprint traditions of the area.

 

Sop Tia Subdistrict has several community temples, including Wat Thung Pun, Wat Mok Khan Lan, Wat Wang Champa, Wat Wang Pan, Wat Sop Tia, Wat Nong Ap Chang, Wat Huai Cho, Wat Huai Muang, and Wat Hat Nak. Wat Phuttha Nimit stands out within this local temple network because of its historical link with Phra Bat Huai I Ling and its relocation story. Visiting the temple helps travelers understand how local faith, geography, and village life have shaped Buddhist places in Chom Thong District.

 

Wat Phuttha Nimit can be combined with other important places in Chom Thong. Travelers interested in temple routes can visit Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan, Wat Thung Pun, Wat Mok Khan Lan, Wat Wang Champa, and Wat Wang Pan. This route gives a broader view of the religious landscape of Chom Thong, from major district-level temples to community temples with their own local stories.

 

For travelers who want to combine culture and nature, Wat Phuttha Nimit can also be linked with Mae Ya Waterfall, Doi Inthanon routes, and other southern Chiang Mai attractions. A balanced itinerary may begin with worship at the temple in the morning, continue to Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan, and then proceed to natural attractions in the district. This creates a travel route that includes faith, local history, and landscape in one trip.

 

Getting to Wat Phuttha Nimit is most convenient by private car or rental car. From Chiang Mai city, travelers can follow the Chiang Mai–Hot route toward Chom Thong District, then continue into Sop Tia Subdistrict and Moo 6 Ban Thaen Dok Mai. The final approach passes through local village roads, so careful driving is recommended, especially near intersections, homes, schools, and community areas.

 

Visitors should dress modestly, speak respectfully, and observe proper temple manners. Shoes should be removed where required, especially before entering worship areas. If a religious ceremony or community event is taking place, visitors should give priority to monks and local residents. Wat Phuttha Nimit remains an active religious space, and respectful conduct helps preserve the quiet atmosphere of the temple.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is more comfortable and the temple atmosphere is usually calm. Travelers who plan to continue to Phra Bat Huai I Ling or other hill areas should consider road conditions, travel time, and weather, especially during the rainy season. A private vehicle offers the most flexibility for combining the temple with nearby religious and natural attractions.

 

Wat Phuttha Nimit is highly suitable for cultural travelers, local-history readers, documentary photographers, and visitors who want to understand Chom Thong beyond major attractions. The temple has a complete and meaningful story: an original hill temple, a sacred footprint, a relocation to the village, a large principal Buddha image, and ongoing community devotion. These elements make the temple more than a simple stop; they make it a place where local faith can be understood in context.

 

Meals and accommodation are best planned around Chom Thong town, Khuang Pao, Doi Kaeo, or the Doi Inthanon route, where there are more restaurant and lodging choices. Visitors can stop at Wat Phuttha Nimit for worship and cultural exploration, then continue to nearby restaurants, hotels, or natural attractions without needing to return to Chiang Mai city immediately.

 

In summary, Wat Phuttha Nimit is a Maha Nikaya community temple in Moo 6, Ban Thaen Dok Mai, Sop Tia Subdistrict, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai. It originated from Wat Phra Bat Huai I Ling on the western hill and was moved to its present location in B.E. 2480. Its large principal Buddha image, its connection with Phra Bat Huai I Ling, and its continuing role in local Buddhist life make it a meaningful cultural and religious stop in southern Chiang Mai.

 

 

A: Wat Phuttha Nimit is located in Moo 6, Ban Thaen Dok Mai, Sop Tia Subdistrict, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province.

 

A: Wat Phuttha Nimit is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: The temple was originally located on a western hill as Wat Phra Bat Huai I Ling. It was moved to its present location in B.E. 2480 by Phra Khru Inthayanarangsi (Inta), the first abbot of the present temple.

 

A: The temple was renamed Wat Phuttha Nimit after a large principal Buddha image was built and enshrined in the vihara.

 

A: Phra Bat Huai I Ling is the original sacred footprint site associated with the temple before it was moved down to its present village location.

 

A: The abbot of Wat Phuttha Nimit is Phra Khru Inthayanarangsi (Ma Panyavaro).

 

A: The most convenient way is by private car or rental car from Chiang Mai city toward Chom Thong District, then onward to Sop Tia Subdistrict and Moo 6 Ban Thaen Dok Mai.

 

A: Travelers can combine the visit with Phra Bat Huai I Ling, Wat Thung Pun, Wat Mok Khan Lan, Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan, and Mae Ya Waterfall.