Wat Tham Pak Piang

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Tham Pak Piang, also known by its former name Wat Sitthattho Phawanaram, is a peaceful forest temple in Moo 5, Ban Tham, Chiang Dao Subdistrict, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province. It is a local Dhammayuttika Buddhist temple established in 1939 and granted Wisungkham Sima in 1999. Located near Chiang Dao Cave and on the route toward Wat Tham Pha Plong, Wat Tham Pak Piang is a meaningful stop for travelers who want to pay respect, make merit, and experience a quieter forest temple connected with meditation practice and respected Thai forest monks.

 

Chiang Dao is widely known for its mountains, caves, hot springs, and forested landscapes. Wat Tham Pak Piang adds an important spiritual and cultural layer to that natural setting. Many visitors travel from Chiang Dao Cave toward Wat Tham Pha Plong, but between these well-known destinations lies Wat Tham Pak Piang, a calm temple surrounded by nature. It is ideal for travelers who prefer a quieter, more reflective stop rather than a crowded sightseeing point.

 

The temple’s former name, Wat Sitthattho Phawanaram, is closely connected with its important principal Buddha image, “Sitthattho.” The name “Sitthattho” means “the one who grants success.” It was bestowed by Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana, the 15th Supreme Patriarch of the Rattanakosin period, from Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan in Bangkok. This connection gives the temple a strong identity in both religious meaning and local memory.

 

The principal Buddha image named Sitthattho is described as the largest Phra Kring Buddha image in Thailand. This makes it one of the temple’s most distinctive highlights. Phra Kring images are associated with auspiciousness, sacred protection, and success. As a large principal image in a forest temple, Sitthattho gives the temple a powerful devotional focus while preserving a calm and contemplative atmosphere.

 

Wat Tham Pak Piang is also connected with the Thai forest meditation tradition. Local temple information records that Luang Pu Luean once practiced meditation here with Luang Pu Maha Pin Chalito, also known as Phra Khru Wirot Dhammachan, for a short period. Although the stay was brief, it was remembered as spiritually meaningful. This background gives the temple importance beyond ordinary sightseeing because it is associated with serious Buddhist practice and inner training.

 

The temple forms part of a natural and spiritual route in Chiang Dao. Travelers can begin at Wat Tham Chiang Dao and Chiang Dao Cave, continue to Wat Tham Pak Piang, and then proceed to Wat Tham Pha Plong, the meditation monastery associated with Luang Pu Sim Buddhacharo. This route links cave temples, forest meditation spaces, Buddhist art, and mountain scenery in one compact area.

 

The atmosphere of Wat Tham Pak Piang is calm, shaded, and simple. It is described as a forest temple surrounded by large trees and greenery. This environment supports meditation and quiet reflection. Visitors should therefore treat the temple as a sacred place for worship and practice, not as a casual entertainment site. Speaking softly, walking calmly, and respecting the temple space are important parts of the visit.

 

Another important area inside the temple is Tham Naga Charoen Tham, also called Tham Bia. It is a natural cave that has been improved to be clean, orderly, and suitable for meditation. Caves in forest temples often function as retreat spaces because they are quiet, cool, and separated from everyday distractions. Tham Naga Charoen Tham therefore reflects the temple’s identity as a place of calm practice.

 

The temple’s peaceful quality comes from several elements: its forested setting, its location near Chiang Dao Cave and Doi Chiang Dao, its less crowded atmosphere, and its connection with meditation masters. Visitors who have already visited larger cave attractions may find Wat Tham Pak Piang especially appealing because it offers a slower and more contemplative experience.

 

Public business and temple listings record the temple address as 240 Moo 5, Chiang Dao Subdistrict, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai 50170, with the phone number 053-456-390. The temple is located close to both Chiang Dao Cave and Wat Tham Pha Plong, making it suitable for a half-day or full-day route around Ban Tham and the Chiang Dao cave area.

 

Getting There is easiest by private car or rental car. From Chiang Mai city, take Highway 107 through Mae Rim toward Chiang Dao District. The distance from Chiang Mai city to Wat Tham Pak Piang is about 90 kilometers. Once in Chiang Dao, follow the route toward Chiang Dao Cave and continue toward the road leading to Wat Tham Pha Plong. Wat Tham Pak Piang is located before reaching Wat Tham Pha Plong.

 

Travelers using public transport can start from Chang Phueak Bus Station in Chiang Mai and take a bus or local transport heading toward Chiang Dao or Tha Ton. Get off in Chiang Dao town or near the Chiang Dao Cave entrance, then continue by local vehicle, songthaew, or hired transport to Wat Tham Pak Piang. Return transport should be arranged in advance, especially if visiting several sites in one day.

 

The best time to visit Wat Tham Pak Piang is in the morning or late afternoon. Morning visits are cooler and quieter, making them suitable for worship and meditation. Late afternoon visits work well after Chiang Dao Cave and before continuing to Wat Tham Pha Plong or nearby accommodation. During the cool season, the area has a pleasant northern mountain atmosphere. During the rainy season, the surrounding forest becomes greener, but visitors should allow extra travel time.

 

There is no entrance fee for Wat Tham Pak Piang. Visitors can enter to pay respect, make merit, and walk around the temple grounds without paying an admission charge. Donations for temple maintenance can be made according to personal faith, using the donation points provided by the temple.

 

Visitors should dress modestly and behave respectfully. Clothing should be appropriate for a Buddhist temple, and comfortable shoes are recommended because the temple has a natural forest setting. When entering cave or meditation areas, visitors should speak quietly, avoid flash photography, and avoid touching religious objects or natural formations unnecessarily.

 

For travelers interested in the Thai forest meditation tradition, Wat Tham Pak Piang deserves more than a quick photo stop. Its connection with Luang Pu Luean and Luang Pu Maha Pin Chalito gives it a contemplative depth. Visitors can spend time paying respect to the Sitthattho Buddha image, sitting quietly, and observing how the temple’s forest setting supports Buddhist practice.

 

A half-day route can begin at Wat Tham Chiang Dao and Chiang Dao Cave, continue to Wat Tham Pak Piang, and then proceed to Wat Tham Pha Plong. This route is practical because the sites are close to one another. With more time, travelers can add Ban Yang Pu To Hot Spring, Chiang Dao Market, or restaurants and accommodation around Ban Tham.

 

Compared with Wat Tham Chiang Dao, Wat Tham Pak Piang is quieter and more focused on forest-temple atmosphere. Compared with Wat Tham Pha Plong, it is easier to access and does not require climbing hundreds of steps. Its identity sits between a cave temple and a meditation monastery: accessible, peaceful, and spiritually meaningful.

 

The area near Wat Tham Pak Piang has several restaurants and accommodation options, especially around Ban Tham, Chiang Dao Nest, Malee’s Nature Lovers Bungalows, and Chiang Dao Hut. Staying nearby allows visitors to explore Chiang Dao Cave, Wat Tham Pak Piang, and Wat Tham Pha Plong without rushing. It is a good choice for travelers who want a slower and more meaningful Chiang Dao itinerary.

 

Wat Tham Pak Piang is suitable for travelers who want to pay respect, see the Sitthattho Buddha image, follow the trail of forest meditation masters, and experience a quiet temple near Chiang Dao Cave. Its appeal is not based on spectacle but on calmness, sacred identity, and the connection between nature, Buddhist practice, and local devotion.

 

In summary, Wat Tham Pak Piang is an important Dhammayuttika community temple in Chiang Dao. It was established in 1939, granted Wisungkham Sima in 1999, and is known for the Sitthattho Buddha image, Tham Naga Charoen Tham, and its forest meditation atmosphere. For travelers who want to understand Chiang Dao through nature, faith, and Buddhist practice, Wat Tham Pak Piang should be included in the same route as Chiang Dao Cave and Wat Tham Pha Plong.

 

 

A: Wat Tham Pak Piang is located in Moo 5, Ban Tham, Chiang Dao Subdistrict, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province, near Chiang Dao Cave and Wat Tham Pha Plong.

 

A: Wat Tham Pak Piang is a local Dhammayuttika Buddhist temple established in 1939 and granted Wisungkham Sima in 1999.

 

A: The Sitthattho Buddha image is described as the largest Phra Kring Buddha image in Thailand. The name “Sitthattho” means “the one who grants success.”

 

A: The former name was Wat Sitthattho Phawanaram, connected with the Sitthattho Buddha image inside the temple.

 

A: Yes. It is a peaceful forest temple with Tham Naga Charoen Tham or Tham Bia and a calm natural atmosphere suitable for meditation.

 

A: From Chiang Mai city, take Highway 107 toward Chiang Dao, enter the Chiang Dao Cave route, and continue toward Wat Tham Pha Plong. Public transport travelers can get off in Chiang Dao town or near Chiang Dao Cave and continue by local vehicle.

 

A: No. Wat Tham Pak Piang has free admission for visitors.

 

A: Nearby places include Wat Tham Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao Cave, Wat Tham Pha Plong, Tham Pak Sung Monastery, Ban Yang Pu To Hot Spring, Chiang Dao Market, and Doi Luang Chiang Dao.