Wat Pa Mai Daeng

Rating: 3.3/5 (8 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Recommended 08.00–17.00

 

Wat Pa Mai Daeng (Phra Chao Phrom Maharaj) is one of the most significant temples in Chai Prakan District, Chiang Mai Province, widely regarded by local communities as both a place of faith and a living memorial connected to the historical identity of “Wiang Chai Prakan.” What makes this temple stand out is that it is not only a site for worship, but also a space where local history, civic memory, and religious life are woven together through monuments, important structures, and distinctive cultural features found throughout the grounds.

 

The temple is located at No. 119, Ban Pa Mai Daeng, Moo 9, Chotana Road, Nong Bua Subdistrict, Chai Prakan District, Chiang Mai Province. It belongs to the Mahanikaya Buddhist order. The temple land is notably large, covering approximately 49 rai 3 ngan 40 square wah. The boundaries are clearly defined: the north and west sides border public roads, while the south and east sides border public irrigation canals. This open layout gives the site an airy feel and makes it comfortable for visitors to walk around, especially in the morning when the softer light highlights the craftsmanship on many structures.

 

According to local tradition, the temple was originally an abandoned temple site, said to have been established around 1056 CE (B.E. 1599) during the era of Phra Chao Phrom Maharaj, the ruler credited with founding Wiang Chai Prakan. Over time, the site fell into ruin and was covered by “pa mai daeng” (a local red-wood forest), which later became the origin of the place name. In 1972 (B.E. 2515), Phra Kru Pradit Phromkhun (Luang Pho Boon Yen Thanadhammo) led local devotees from Ban Pa Mai Daeng and nearby villages to restore the neglected area. A royal monument to Phra Chao Phrom Maharaj was constructed, and the site was established as a monastery center under the name “Phra Chao Phrom Maharaj Monastic Center.” The temple later received official recognition as an active temple with resident monks on 24 October 1990 (B.E. 2533), and the first officially appointed abbot began serving from 1991 (B.E. 2534) onward.

 

One of the temple’s strongest charms is how “complete” the overall experience feels. Visitors are not simply coming to see a single structure, but are instead walking through a carefully layered landscape of faith and local heritage. The site includes key architectural landmarks such as the four-sided pavilion-style viharn (Wihan Chaturamuk), and Wihan Thammanusati, which is known for its mural paintings depicting the “12 Lanna Traditions by Month,” presenting northern cultural life through a visual calendar of rituals and seasonal practices. Another important focal point is the Chedi Nawalokuttara Sathit Sri Chai Prakan, which serves as a spiritual landmark and contributes to the temple’s distinctive identity within Chai Prakan.

 

What further distinguishes Wat Pa Mai Daeng is its concentration of monuments and civic-symbolic sites tied to the history of Chai Prakan. Within the grounds are the monument of Phra Chao Phrom Maharaj, honored as the founder of Wiang Chai Prakan, as well as the monument of King Mangrai the Great, the founder of Chiang Mai. There is also a monument to Luang Pho Boon Yen Thanadhammo, remembered as a key figure in reviving the temple site. Another important feature is the shrine of the city pillar protector for Chai Prakan (Phra Khum Sao Lak Mueang Chai Prakan), reinforcing the role of the temple as a cultural anchor for the district rather than a purely religious destination.

 

Beyond its religious role, the temple also functions as a practical community hub. Facilities include merit-making halls, open pavilions, a multipurpose hall, monks’ quarters, and guest accommodation. The temple also hosts educational and community support functions, including buildings for the Buddhist scripture school (Dhamma and Pali studies), a general education program, and a child development center for preschool-aged children. These functions make the temple a place the community actively uses in everyday life, helping it remain vibrant and meaningful beyond occasional visits.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, take Highway 107 (Chiang Mai–Fang) north toward Chai Prakan District. From there, continue into Nong Bua Subdistrict and follow local signage to Ban Pa Mai Daeng and Chotana Road. Parking is available at the temple, and visitors can walk in to pay respects and explore the grounds. The journey is relatively long, so it is recommended to allow sufficient travel time and check road conditions by season, especially during the rainy period.

 

 

A: It is generally open daily, and visiting between 08.00 and 17.00 is recommended for comfortable sightseeing.

 

A: The key highlights are the monument of Phra Chao Phrom Maharaj and the temple’s connection to Wiang Chai Prakan, along with Wihan Chaturamuk and Wihan Thammanusati featuring the “12 Lanna Traditions” mural paintings.

 

A: Local tradition links the site to Phra Chao Phrom Maharaj, credited with founding Wiang Chai Prakan. The monuments and the city pillar protector shrine within the grounds reflect the temple’s cultural role for the district.

 

A: Visitors can explore major structures such as Wihan Chaturamuk, Wihan Thammanusati, the chedi, and the monument area, as well as observe mural details and local craftsmanship throughout the temple.

 

A: You can contact the temple by phone at 081-672-0141.