Wat Phra Borommathat

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06.00 – 18.00

 

Wat Phra Borommathat in Tak Province, widely known as Wat Phra Borommathat Ban Tak, is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Ban Tak District. Located in Ko Taphao Subdistrict on the western side of the Ping River, the temple stands in the area of old Tak town before the provincial center was moved to Rahaeng, the present-day town of Tak. The temple is highly valued for its sacred relic stupa, Luang Pho Than Chai Buddha image, old wooden architecture, carved teak details, local museum, and deep connection with the religious and historical identity of Ban Tak.

 

The temple’s most striking feature is its golden Phra Borommathat stupa. The present stupa was built in a style inspired by Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar, covering an older stupa inside. Its golden surface, octagonal form, surrounding smaller stupas, and Buddha image niches create a powerful sacred atmosphere. For local people and pilgrims, the stupa is the spiritual center of the temple and one of the most important places of worship in Tak Province.

 

Wat Phra Borommathat is also regarded as the zodiac-year relic temple for people born in the Year of the Horse. Many worshippers therefore travel to the temple to pay respect to the relic stupa and seek blessings without having to travel to Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar. This belief gives the temple significance beyond Ban Tak itself and makes it a destination for visitors from other provinces as well.

 

The temple is closely tied to the history of old Tak town. The surrounding area was once an important settlement on the Ping River route, connected with travel, trade, local communities, and Buddhist devotion. Visiting Wat Phra Borommathat therefore offers more than a temple experience. It gives travelers a chance to understand how Tak developed along the river and how Buddhism helped shape the identity of the old town.

 

The ordination hall is another important feature. It has beautiful carved teak doors, wooden gables, gilded carved window panels depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life, and naga stair railings. These details reflect the skill of local artisans and the devotion of the community that maintained the temple over generations. Visitors should take time to observe the carving, gilding, and narrative details, because they preserve both religious meaning and artistic craftsmanship.

 

The old viharn is designed with a high two-level ceiling and ventilation openings around the building, helping the interior remain cool and comfortable. This reflects traditional architectural knowledge suited to the local climate. The building demonstrates how older temple architecture could create comfort naturally through height, airflow, and thoughtful design.

 

Inside the viharn are gilded stucco Buddha images and Luang Pho Than Chai. Luang Pho Than Chai is one of the most revered sacred images at the temple. It is a Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture, traditionally believed to have been completed within one day and one night. Worshippers come to pray for success, good fortune, health, family well-being, and smooth progress in life.

 

The devotion to Luang Pho Than Chai is one of the reasons many people return to the temple. Offerings are usually simple and respectful, often including fruit such as bananas, oranges, and seasonal fruits. The act of worship is not only about asking for blessings, but also about focusing the mind, creating confidence, and renewing personal faith.

 

The temple also contains an old wooden viharn with beautiful carved details. These wooden elements are important examples of local craftsmanship and religious art. Their value lies in the way they combine beauty, faith, and community skill. For visitors interested in Thai architecture, the wooden structures and carvings are among the most meaningful parts of the temple.

 

Wat Phra Borommathat also has a temple museum. The museum preserves old objects connected with Buddhism and local life, including wooden Buddha images, scripture chests, Buddhist manuscript cabinets, Sangkhalok ceramics, ancient weapons, old currency, traditional utensils, and other historic objects. This museum helps visitors understand that the temple is not only a place of worship, but also a guardian of community heritage.

 

A major local tradition associated with the temple is the Khuen That Duean Kao ceremony, when people come to pay respect to the relic stupa. This annual tradition reinforces the temple’s role as a living religious center. During festival periods, the temple becomes lively with worshippers, offerings, merit-making, and community participation.

 

Getting There from Mueang Tak is convenient by car. Take Highway 1107 on the Tak – Ban Tak route for about 35 kilometers, then turn left onto Highway 1175 and continue for about 1 kilometer. The temple is on the left. Travelers can also reach the area via Highway 1 and the local route through Ban Tak, crossing the Ping River and following signs toward the temple.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is more comfortable and the golden stupa is beautiful in soft light. Morning visits are suitable for quiet worship, while weekends and festival periods offer a stronger sense of local devotion. Visitors should dress modestly, speak quietly, avoid touching carved wood or old objects unnecessarily, and follow temple guidance in sacred areas.

 

Wat Phra Borommathat is suitable for pilgrims, cultural travelers, architecture lovers, photographers, families, and visitors interested in old Tak town. Its combination of a sacred relic stupa, Luang Pho Than Chai, carved teak architecture, an old viharn, a temple museum, and local traditions makes it one of the most rewarding cultural destinations in Tak Province.

 

 

A: Wat Phra Borommathat is located in Moo 3, Ko Taphao Subdistrict, Ban Tak District, Tak Province, on the western side of the Ping River in the old Tak town area.

 

A: It is known for its golden relic stupa inspired by Shwedagon Pagoda, Luang Pho Than Chai, carved teak ordination hall, old viharn, wooden viharn, and temple museum.

 

A: Wat Phra Borommathat Ban Tak is associated with the Year of the Horse as a zodiac relic temple.

 

A: Luang Pho Than Chai is a revered Buddha image believed to have been completed within one day and one night. Worshippers pray for success, good fortune, and blessings.

 

A: From Mueang Tak, take Highway 1107 toward Ban Tak for about 35 km, then turn left onto Highway 1175 and continue for about 1 km. The temple is on the left.

 

A: The temple is open daily from 06.00 to 18.00.

 

A: Nearby places include Ancient Tak City, King Ramkhamhaeng Battle Stupa, Wat Yang Ong Nam, Ban Tak Market Community, and Bhumibol Dam.

 

A: Visitors should dress modestly, speak quietly, avoid touching carved wood or old objects unnecessarily, avoid climbing on sacred structures, and follow temple guidance in worship areas.