Wat Si Mung Mueang

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Open during regular temple merit-making hours

 

Wat Si Mung Mueang is located at 81 Ban Mai, Moo 5, Luang Nuea Subdistrict, Ngao District, Lampang Province. It is a local Buddhist temple under the Mahanikaya order and is one of the most important old temples of Ngao District. The temple covers an area of 21 rai, 1 ngan, and 40 square wah, and received its royal consecrated boundary in 1977.

 

Wat Si Mung Mueang is deeply respected by the people of Ban Mai and Luang Nuea Subdistrict. It serves as a spiritual center for local residents, especially during Buddhist holy days, annual festivals, merit-making ceremonies, sand-carrying rituals, Salak Phat offerings, and the annual relic bathing ceremony. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a cultural landmark that reflects the long history of Ngao.

 

The temple was established around 1930. It was originally an abandoned temple before Chong Taka Sang To Rattanakhamon, Khun Nuea Norakan, and local villagers restored it. Over time, additional sacred structures and religious monuments were built, making the temple more beautiful, peaceful, and meaningful for the community.

 

One of the most important sacred images inside the temple is Chao Pho Thong Thip, a Buddha image revered as a guardian image of Ngao. Local people have worshipped this image for generations, and it continues to be a powerful symbol of faith for the community.

 

The temple is also known for Phra That Tung Kham, an old relic chedi that plays a central role in the annual relic bathing ceremony. This ceremony is held every year on the 15th waxing moon of the northern 5th lunar month. People from every subdistrict in Ngao District gather at the temple to take part in the ritual, make merit, listen to Buddhist teachings, and celebrate local Lanna faith together.

 

Wat Si Mung Mueang is also significant for its archaeological and historical evidence. Objects believed to be about 300 years old were found behind the temple and around the ancient moat area. Surface surveys around the ancient town area of Wat Si Mung Mueang revealed pottery fragments, remains of a viharn, and remains of a chedi near the road passing through the village.

 

These remains are located near the connection between the ancient town of Wat Si Mung Mueang and the ancient settlement of Ban Mai. This gives the temple strong historical value and shows that the area was once part of an important old community in Ngao. For cultural travelers, the temple offers both religious meaning and historical depth.

 

Inside the temple, visitors can also pay respect to a Buddha image carved from jackfruit wood, Phra Upakhut, Phra Sivali, Phra Chao Than Chai in the Open World Emperor posture, and wooden replicas of the 12 zodiac relics. These sacred objects make the temple an important place for merit-making, blessings, and local Buddhist devotion.

 

The wooden replicas of the 12 zodiac relics allow devotees to worship symbolic relics according to their birth year within one temple. This reflects northern Thai Buddhist belief and gives visitors a meaningful way to connect personal faith with Lanna religious tradition.

 

Wat Si Mung Mueang is remembered by the local community as one of the earliest temples of Ngao. It has long been connected to the daily life of local residents, including religious ceremonies, family merit-making, community gatherings, and traditional festivals. This makes the temple a living cultural space rather than only a historical site.

 

The charm of Wat Si Mung Mueang lies in its combination of sacred relics, old community history, archaeological traces, and active Buddhist life. Visitors can experience a quiet temple atmosphere while also learning about the ancient settlement patterns and cultural heritage of Ngao District.

 

For travelers exploring Ngao District, Wat Si Mung Mueang can be included in a cultural route with Wat Luang, Ngao Suspension Bridge, Wat Chong Kham Royal Temple, the Outdoor Cinema Museum, Tham Pha Thai, and Lom Phu Khiao. This route offers a good balance of temples, local history, and natural attractions.

 

Getting There is convenient by private car, rental vehicle, or local transport. From Lampang city, travel toward Ngao District, then continue to Luang Nuea Subdistrict and Ban Mai, Moo 5. The temple is located within a local community area and can be visited as part of a cultural route through Ngao.

 

 

A: Wat Si Mung Mueang is located at 81 Ban Mai, Moo 5, Luang Nuea Subdistrict, Ngao District, Lampang Province.

 

A: The temple houses Phra That Tung Kham, Chao Pho Thong Thip, a jackfruit-wood Buddha image, Phra Upakhut, Phra Sivali, Phra Chao Than Chai, and 12 zodiac relic replicas.

 

A: The temple holds an annual relic bathing ceremony on the 15th waxing moon of the northern 5th lunar month.

 

A: Wat Si Mung Mueang received its royal consecrated boundary in 1977.

 

A: Archaeological evidence such as pottery fragments, viharn remains, chedi remains, and ancient town traces has been found around the temple and nearby Ban Mai ancient settlement.

 

A: It is suitable for travelers interested in old temples, relic worship, Ngao history, Lanna culture, and quiet community-based cultural travel.

 

A: Travelers can drive from Lampang city to Ngao District, then continue to Luang Nuea Subdistrict and Ban Mai, Moo 5.