Wat Pha Bong Tai

Rating: 3.5/5 (8 votes)

Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Pha Bong Attractions in Mae Hong Son Tai Pha Pong, Muang Mae Hong Son, Mae Hong Son. Wat Pha Bong Tai, affiliated with the Maha Nikaya sect, occupies a plot of land measuring 2 rai, 1 ngan, and 3 square wah.

 

The temple's boundaries are as follows: to the north, it borders a public irrigation canal; to the east, it borders a public road; and to the west, it borders private land.

 

Wat Pha Bong Tai was established in 1934 (B.E. 2477). Originally, the temple was located east of the spillway, which was once a rocky channel known locally by the Shan as "Chong Pha Wong," giving the village its name, Ban Pha Bong.

 

Later, an elderly novice monk from Shan State resided in a cave on the mountain near the area. A layman named Phaka Maung noticed the monk’s struggles to collect alms due to his advanced age and generously donated funds to construct a kuti (monk's residence) for him at the base of the mountain. The monk stayed there for two rainy seasons before returning to Myanmar.

 

The temple's surroundings include a stream that flows through its grounds, providing a tranquil and serene atmosphere. Trees and beautifully arranged gardens enhance the temple's peaceful environment. Within the temple, there are Buddha images crafted in the Shan artistic style, which are notably exquisite.

 

The architectural style of Wat Pha Bong Tai blends Shan and Burmese influences. This can be seen in the unique designs of the temple's assembly hall, ordination hall, and pagoda, characterized by intricate patterns distinctive to Shan craftsmanship. The temple’s architectural beauty is unique to Mae Hong Son Province.

 

The administration and leadership of the temple have been guided by the following abbots:

Phra U Janya (B.E. 2462–2475), Phra Phong (B.E. 2475–2479), Phra U Ke Taya (B.E. 2479–2486), Phra Tona (B.E. 2486–2492), Phra Athikarn Takham Thammasaro (B.E. 2495–2511), Phra Charoen Chutindharo (B.E. 2511–2513), Phra Chamrat Thitadhammo (B.E. 2513–2514), Phra Anukul Thamachoti (B.E. 2514–2529), and Phra Siri Silasangwaro, who has served as abbot since B.E. 2530 to the present.