Wat Nam Lat

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00–17.00 Hrs.

 

Wat Nam Lat is located at No. 1, Na Pang Subdistrict, Phu Phiang District, Nan Province. It is a community temple under the Mahanikaya sect. The temple was officially established in 1874 and received its royal boundary designation in 1978. Wat Nam Lat is an old local temple with strong cultural value, especially for visitors interested in Lanna-inspired temple architecture, Nan craftsmanship, Buddhist murals, and community traditions near Nan town.

 

The temple is meaningful because it preserves the story of a village temple that changed through several periods of construction and restoration. Its former viharn had a traditional structure known as ma tang mai, with a wooden shingle roof, floral pediment decoration, a rahu swallowing the moon motif above the entrance arch, and naga-like bargeboards decorated with small glass pieces. These details reflect the beauty of old northern Thai temple craftsmanship.

 

The old viharn was dismantled around 1955 during the time of Phra Mueang Kham Wongwan as abbot. The present viharn was then built in a Lanna applied architectural style. Construction began in 1955, was completed in 1959, and was formally celebrated in 1960 during the time of Phra Saman Sumethaso as abbot. Today, the viharn remains the main religious building of the temple and houses the principal Buddha image.

 

The structural beams of the present viharn were made from pradu wood brought from Cham Khoi, a water-fed forest area near Ban Thong Noi. The original roof used triangular tiles. The main construction was carried out by Chang Si Yu, an artisan from Ban Ming Mueang in Mueang Nan District. The pediment and decorative glasswork were created by Chang Prasong from Ban Samun, also in Mueang Nan District. These details show how the temple was shaped by local artisans and materials from Nan communities.

 

A major restoration took place in 1980, beginning during the time of Phra Athikan Solot Attadipo as abbot. The chofa finials were replaced, and the roof was changed from triangular tiles to galvanized metal sheets. In the same year, Phra Nikhom Chalaphinyo became acting abbot and later received the ecclesiastical title Phra Khru Phisan Nanthakhun. Under his leadership, the restoration continued with the replacement of wooden bargeboards with cement versions and the paving of concrete around the viharn.

 

Inside the viharn, paintings of the life of the Buddha and the Vessantara Jataka were added. These works were painted by Chang Prathuan Samaphuak from Ban Mae Kham Mi, Tamnak Tham, Rong Kwang District, Phrae Province. The paintings make the viharn not only a place of worship but also a visual learning space where visitors can understand Buddhist teachings through narrative art.

 

The principal Buddha image inside Wat Nam Lat is especially important to the local community. It is associated with the Sukhothai period, giving the temple a deeper historical and artistic dimension. The presence of a Sukhothai-period principal Buddha image inside a Lanna applied viharn creates an interesting connection between different periods of Thai Buddhist art and local Nan temple culture.

 

Wat Nam Lat also plays an important role in preserving local traditions. Every year, the temple organizes Yi Peng activities during Loy Krathong to continue the cultural traditions of the community. Yi Peng is one of the most meaningful northern Thai traditions, associated with light, merit-making, gratitude, and community gathering. At Wat Nam Lat, the festival helps connect Buddhist faith with local identity in Na Pang Subdistrict.

 

For cultural travelers, Wat Nam Lat is a valuable stop near Nan town. It can be combined with Wat Na Pang, Wat Phra That Chae Haeng, Wat Phumin, Wat Ming Muang, and Nan National Museum. This route allows visitors to see both major sacred sites and smaller community temples that preserve local craftsmanship and village-level Buddhist heritage.

 

Getting There is convenient by private car, rental car, or local hired vehicle. From Nan town, cross the Nan River toward Phu Phiang District and continue to Na Pang Subdistrict. The temple is located at No. 1 in Na Pang. Travelers can combine Wat Nam Lat with Wat Na Pang and other cultural attractions around Phu Phiang and Nan old town in the same day.

 

Visitors should dress respectfully, speak quietly inside the temple grounds, and avoid touching old architectural elements, paintings, or sacred objects. Since Wat Nam Lat is an active community temple, mindful behavior is important. Those visiting during the Yi Peng festival should allow extra time and respect the local ceremonies and community activities.

 

Overall, Wat Nam Lat is a meaningful temple for understanding local Buddhist heritage in Nan Province. Its establishment in 1874, royal boundary designation in 1978, Lanna applied viharn, Sukhothai-period principal Buddha image, Buddhist narrative paintings, and annual Yi Peng tradition make it a worthwhile cultural stop in Phu Phiang District.

 

 

A: Wat Nam Lat Is Located At No. 1, Na Pang Subdistrict, Phu Phiang District, Nan Province, Thailand.

 

A: Wat Nam Lat Was Officially Established In 1874 And Received Its Royal Boundary Designation In 1978.

 

A: The Main Highlight Is Its Lanna Applied Viharn, Sukhothai-Period Principal Buddha Image, Buddhist Narrative Paintings, Vessantara Jataka Scenes, And Traces Of Old Nan Craftsmanship.

 

A: The Present Viharn Was Built From 1955 To 1959 And Was Formally Celebrated In 1960.

 

A: Wat Nam Lat Holds An Annual Yi Peng Festival During Loy Krathong To Preserve The Local Cultural Traditions Of Na Pang Community.

 

A: From Nan Town, Cross The Nan River Toward Phu Phiang District And Continue To Na Pang Subdistrict. A Private Car, Rental Car, Or Local Hired Vehicle Is Recommended.

 

A: It Is Suitable For Travelers Interested In Old Community Temples, Lanna Architecture, Nan Local Craftsmanship, Sukhothai-Period Buddha Images, And Cultural Routes Near Nan Town.