Wat Tha Lo

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00–17.00 Hrs.

 

Wat Tha Lo is located at No. 47, Village No. 1, Fai Kaeo Subdistrict, Phu Phiang District, Nan Province. It is a community temple under the Mahanikaya sect and covers about 5 rai and 72 square wah of land. The temple is one of the important old Buddhist sites in Phu Phiang District, best known for Phra That Tha Lo, Wat Tha Lo Viharn, and the Bua Khao Buddha Footprint. Phra That Tha Lo is a registered historic monument and an important local sacred site in Nan Province.

 

Wat Tha Lo is believed to have been established around 1347 and received its royal boundary designation on September 24, 1925. Although the exact founding record is not fully preserved, the temple is closely connected with local tradition about Phraya Kan Mueang, the ruler of Waranakorn Mueang Pua, who brought sacred relics from Sukhothai and enshrined them on Doi Phu Phiang before establishing a new settlement around the sacred area of Chae Haeng.

 

According to local legend, when Phraya Kan Mueang moved the city from Pua to Phu Phiang, large rafts were tied together and floated along the Nan River. The new city was established near Doi Phu Phiang Chae Haeng, where the sacred relics were enshrined. Phra That Tha Lo was then built near the riverside landing area where the group came ashore during the relocation. This makes Wat Tha Lo meaningful as a temple connected with the memory of migration, settlement, and sacred geography in old Nan.

 

The main highlight of the temple is Phra That Tha Lo. The stupa has a bell-shaped form with a large 3-tiered base supporting a lotus-moulded section, bead-like mouldings, and tiered decorative bands. The bell is relatively small, slender, and elegant, rising toward the throne-like section, finial, and umbrella top. This form is regarded as an interesting example of Nan local stupa architecture.

 

Phra That Tha Lo is respected by people in Fai Kaeo Subdistrict and nearby communities because it is believed to enshrine relics of the Buddha. For visitors, worshipping at the stupa is both a devotional experience and an opportunity to appreciate the local architectural style of Nan Province. The site also reflects the deep role of relic shrines in northern Thai Buddhist culture.

 

The Bua Khao Buddha Footprint is another important sacred object at Wat Tha Lo. Together with the stupa and viharn, it gives the temple several meaningful points for worship. Visitors can pay respect to Phra That Tha Lo, walk around the temple grounds, and observe how the temple remains a living religious place for the local community.

 

The annual worship tradition of Phra That Tha Lo is held on the 14th waxing moon of the 7th lunar month, usually around April. The tradition includes bathing the stupa, offering ceremonies, community merit-making, and local Buddhist activities. One of its distinctive cultural elements is the evening competition of bok fai dok fireworks over the Nan River, a local practice strongly connected with the riverside identity of the community.

 

The Fine Arts Department registered Wat Tha Lo as a historic monument in the Royal Gazette on October 24, 1944, and later announced the boundary of the protected area on October 14, 1980. This recognition confirms the temple’s historical, artistic, and cultural value. Visitors should therefore treat the site with care, avoid touching ancient elements unnecessarily, and help preserve the respectful atmosphere of the temple.

 

Wat Tha Lo is located in Fai Kaeo Subdistrict, close to Nan town and several important cultural attractions. It can be combined with Wat Phra That Chae Haeng Royal Temple, Wat Pua Chai, Wat Phumin, Wat Ming Muang, and Nan National Museum. This route allows travelers to experience both major sacred landmarks and a registered local historic monument in the Phu Phiang area.

 

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 Fai Kaeo Subdistrict and Ban Tha Lo, Village No. 1. The temple can be visited as part of a half-day cultural route around Phu Phiang District and Nan old town.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is more comfortable and the temple atmosphere is calm. Visitors should dress respectfully, speak quietly, and avoid disturbing monks or local worshippers. During the annual Phra That Tha Lo worship festival, visitors can observe local faith and community traditions, but should be especially mindful of temple etiquette.

 

Overall, Wat Tha Lo is a meaningful old temple and historic monument in Phu Phiang District, Nan Province. Its connection with the legend of Phraya Kan Mueang, the relocation of the old city, Phra That Tha Lo, the Bua Khao Buddha Footprint, and the annual worship tradition makes it a valuable destination for travelers interested in Nan’s Buddhist heritage, local history, and temple architecture.

 

 

A: Wat Tha Lo Is Located At No. 47, Village No. 1, Fai Kaeo Subdistrict, Phu Phiang District, Nan Province, Thailand.

 

A: Wat Tha Lo Is An Old Community Temple And Registered Historic Monument, Known For Phra That Tha Lo, Wat Tha Lo Viharn, And The Bua Khao Buddha Footprint.

 

A: Phra That Tha Lo Is A Bell-Shaped Stupa With A Large 3-Tiered Base, Slender Bell, Finial, And Umbrella Top In Nan Local Style.

 

A: The Fine Arts Department Registered Wat Tha Lo As A Historic Monument On October 24, 1944, And Announced Its Protected Boundary On October 14, 1980.

 

A: The Annual Phra That Tha Lo Worship Tradition Is Held On The 14th Waxing Moon Of The 7th Lunar Month, Usually Around April, With Stupa Bathing, Offerings, And Community Activities.

 

A: Wat Tha Lo Is Open Daily From 08.00 To 17.00 Hrs.

 

A: From Nan Town, Cross The Nan River Toward Phu Phiang District And Continue To Fai Kaeo Subdistrict And Ban Tha Lo, Village No. 1. A Private Car, Rental Car, Or Local Hired Vehicle Is Recommended.