Wat Mai Wang Khian

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Mai Wang Khian is a community Buddhist temple located at No. 2, Moo 2, Ban Mai Wang Khian, on the Chiang Klang-Ngaeng (Pua) route in Chiang Khan Subdistrict, Chiang Klang District, Nan Province. It is a Mahanikaya temple that has served as an important religious and cultural center for the local community. The temple was officially permitted for construction by the Department of Religious Affairs on July 25, 1977, and was formally proclaimed as a temple by the Ministry of Education on December 9, 1983.

 

The temple covers an area of 4 rai, 3 ngan, and 85 square wah. It stands within Ban Mai Wang Khian, a village connected to both agricultural life and local transport routes. Its northern side borders a village public road, the southern and eastern sides border local farmland, and the western side borders the public road connecting Chiang Klang and Ngaeng in Pua District. This setting reflects the temple’s close connection with everyday rural life in northern Nan.

 

Wat Mai Wang Khian contains important monastic buildings, including a monks’ residence, a viharn, a sermon hall, and a bell-and-drum tower. The monks’ residence measures 9 meters by 14 meters, the viharn measures 9 meters by 19 meters, the sermon hall measures 6.50 meters by 11.90 meters, and the bell-and-drum tower measures 3.05 meters by 3.13 meters. These buildings support both Buddhist practice and community gatherings.

 

The temple is maintained by approximately 160 households, representing about 602 local residents according to community records from June 29, 2015. This shows that Wat Mai Wang Khian is not only a religious site but also a shared community institution supported by local families across generations.

 

The line of abbots includes Phra Somsak Pasannajitto, Phra Inthason Inthasaro, Phra Samran Kovido, Phra Aphichai Aphichato, and Phra Athikan Nathee Chandawaro. Current monastic records list Phra Athikan Inthee Chandawaro as the abbot of Wat Mai Wang Khian. The continuity of monastic leadership has helped the temple remain active as a center for Buddhist ceremonies and local traditions.

 

What makes Wat Mai Wang Khian particularly meaningful is its rich annual cycle of merit-making activities. During Songkran, or the Lanna New Year, villagers gather for almsgiving, sand pagoda building, and the bathing of Buddha images. These activities symbolize purification, renewal, respect for Buddhism, and the strengthening of community ties.

 

On April 15, the temple hosts a Bai Sri Su Khwan ceremony and a traditional water-pouring ceremony for elders and community leaders. This event reflects gratitude, respect, and intergenerational harmony. On April 16, the temple holds the annual Sangkhaha ceremony for the village and temple, a merit-making ritual intended to bring auspiciousness and unity to the community.

 

During Asalha Puja and Buddhist Lent, Wat Mai Wang Khian becomes an important place for merit-making, candle offerings, Dhamma listening, and moral practice. In the middle of Buddhist Lent, the community holds a rice-blessing ritual known locally as Sangkhahana or Tham Khwan Khao. This ceremony reflects the relationship between Buddhism, local belief, and the agricultural way of life.

 

After the end of Buddhist Lent, the temple participates in merit-making traditions such as Salak Phat offerings connected with the Buddha’s footprint at Ban Lao in Phra Phutthabat Subdistrict. During Yi Peng, villagers take part in a floating lantern or krathong ritual to honor the river and the Buddha’s footprint. After the harvest season, the community offers newly harvested rice as an expression of gratitude and Buddhist devotion.

 

Every year on December 9, Wat Mai Wang Khian holds a merit-making ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of its official establishment. The temple also hosts Buddhist-style New Year activities, helping the community end the old year and welcome the new one with merit, chanting, reflection, and a peaceful mind.

 

The atmosphere of Wat Mai Wang Khian is simple, peaceful, and deeply connected to village life. It is suitable for travelers who want to understand local Buddhist traditions in Chiang Klang District beyond the more famous tourist temples. A visit to this temple offers insight into how temples in rural Nan continue to support community identity, seasonal rituals, and the rhythm of Buddhist life.

 

Getting There from Nan city is convenient by taking Highway 1080 toward Chiang Klang District, then continuing on the Chiang Klang-Ngaeng (Pua) route toward Ban Mai Wang Khian in Chiang Khan Subdistrict. The temple can be reached by private car, motorcycle, or small local transport, and it can be included in a cultural route with Wat Don Thaen, Wat Nong Daeng, Wat Klang, Wat Pradit So, Wat Phuket, and Wat Prang.

 

 

A: Wat Mai Wang Khian is located at No. 2, Moo 2, Ban Mai Wang Khian, Chiang Khan Subdistrict, Chiang Klang District, Nan Province.

 

A: It was permitted for construction on July 25, 1977.

 

A: It was officially proclaimed as a temple on December 9, 1983.

 

A: The abbot is Phra Athikan Inthee Chandawaro.

 

A: The temple holds Songkran merit-making, Buddha image bathing, elder blessing, Buddhist Lent rituals, rice-blessing, Yi Peng, new rice offerings, and the temple anniversary ceremony.

 

A: From Nan city, take Highway 1080 toward Chiang Klang, then continue on the Chiang Klang-Ngaeng (Pua) route to Ban Mai Wang Khian.

 

A: The main contact number is 084-537-3318.