Wat Chai Mongkhon

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Nan attractions

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Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

Wat Chai Mongkhon Phra Phut Bat, Chiang Klang, Nan. Wat Chai Mongkhon is affiliated with the Mahanikaya sect of Thai Buddhism. The temple occupies an area of 1 rai and 84 square wah. Its boundaries are approximately 20 wa and 3 sok to the north adjacent to the village, 20 wa and 3 sok to the south also adjacent to the village, 23 wa and 1 sok to the east bordering the river, and 23 wa and 1 sok to the west adjacent to a public road. The temple also holds two plots of temple-owned land totaling 2 rai.

The temple buildings include an ordination hall, monks’ living quarters, a sermon hall, and a dining hall. The principal Buddha image enshrined here was built in 1947, along with several other Buddha statues.

Wat Chai Mongkhon was established in 1786 by Phra Aphisan, who led the local villagers in constructing the temple. The community was locally known as Ban Tuet. The temple was granted the royal boundary for its ordination hall on April 5, 1974, and was officially recognized as a temple in the same year it was founded.

One of the most notable features of Wat Chai Mongkhon is Kaeng Sama Kao Pang, a naturally beautiful group of nine rapids: Kaeng Phai Lao, Kaeng Khod, Kaeng Suea Ten, Kaeng Pha Wua, Kaeng Kha, Kaeng Song Hong, Kaeng Tao, Kaeng Rim Loi, and Kaeng Pha Siam Pha Nang. The site also features the sacred Buddha’s footprint at Pha Man cliff.

The people of Ban Tuet practice both Buddhism and elements of Brahmanism. Traditional rituals include spirit worship, ancestral offerings, soul-calling ceremonies, house-cleansing rites, and community protective rituals. A significant spiritual site is the "Ho Chao Luang Chang Phueak," believed to be a guardian spirit of the village. Every April, villagers hold a grand offering ceremony to pay respect to Chao Luang. Those who wish to seek blessings or make vows often visit the shrine, and if their wishes are fulfilled, they return to make merit according to their promise commonly offering items such as a pig’s head or chicken, depending on their vow.