Wat Klang

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Klang is located at No. 6, Moo 4, Phra That Subdistrict, Chiang Klang District, Nan Province. It is one of the most culturally significant community temples in Chiang Klang, deeply connected to the settlement history of Ban Klang and the wider Nan region. The temple was established in 1877, during a period when the local community became stronger after people migrated from Nan city to escape wartime hardship. Because the temple was situated in the middle of several surrounding villages, it became known as “Wat Klang,” meaning “the temple in the middle.”

 

The early community was originally settled around Ban Pa Kluai, west of the present Ban Klang cemetery. Later, more residents from Nan moved into the area, helping the community grow in strength and stability. Phra Khru Ba Khamphi Rot and Ok Saen Ya initiated the establishment of the temple as a spiritual center for the village. Since then, Wat Klang has served as an important religious and cultural heart of the local community.

 

One of the most important sacred objects at Wat Klang is Phra Phuttha Sam Kasat Matchim Mongkhon Khemaram, also known locally as Luang Pho Sam Kasat. This principal Buddha image is enshrined in the ubosot and is made from three types of metal: gold, nak, and silver. The urna is decorated with yellow sapphire, and the image reflects the refined beauty of the Sukhothai artistic tradition. It measures 19 inches across the lap and 34 inches in total height including the base.

 

The temple also houses sacred relics and important Buddhist objects donated by M.R. Ying Nantha and M.R. Ying Yai Sanitwong. These include Buddha relics, a silver casket bearing the royal seal from the reign of King Rama V, an ivory container, enamelled silver and gold ceremonial vessels, and a golden stupa. A small Emerald Buddha image, 5 inches wide and believed to be over 1,000 years old, is also enshrined within a Rattanakosin-style mondop.

 

Another important image is Phra Chao Thong Thip Borom Satsada Anaworayan, a bronze Buddha image combining Sukhothai and Lanna artistic styles in a distinctly Nan form. Wat Klang also has a museum hall for ancient Buddha images and Buddhist artifacts, making the temple an important place for cultural learning in Chiang Klang.

 

The Lanna-style viharn is another highlight of the temple. It enshrines a principal Lanna Buddha image, an ancient bronze Singha-style Buddha image, and 28 carved wooden Buddha images made from fragrant woods. The viharn preserves local Lanna craftsmanship and contains mural paintings depicting “Hong Hin” and the story of Nan being burned, offering valuable insight into local history and memory.

 

Luang Pho Khao is another revered Buddha image of Wat Klang. It has been the temple’s principal image since ancient times and is an example of local Lanna folk craftsmanship. The image is more than 300 years old and remains deeply respected by the local community.

 

Phra That Matchima is an important stupa created through the devotion of Khun Amorn and Khun Phuangphaka Tangbanyong as an offering to the Buddha. It enshrines several portions of Buddha relics, including some granted during the reign of King Chulalongkorn, together with a precious Buddha image made from rare black ngio wood and relics donated by devotees. The stupa is the spiritual focus of the temple’s annual relic-bathing tradition.

 

Every year on April 15, Wat Klang holds the Phra That bathing ceremony. The event includes a ritual bathing of the stupa and a procession of Buddha relics. This annual tradition is a source of pride and devotion for the people of Ban Klang, bringing the community together to express faith, gratitude, and cultural identity.

 

The atmosphere of Wat Klang is peaceful and meaningful. Visitors can pay respect to Luang Pho Sam Kasat, visit the mondop of the Buddha relics, explore the museum hall, admire the Lanna viharn, and learn about Phra That Matchima. The temple is ideal for travelers interested in Buddhist heritage, local history, and Lanna art in northern Nan.

 

Getting There is convenient via the Nan – Thung Chang route. From Chiang Klang District, continue toward Phra That Subdistrict and Ban Klang. The temple can be reached by car, motorcycle, or local transport, and it can be combined with nearby attractions such as Wat Nong Daeng, Wat Prang, Wat Phuket, and cultural sites in Pua District.

 

 

A: Wat Klang is located at No. 6, Moo 4, Phra That Subdistrict, Chiang Klang District, Nan Province.

 

A: Wat Klang was established in 1877 by Phra Khru Ba Khamphi Rot and Ok Saen Ya.

 

A: The temple was located in the middle of several surrounding villages, so it became known as Wat Klang.

 

A: Important sacred objects include Luang Pho Sam Kasat, Buddha relics, a small Emerald Buddha image, Phra Chao Thong Thip, Luang Pho Khao, and Phra That Matchima.

 

A: It is held every year on April 15, with relic bathing and a procession of Buddha relics.

 

A: It is ideal for travelers interested in Buddhist heritage, Lanna art, local history, and community traditions in Chiang Klang.

 

A: The main contact number is 054-798-702.