Wat Chaiyamat

Open Days: Every day

Opening Hours: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Wat Chaiyamat is a historic temple in Wiang Thong Subdistrict, Sung Men District, Phrae Province. It remains important today both as a community temple and as the spiritual home of Phra That Sali Chaiya, a revered stupa built in the northern Lanna architectural tradition. For travelers interested in Phrae beyond the province’s better-known landmarks, this temple offers a quieter but more intimate experience of local faith, village identity, and Buddhist heritage.

 

The temple’s most distinctive landmark is Phra That Sali Chaiya. Construction began on 5 December 2001, using a northern Thai Lanna architectural design. The stupa measures 8 meters in width and rises 12 meters from the base to the golden top. These proportions give the structure a graceful, elegant form. Even though it is not monumental in size, it has a strong visual presence and stands out clearly as the spiritual centerpiece of the temple grounds.

 

According to the information you provided, the construction was led under the patronage of Kruba Somjit Jittakutto of Wat Salaeng. The work continued for about 3 years until completion. On the full moon day of 15 May 2003, relics of the Buddha and sacred amulets were enshrined in the top of the chedi. This act transformed the structure from an architectural monument into a fully consecrated sacred site with deep devotional meaning.

 

What gives Phra That Sali Chaiya particular importance is the role it plays in community life. The temple and local residents agreed that Visakha Bucha Day each year would be the main occasion for Buddhist ceremonies and the annual worship festival of the stupa. Because of this, the stupa is not simply admired for its appearance. It functions as a living religious center for villagers and for people throughout Wiang Thong Subdistrict.

 

Wat Chaiyamat itself also has a much older history. Local educational records state that the temple dates back to around 1830 and received its official boundary charter, or wisungkhamasima, on 17 July 1987. The temple once had a larger area, but over time erosion from the Yom River reduced the land considerably. This background adds another layer of interest to the site, showing how the temple has endured environmental change while remaining central to the community. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

 

The atmosphere here is one of the temple’s strongest qualities. Wat Chaiyamat feels very much like a real village temple rather than a heavily commercialized tourist stop. Visitors can expect a peaceful setting, a slower rhythm, and a stronger sense of connection to the everyday life of local residents. This makes the temple particularly rewarding for travelers who prefer places with depth and authenticity over crowded landmark-style destinations.

 

In artistic terms, Phra That Sali Chaiya reflects the visual language of northern Thai Buddhist architecture. Its Lanna form, balanced proportions, and gold-topped silhouette create a sacred monument that is both refined and approachable. Cultural travelers interested in regional temple design will find it notable as a relatively modern structure that still expresses traditional northern aesthetics in a deliberate and respectful way.

 

Wat Chaiyamat also remains active in present-day religious and community life. Publicly available reports from 2025 show the temple continuing to host Buddhist merit-making and community-related events. That continuity matters for travelers because it confirms that the temple is not simply historically important but still fully woven into local life today. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

 

Current local records identify Phra Khru Wichan Thammaphiwat as the abbot of Wat Chaiyamat and also a local ecclesiastical leader for Wiang Thong. This reinforces the temple’s role not only as a worship site but also as an important Buddhist institution within the wider subdistrict. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

 

For travel planning, Wat Chaiyamat works especially well as part of a temple route through Sung Men District and nearby areas. It can be combined with visits to Wat Phothi Sunthon, Wat Si Dok, Wat Sung Men, or Wat Phra Luang. In this kind of itinerary, Wat Chaiyamat adds a quieter and more community-rooted dimension, helping visitors understand Phrae through its smaller but deeply meaningful sacred sites.

 

Getting There is easiest by private car. From Phrae town, head toward Sung Men District and continue into Wiang Thong Subdistrict. The temple is located at house number 104, Moo 1, Wiang Thong. Visitors relying on public transport should first reach Phrae town or Sung Men and then continue by local ride or hired vehicle, as the temple is better suited to independent road travel than direct public transit access. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

 

Overall, Wat Chaiyamat and Phra That Sali Chaiya offer a rich combination of devotion, architecture, local memory, and living tradition. For anyone seeking a more meaningful temple visit in Phrae, this is a destination that rewards careful attention and a slower pace of travel.

 

 

A: Wat Chaiyamat is located at 104 Moo 1, Wiang Thong Subdistrict, Sung Men District, Phrae Province.

 

A: The temple’s main highlight is Phra That Sali Chaiya, a Lanna-style stupa that enshrines Buddha relics and sacred objects.

 

A: Construction began on 5 December 2001 and took about 3 years to complete.

 

A: It serves as a spiritual center for villagers and for people across Wiang Thong Subdistrict, especially during the annual Visakha Bucha worship festival.

 

A: Yes. The temple continues to host religious and community activities.

 

A: It is listed as open every day from 08.00 to 17.00.