Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang is one of the most important ancient temples in Uttaradit Province. Located in Moo 3, Ban Thung Yang, Thung Yang Subdistrict, Laplae District, the temple is deeply respected as a sacred Buddhist site and an important historical landmark of the old Thung Yang community. Its main highlight is the Phra Borommathat stupa, which enshrines relics of the Buddha and serves as a spiritual center for local residents and pilgrims.

 

The temple is closely connected with the history of Thung Yang, an old community that existed long before the rise of the Sukhothai Kingdom. For this reason, Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang is not only a temple for worship but also a living witness to the long continuity of settlement, belief, and culture in this part of northern lower Thailand. Visitors who come here can experience both religious devotion and the atmosphere of an old community that has preserved its local identity.

 

The Phra Borommathat stupa is the heart of the temple. It is revered as a sacred stupa enshrining relics of the Buddha, making it an important destination for merit-making, prayer, and pilgrimage. Devotees often visit the stupa to pay respect, offer flowers and candles, and pray for blessings. During major Buddhist holy days such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asalha Bucha, the temple becomes especially meaningful as local people gather for religious ceremonies and acts of devotion.

 

Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang was formerly known as Wat Mahathat. This old name reflects the importance of the stupa as the spiritual center of the temple and the community. Over time, the temple became widely known as Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang, a name that directly emphasizes the sacred relic stupa and its location in the Thung Yang area. The name itself tells visitors what makes the temple spiritually significant.

 

Historically, the temple is associated with the Sukhothai period. Archaeological sources connect the temple with the reign of Phaya Lithai around 1359 CE, or approximately 1902 BE, based on references related to the Wat Pa Daeng inscription. This connection places Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang within the wider development of Buddhism in the Sukhothai cultural sphere and helps explain why the temple is considered one of the significant religious sites of Uttaradit Province.

 

The temple is also part of a local Buddhist legend involving 3 sacred sites: Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang, Wat Phra Thaen Sila At, and Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon. According to the legend, the Buddha came to the ancient land of Sutatsanapura, associated with the present-day Laplae and Thung Yang area. He left his footprint at Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon, rested on the stone seat at Wat Phra Thaen Sila At, and later stayed at Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang, where relics of the Buddha became the sacred object of veneration.

 

This legend gives the three temples a strong shared identity as a pilgrimage route. Visiting all 3 sacred sites is not simply a matter of seeing several temples in one day; it is a journey through a local Buddhist narrative that connects landscape, faith, and memory. For travelers interested in religious culture, this route is one of the most meaningful ways to understand the spiritual geography of Laplae and Thung Yang.

 

Architecturally, the Phra Borommathat stupa reflects a blend of northern Thai and Sukhothai artistic influences. Its form, base, and sacred function make it the visual and devotional center of the temple. The stupa stands with dignity within the temple grounds and gives visitors a clear sense of why this place has remained important for so long. It is both a religious monument and a symbol of the community’s long relationship with Buddhism.

 

The temple also has an old Lanna-style viharn with a three-tiered roof. Inside is the main Buddha image known as Luang Pho Prathan Thao, a Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture influenced by Chiang Saen art. This viharn adds another important layer to the temple’s heritage. It shows that Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang is not important only because of the stupa, but also because of its architectural and artistic details preserved within the temple compound.

 

Old mural paintings inside the temple are another valuable cultural feature. These murals include scenes related to the story of Sang Thong, reflecting the way temples in the past served as places of moral teaching, storytelling, and community education. Through paintings, local people could learn religious values, social ideals, and cultural narratives. For visitors today, the murals provide a meaningful connection between Buddhist space, literature, and local artistic expression.

 

Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang remains an active Buddhist temple and is currently under the care of Phra Athikan Worakun Thammathinno. It continues to serve as a place for worship, religious ceremonies, and community merit-making. The temple is not a deserted monument; it is a living sacred site where monks, local residents, and visitors continue to maintain Buddhist practice and local tradition.

 

The temple is especially important during annual ceremonies such as the bathing and robe-wrapping rituals for the Phra Borommathat stupa. These ceremonies demonstrate how the local community continues to care for the sacred stupa and express collective devotion. Such activities allow visitors to see that the temple’s heritage is not limited to ancient architecture; it continues through living practices and community participation.

 

Visitors should begin their visit by paying respect at the Phra Borommathat stupa, then continue to the Lanna-style viharn, Luang Pho Prathan Thao, and the old murals. The temple is best experienced slowly and respectfully. A visit of at least 1 hour is recommended for those who want to appreciate the sacred atmosphere, the architectural details, and the historical importance of the place.

 

Getting There is convenient by private car from Uttaradit city. Travelers can take Highway 102 toward Thung Yang Subdistrict in Laplae District. The temple is located within Ban Thung Yang and is not far from the main road. It can also be included in a cycling route for travelers who enjoy historical and cultural routes near Uttaradit city.

 

Travelers without a private vehicle can use local hired transport from Uttaradit city to Thung Yang Subdistrict. Those who wish to visit the 3 sacred Buddhist sites in one day may find it more convenient to hire a vehicle, as this allows enough time to stop at Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang, Wat Phra Thaen Sila At, and Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon without rushing.

 

Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang can be combined with nearby attractions such as Thung Yang Market, Laplae Gate, and local attractions in Laplae District. This makes the temple a suitable destination for a half-day or full-day cultural trip. Visitors can pay respect at the stupa, explore the old viharn, learn about the legend of the 3 sacred sites, and continue to experience the food and community life of Laplae.

 

Visitors should dress modestly, speak quietly, and respect monks, local worshippers, and sacred spaces. When photographing the stupa, viharn, or murals, visitors should avoid disturbing people who are praying and should not touch ancient objects or painted surfaces. Since the temple is both a sacred Buddhist site and a place of historical value, responsible behavior helps preserve its atmosphere and heritage.

 

For families, students, and cultural travelers, Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang is an excellent place to learn about Buddhist relic worship, Sukhothai-period connections, Lanna-style architecture, mural painting, and the role of temples in local communities. The temple allows visitors to see history not as something distant, but as something still present in religious practice, architecture, and local memory.

 

Overall, Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang is one of the most meaningful temples to visit in Uttaradit Province. It brings together sacred relic worship, ancient architecture, local legend, community faith, and historical continuity. For travelers seeking a spiritual and cultural destination in northern lower Thailand, this temple is a place that should not be missed.

 

 

A: Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang is located in Moo 3, Ban Thung Yang, Thung Yang Subdistrict, Laplae District, Uttaradit Province.

 

A: It is an ancient temple of Thung Yang with a sacred stupa enshrining Buddha relics and is one of the 3 sacred Buddhist sites connected with local Buddhist legend.

 

A: The temple was formerly known as Wat Mahathat before becoming widely known as Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang.

 

A: Visitors can see the Phra Borommathat stupa, Lanna-style viharn, Luang Pho Prathan Thao, old mural paintings, and community worship areas.

 

A: The abbot is Phra Athikan Worakun Thammathinno.

 

A: The temple is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: Travelers can drive from Uttaradit city via Highway 102 toward Thung Yang Subdistrict in Laplae District, or use local hired transport from Uttaradit city.

 

A: Nearby places include Wat Phra Thaen Sila At, Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon, Thung Yang Market, Laplae Gate, and Laplae Museum.