Rating: 4.5/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00–17.00

 

Wat Phra Borommathat Saen Hai is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Wiang Haeng District, Chiang Mai. Locals regard it as the district’s sacred stupa and a long-standing spiritual center for the surrounding communities. The temple’s most distinctive feature is the main stupa, which today appears in an octagonal form. Its overall design reflects a blended aesthetic—Shan/Burmese influence combined with Lanna sensibilities—resulting in a structure that feels both borderland-grand and delicately Northern Thai at the same time.

 

According to local belief, Phra Borommathat Saen Hai was established as far back as the Buddha’s era, though a major restoration took place in 1914. During that restoration, a larger new structure was built over the older, smaller stupa, creating the octagonal form seen today. This narrative makes a visit here more than just architectural appreciation—it is a chance to “touch layered time” through faith that has been carried forward across many eras.

 

Another compelling layer is the belief connecting Wiang Haeng to the historical military route of King Naresuan the Great. It is hypothesized that after assembling troops at Mueang Ngai in 1604, the King may have paused his army in the Wiang Haeng area, which is known for a city moat stretching more than 2 kilometers. Local stories also claim that a water well was created for royal use and for war elephants near the front of the hill where the stupa stands. Villagers still call it “Bo Nam Chang” (Elephant Well). This kind of tradition turns a walk around the stupa into an encounter with a broader “historical landscape,” not only a sacred space.

 

For visitors interested in living culture, the temple’s most important annual tradition is the stupa bathing ceremony, held on the 15th waxing moon of the 6th northern lunar month each year. This is when the temple becomes especially vibrant, and the ritual clearly reflects the community’s deep-rooted devotion. If you want to experience the temple’s role as a true community center, planning a visit around this period is highly worthwhile.

 

Getting There By car, travel from Ban Mueang Ngai toward Saen Hai/Wiang Haeng via the route connecting to Wiang Haeng District. The distance is approximately 55 kilometers (it is recommended to allow extra travel time and check road conditions by season). Upon arrival, visitors can park and walk up to pay respects at the sacred stupa.

 

 

A: Yes. It is open daily, with recommended visiting hours from 08.00–17.00.

 

A: The highlight is the octagonal sacred stupa and the craftsmanship that blends Shan/Burmese influence with Lanna aesthetics.

 

A: It is traditionally held on the 15th waxing moon of the 6th northern lunar month each year.

 

A: The driving distance is approximately 55 kilometers (it is recommended to allow extra travel time and check seasonal road conditions).

 

A: You can call 053-248-604 or 053-248-607.