The Wat Phan Tao is one of the older temples of Chiang Mai found in the old walled center of the city. The first structures were likely built towards the end of the 14th century.
Wat Phan Tao, meaning “temple of a thousand kilns”, probably derives its name from the ovens used to cast Buddha images for another temple, the Wat Chedi Luang, which is immediately next to the Wat Phan Tao.
The viharn of the Wat Phan Tao was originally a Ho Kham, a throne hall for one of Chiang Mai’s Kings built in 1846. After a new King ascended the throne, the Palace Hall was most likely torn down to make way for a new Palace building. The wooden panels of the old structure were used to build the viharn of the Wat Phan Tao in the year 1876.
The teak wood viharn
The viharn is an all wooden building constructed from teak panels set on a stone base. It is one of the few remaining all wooden structures of its sort in Chiang Mai. It has a three tiered roof with golden colored chofahs (roof finials) shaped as stylized Naga snakes on its roof ends.
The front facade of the viharn is particularly beautiful. The gilded pelmet over the entrance show intricately carved Lanna flower motifs. Over the pelmet is a gilded carving of a peacock over a crouching dog. Naga serpents and other mythological figures are also depicted. Both the pelmet and the peacock carving are gilded and inlaid with colorful mosaic glass. The dog in the motif represents the Zodiac figure of the Chiang Mai King who originally used the building as a Palace.
Teak wooden viharn of the Wat Phan Tao temple in Chiang Mai.
Inside the viharn large red painted teak pillars support the building. Long woven banners hang from the ceiling. Opposite the entrance is a large golden sitting Buddha, the Wat Phan Tao’s principal Buddha image. The interior of the viharn contains several interesting items. Among them are a number of old wooden boxes decorated with gold leaf containing old Dhamma texts. These are the Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves. On the left hand side is an ornately carved wooden Ku, a Buddha throne used to enshrine important Buddha images.
Other structures of the temple
The Wat Phan Tao temple complex also contains a large white chedi, a small bell tower and the monks private living quarters, or kuti. A small garden features a lineup of bells. A number of Burmese style lions (Singha in Thai language) on the outer wall guard the temple complex. A heavily decorated gate provides access to the temple grounds.
Gilded pelmet on the viharn of the Wat Phan Tao .
How to get to the Wat Phan Tao
The Wat Phan Tao is located close to the center of the old walled part of Chiang Mai just South of Ratchadamnoen road. The main entrance is on Phra Pok Klao road that runs North to South through the old city. The temple is located directly next to the better known Wat Chedi Luang. You can get there by tuk-tuk (agree on the price before leaving) or by rented bicycle.
Entrance fee & opening hours
The temple grounds are open from 6 am until 5 pm. Admission is free.