Wat Phan Tao is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai's old city. Its construction began in the late 14th century. Wat Phan Tao means "Temple of a Thousand Kilns." This name likely stems from the fact that Buddha statues were cast here for the neighboring Wat Chedi Luang. The viharn (parish hall) is built entirely of teak wood panels and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings of its kind. Erected in 1846, it originally served as the Ho Kham, a throne room for one of the kings of Chiang Mai. It stood on stilts, which were removed in 1876 during renovations and the building's conversion into a monastery. This is the most interesting feature of Wat Phan Tao, which also houses a chedi (monastery). The front of the viharn is particularly beautiful. The golden band at the entrance is decorated with floral motifs from the Lanna culture. Above the cornice is a golden peacock sculpture surmounting a crouching dog. The dog is the astrological sign of the birth year of the King of Chiang Mai, who used the building as a palace.

Free admission. Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

This temple is located in Chiang Mai's fortified central square, which is surrounded by moats. If your hotel is also in this area or very close by, you can easily reach Wat Phan Tao on foot or by bicycle (many hotels and guesthouses rent bicycles, and there are also several rental shops in the city; the cost is usually around 50 THB per day). Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk or hop into one of the cars that operate in the city after stating your destination.

Wat Pan Tao is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do I get to Wat Phan Tao? This temple is located in Chiang Mai's fortified central square, which is surrounded by moats. If your hotel is also in this area or very close by, you can easily reach Wat Phan Tao on foot or by bicycle (many hotels and guesthouses rent bicycles, and there are also several rental shops in the city; the cost is usually around 50 THB per day). Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk or hop into one of the cars that operate in the city after stating your destination.