Wat Phan Tao is an ancient temple located in the heart of Chiang Mai. Its history is closely related to Wat Chedi Luang, which is adjacent to it. Originally, locals called it "Wat Pan Tao" or "Wat Phan Tao," which may refer to the belief that making a single merit here grants a thousandfold blessing, or because it was the site of hundreds to thousands of Buddha-casting kilns in the past.

Ho Kham Luang Viharn: Teakwood Masterpiece

The most prominent feature of Wat Phan Tao is the Ho Kham Luang Viharn (formerly called Ho Kham).

• History: The building was not originally constructed as a viharn, but was the Ho Kham (royal residence) of Phra Chao Mahotrathabhat, the 5th ruler of Chiang Mai.

• Construction: During the reign of Phra Chao Inthawichayanon (the 7th ruler), the old Ho Kham was dismantled and rebuilt at this temple in 1876 (B.E. 2419) as a viharn.

• Architecture: The viharn is made entirely of teakwood in Lanna-Chiang Saen style, featuring intricately carved gable decorations (doorway arches) and wall panels. It is an enclosed building with a multi-tiered roof, representing one of the oldest and best-preserved examples of Lanna wooden architecture.

Sacred Objects and Antiquities

• Phra Chao Pan Tao: A Lanna-style Buddha in the Maravichai posture, enshrined as the principal image within the viharn.

• Ancient Dhammasan: Built alongside the principal Buddha in 1873 (B.E. 2416), this intricately carved wooden platform exemplifies traditional Lanna craftsmanship.

• Chedi: Behind the viharn stands the temple’s main chedi, a bell-shaped stupa on an octagonal base.

car/red songthaew:

• The temple is on Phra Pok Klao Road in the old city, next to Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan, and can be easily reached on foot from Tha Phae Sunday Walking Street (Ratchadamnoen Road).

• Photography: The teakwood viharn is especially beautiful in the morning, and during important festivals (such as Loy Krathong) the temple is decorated with stunning lanterns.

• Sundays: Wat Phan Tao is a convenient stop with food stalls and massage services during Tha Phae Sunday Walking Street.

Admission Fee:

• Free

Opening Hours:

• Open daily, 06:00 – 18:00 (on Sundays, may be open until 22:00 – 23:00 to accommodate the walking street)