Wat Phothikhun is located on a hillside with a shaded, cool atmosphere, ideal for worship and meditation. The temple is distinguished by its large plaster Buddha statues, Luang Pho To and Luang Pho Dam, which visitors often pay respects to for safe travels and blessings.

The temple was founded in 1979 (B.E. 2522) by villagers of Mae Pa, who wanted to establish a forest-dwelling (Aranyavasi) temple after two meditation monks came to teach Dhamma in the area. Villagers donated forest land to build the temple. Later, official permission to use the land was granted by the Ministry of Education in 1985 (B.E. 2528), and the temple received the royal boundary marker (Visungkammasima) in 1988 (B.E. 2531).

Key attractions within the temple:

• Three-story temple: The basement serves as a Dhamma classroom and activity space. The middle floor is a hall decorated with wooden carvings and the main Buddha statue in Kanthararas style, used for merit-making events like a sermon hall. The top floor houses the main ordination hall (Ubosot) with the principal Buddha in Maravichai posture, beautifully decorated with wooden carvings inside and out.

• Shaded atmosphere: The temple grounds are spacious and cool, perfect for meditation and relaxation.

• Key activities: Visitors can pay respects to Luang Pho To and Luang Pho Dam, participate in annual merit-making events, and join religious ceremonies during festivals.

• Merit-making and religious ceremonies: Important events throughout the year include Kathin ceremony, Buddhist Lent celebration, alms-giving, and year-end chanting. Visitors can experience local traditions and religious devotion firsthand.

• History and community faith: The temple reflects villagers’ unity and devotion in building a hillside temple despite limited flat land, resulting in a fully functional and beautifully designed complex.

Wat Phothikhun is a complete cultural and religious destination offering architecture, history, merit-making, and activities for both tourists and pilgrims.

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How to Get There

By Car:

• Take Highway 12 (Tak–Mae Sot) toward Mae Sot city. Wat Phothikhun is located on a hillside about 5–10 minutes past Nern Phisawong.

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Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid strong sunlight.

• Dress code: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

• Continuous sightseeing: Can be visited together with Nern Phisawong and the Shrine of Khun Sam Chon.

• Join local merit-making: Visiting during festival periods allows tourists to experience local traditions and culture.

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Admission Fee:

• Free of charge

Opening Hours:

• Open daily

• Visiting hours (approx.): 08:00 – 17:00