Phayao Temple is a temple of great significance in terms of both Buddhist art and local community history. The temple’s name was established in remembrance of the Tai Yuan ancestors who migrated from Phayao in northern Thailand during the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin period. As a result, the surrounding community has preserved its Tai Yuan language, traditions, and cultural identity remarkably well. The temple is peacefully located along the Pa Sak River, creating a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere that has long served as a focal point of faith for local residents.

The most important attraction of the temple is Phra Phuttha Ratchasuwannamongkol, affectionately known by villagers as “Luang Pho Thong Kham” (the Golden Buddha), which is enshrined in a four-sided pavilion (Sala Chatumuk). This Buddha image dates back to the late Ayutthaya period and is admired for its graceful proportions and refined artistic features. In the past, the statue was covered with plaster, lacquer, and gold leaf to conceal it from enemies during times of war. Later, the plaster layer naturally deteriorated, revealing the brilliant golden surface beneath.

Scholarly examination has shown that the Buddha image contains approximately 70 percent gold alloy, giving it exceptional artistic and historical value. It is regarded as one of the most precious golden Buddha images in Saraburi Province. The sacred reputation of Luang Pho Thong Kham has made Wat Phayao a revered pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from nearby areas who come to pay respect and seek blessings.

In addition to the golden Buddha image, the temple also houses an ordination hall more than a century old, which still retains its dignified traditional architectural style. Although Wat Phayao is not a large temple, it is rich in stories, collective memories, and the spiritual heritage of the Tai Yuan community. Visitors can observe the simple riverside way of life and the deep-rooted connection between the community and Buddhism.

A walk around Phayao Temple reveals a harmonious blend of northern and central Thai cultures, reflected through architecture, beliefs, and Buddhist practices. For merit-making travelers and history enthusiasts, Phayao Temple is truly a “hidden gem of Sao Hai District.” Paying homage to Luang Pho Thong Kham is not only an act of devotion for good fortune, but also an opportunity to appreciate the wisdom and determination of past generations who safeguarded sacred objects through times of conflict, ensuring that their faith has been passed down to the present day.