Wat Si Khom Kham has records of its first abbot in legend as Phra Thammapal (author of the Phra Chao Ton Luang chronicle) and has existed since ancient times, though it became abandoned during wartime.

Phra Chao Ton Luang
It is a gilded stucco Buddha in the Chiang Saen style, constructed between 1491–1524 BE (P.S. 2034–2067) during the reign of Phaya Yot Chiang Rai. It measures 14 meters wide and 16 meters tall and is highly revered.

Historic Restoration (1922 BE / P.S. 2465)
After the old viharn deteriorated, Phraya Prathet Udon Thit, the former ruler of Phayao, together with monks and local people, invited Kruba Srivichai, a Lanna saint from Wat Ban Pang, Lamphun, to lead the restoration.
Kruba Srivichai started dismantling the old viharn on December 28, 1922, and laid the foundation stone on January 6, 1923.
The construction of major structures, including the main viharn, ubosot, and Sala Bat, was completed within one year at a cost of 113,000 rupees, followed by a one-month celebration in March 1924.

Ubosot on the Water
The new ubosot is located by Kwan Phayao, designed in Lanna-style architecture by Niyom Sitthahan and Jinda Sahasom.
The murals were painted by Angkarn Kalyanapong and Tawan Suwannakut.

Important Festival
Pae Peng Festival, the annual worship of Phra Chao Ton Luang, is held in the sixth month of the lunar calendar (around May, coinciding with Visakha Bucha Day).

Private Car:

• Located on Phahonyothin Road (Highway 1), about 1 km north of the city center with convenient parking.

Local Transport:

• Take a songthaew (red truck) or motorcycle taxi from Phayao Bus Terminal (approx. 14.9 km, 24 minutes) or from the city center.

Recommended Visiting Time

• During the Pae Peng Festival if you wish to join the major merit-making event.

• Evening: The area by the lake is the best spot to watch a beautiful sunset.

Preparation Tips

• Dress Code: As a royal monastery, visitors should wear modest clothing.

Admission/Fees:

• Free of charge

Opening Hours:

• Open for worship from 07:00–18:30