Wat Chai Mongkhon (Wat Chong Kha) is one of the historic Burmese temples located in the center of Lampang. The temple reflects the strong cultural influence of the Burmese community that settled in Lampang during the teak logging boom, when British and Burmese companies operated large concessions in northern Thailand.

From Thatched Roof to Teak Sanctuary:

The temple is locally known as “Wat Chong Kha.” In Burmese, “Chong” means temple and “Kha” refers to thatch grass, indicating that the original temple was once roofed with thatch. Over time, the structure was rebuilt using golden teak wood, transforming it into the elegant temple that visitors admire today.

A Mandalay Heavenly Pavilion:

The main highlight of the temple is the elevated teakwood viharn, designed in classic Burmese architectural style. The roof features a multi-tiered spire known as the “Pyatthat,” symbolizing Mount Meru and the heavenly realms in Burmese cosmology. Surrounding the roof edges are beautiful golden metal fretworks and decorative panels, which sparkle when sunlight reflects on them.

Cross-Border Buddhist Art:

Inside the viharn are several Burmese-style Buddha images brought from Mandalay. The Buddha statues have serene and compassionate facial expressions and are decorated with royal ornaments, crowns, and robes adorned with colored glass and precious metal elements. The dim natural light within the teakwood hall, combined with the subtle scent of aged wood, creates a peaceful and mystical atmosphere for visitors and worshippers.

Today, Wat Chai Mongkhon stands as one of the finest Burmese-style temples in Lampang, preserving the architectural heritage and cultural exchange between Thailand and Myanmar during the historic teak trade era.

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How to Get There

• By Car: The temple is located on Sanambin Road in central Lampang, near Wat Pa Fang and directly opposite Boonyawat Witthayalai School. Visitors can conveniently park inside the temple grounds.

• Horse Carriage: Wat Chai Mongkhon is a popular stop on the traditional Lampang horse carriage city tour, where drivers often recommend visitors to admire the temple’s beautiful teak architecture.

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Travel Tips

• Best Photo Time: Around 3:00 – 4:30 PM, when sunlight illuminates the temple façade and highlights the intricate metal carvings.

• Walk Gently: The viharn is an old wooden structure raised above ground, so visitors should walk carefully and quietly.

• Nearby Attraction: You can easily walk to Wat Pa Fang, another Burmese-style temple located nearby.

• Photography Spot: The front courtyard offers the best angle to capture the multi-tiered roof and decorative details.

• Dress Respectfully: Wear modest clothing suitable for visiting a Buddhist temple.

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Admission Fee:

• Free admission

Opening Hours:

• Open daily: 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM