Wat Doi Mae Pang is one of the most famous forest meditation temples in Chiang Mai Province, nestled amidst serene forests in Mae Pang Sub-district, Phrao District. It is a place where Buddhists from across the country travel to pay their respects with deep faith, as it was where Luang Pu Waen Sujinno, a virtuous Arahant of the forest meditation tradition (Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatta's lineage), resided and propagated the Dhamma for decades until his passing in 1985 CE.

Originally a small monastic retreat, the area was later developed into a complete forest temple. Luang Pu Waen participated in the temple's restoration and instilled a simple approach to meditation practice, emphasizing tranquility, diligence, and mindfulness. This transformed Wat Doi Mae Pang into a spiritual center for his disciples and seekers of Dhamma nationwide, making it a historically significant site within the forest tradition of Buddhism.

Within the temple, there are several important sites, including the Luang Pu Waen Atthaborikhan Museum, which comprehensively collects Luang Pu Waen's personal effects, belongings, photographs, documents, and biography. This allows visitors to learn deeply about his history and meditation practices.

Another spot frequently visited by devotees is Luang Pu Waen's Kuti, the original wooden dwelling where he resided and meditated. Its interior is well-preserved, reflecting the simple, austere lifestyle and profound monastic practices of the forest tradition. Additionally, there is the Chedi (stupa) containing Luang Pu Waen's relics, the Ubosot (ordination hall), the Vihara (assembly hall), meditation halls, and the surrounding forest area which is perfectly preserved.

The temple's atmosphere is filled with lush trees, offering shade, tranquility, and fresh air, making it ideal for sitting meditation, walking meditation, listening to Dhamma, and practicing throughout the year. Visitors will truly experience the peace of a forest temple. It is also a place to study the way of the forest meditation monks and Buddhist principles for living, which emphasize simplicity, non-attachment, and mental development.

Currently, Wat Doi Mae Pang continues to be a site for religious ceremonies, meditation activities on important Buddhist days, and welcomes Buddhists, meditation practitioners, and tourists who wish to experience the peaceful beauty of a forest temple and learn about the history of a revered Arahant of Thailand.

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How to Get There

• From Chiang Mai city, take Highway 1001 (Chiang Mai–Phrao) heading towards Phrao District for approximately 75 kilometers. Upon reaching Mae Pang Sub-district, you will find a Wat Doi Mae Pang sign along the highway. Then, turn into the soi (alley) for about 1–2 kilometers to reach the temple. The road is paved all the way, accessible by private car, van, and bus, with ample parking for visitors.

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Travel Tips

• Dress modestly and maintain quietness, as it is a forest temple where monks practice meditation.

• It is recommended to visit the museum and Luang Pu Waen's kuti to learn about his history and meditation practices.

• If you wish to meditate or explore the temple, choose the morning or evening when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.

• You can extend your trip to nearby attractions such as Tat Mok Waterfall, Royal Project Pa Miang, and other sights in Phrao District.

• Consider making donations according to your faith to support the temple's maintenance and Buddhist activities.

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Admission Fee:

• Free entry (donations to support the temple are welcome according to your faith)

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 08:00 – 17:00