Wat Sri Chom Rueang, locally called Wat Chom Rueang or Wat Chong Kham, is a historic civilian temple located on a low hill west of Phayao city. Originally, the area was overgrown forest, with only the pagoda base, ubosot, ordination hall, and surrounding walls on the hilltop, covering approximately 23 rai.

Around 1899 (B.E. 2442), political changes caused many locals to migrate to Lampang. By 1904 (B.E. 2447), returning Tai Yai (Shan) settlers helped restore the temple. Key community leaders, including Chong Mu Krong, Chong Song Kham, Chong Song Oang, Chong Gu, Lung Lai Kham, and Lung Ma, led the reconstruction and invited Burmese monks from Lampang. This established the temple as a religious and cultural center for the Tai Yai community in Phayao.

The temple’s main gate is intricately decorated in Tai Yai style. Inside, there is a sermon hall and a Guan Yin monument. The ubosot and vihara are combined in one building, housing a beautiful Lanna-style gilded Buddha image. Walls are decorated with small reflective mirrors, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere. Roofs and wood carvings feature Hamsa birds and deities, showcasing local craftsmanship inherited from Lampang artisans.

Behind the ubosot stands the Shwedagon replica pagoda, 20 meters wide and 36 meters high, completed in 2014 (B.E. 2557). The golden pagoda combines Burmese–Tai Yai styles, inspired by the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar, and is a prominent landmark of Phayao, visible from afar. It also offers panoramic views of Kwan Phayao Lake and parts of the city, especially during sunrise and sunset when the sunlight reflects off the golden pagoda.

Wat Sri Chom Rueang also hosts traditional Tai Yai ceremonies. Every March, the “Tan Khan Khao” festival is held along with candlelight processions on important Buddhist days, where locals wear traditional Tai Yai attire. Today, Wat Sri Chom Rueang remains both a religious site and a cultural hub for the Tai Yai community, preserving customs and traditions in their authentic form.

Private car:

• From Phayao city, take the Phayao–Ngaw Super Highway west and turn left into the temple road. Parking is available. Travel time: 10–15 minutes.

Taxi / Tuk-tuk / Songthaew:

• Hire a vehicle from the city and ask for Wat Sri Chom Rueang, 5–6 km away. Parking is available at the temple.

Public transportation:

• Take a songthaew (shared pickup) on the Phayao–Kwan Phayao route. Get off at the temple entrance and walk up the hill for 5–10 minutes.

• Best visiting times: morning or late afternoon for golden pagoda sunlight.

• Dress respectfully according to temple rules.

• Allocate 1–2 hours to explore the ubosot and pagoda.

• Bring water and wear comfortable shoes for the hill.

• Top photo spots: in front of the ubosot and behind the golden pagoda.

Admission Fee:

• Free of charge

Opening Hours:

• Daily: 06:00–17:00