“Wat Phra That Khing Kaeng features a Lanna-style bell-shaped stupa measuring 15 m wide and 20 m high, adorned with Buddha images in glass-enclosed niches and colored glass. Surrounded by a cloister wall and four smaller pagodas, it is a sacred site for worship and local festivals.”
Wat Phra That Khing Kaeng is located on Khing Kaeng Hill in Khing Kaeng village, Jun District, Phayao. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the village, rice fields, and surrounding mountains, making the temple a religious and cultural hub of the community.
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The surrounding area is a traditional village, highlighting the temple’s role in religion, culture, and society.
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The hilltop location offers cool breezes and comfortable air, ideal for worship, meditation, or nature walks.
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Visitors can explore walking paths around the hill to experience nature, local life, and scenic photography.
History
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Wat Phra That Khing Kaeng is over 500 years old and one of Phayao’s important historical sites.
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Its name is tied to local legends and beliefs about the sacred stupa.
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The temple has undergone several restorations to preserve Lanna-style architecture and ancient design.
Stupa and Architecture
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The Phra That Khing Kaeng stupa is a large bell-shaped Lanna pagoda, 15 m wide and 20 m high.
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Adorned with Buddha images in glass niches on all four sides and colored glass at the midsection.
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Surrounded by a cloister wall and four smaller pagodas.
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Temple halls and shrines feature ancient Lanna stucco and wood carvings.
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The serene and shaded environment is ideal for worship and photography.
Religious Activities and Festivals
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The temple hosts the annual Phra That worship festival during the full moon of the eighth lunar month (Visakha month).
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Activities include religious ceremonies, candlelight processions, stupa worship, and traditional cultural performances.
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On important Buddhist days, such as Magha Puja and Visakha Puja, locals gather for blessings.
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The temple also offers group chanting and Dhamma teachings for visitors interested in Buddhist practice.
Visitor Experience / Scenic Spots
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Climb Khing Kaeng Hill to enjoy views of Khing Kaeng village and surrounding landscapes.
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Early mornings and evenings are ideal for viewing and photography.
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Different seasons provide varied scenery: lush greenery in the rainy season and light mist in the winter.
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Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture and nature around the village.
Facilities
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Seating areas and shaded spots are available.
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Walkways and stairs provide access to the stupa and scenic viewpoints.
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Suitable for visitors of all ages.
How to Get There
By private car:
- From Chanthaburi town, take the main road to Khing Kaeng Village, following the signs for Wat Phra That Khing Kaeng. The distance is approximately 5–7 km. The drive takes approximately 10–15 minutes. There is parking available for visitors at the temple.
By public transport/songthaew:
- From Chanthaburi town, take a songthaew or motorcycle taxi to Khing Kaeng Village. Get off at the foot of the mountain, then walk uphill for about 200–300 meters to the temple.
Travel Tips
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Pay respects at the stupa for good fortune.
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Visit during the annual Phra That worship festival to experience local culture.
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Dress modestly and respect the sacred site.
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Mornings and evenings are ideal for sightseeing.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the temple and hill.
Admission Fee:
- Free of charge
Opening Hours:
- Open daily: 06:00 – 18:00