Chiang Nga Temple is a religious site of significant historical and anthropological value, located in Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province. It is believed to have been established around 1832 during the reign of King Rama III by the Tai Phuan people who migrated from Xieng Khouang, Laos. The name of the temple and the area, “Chiang Nga,” was adopted from their original homeland as a memorial and a reminder of their ancestral roots.

The most prominent architectural feature of the temple is the main bell-shaped chedi, located to the south of the ordination hall. This chedi is unique as it is a replica of That Phun (or That Poon), a sacred relic highly revered by the Tai Phuan people in Xieng Khouang. Architecturally, the chedi is constructed of brick and mortar, with a lotus-shaped base in a recessed plan. The rounded bell is decorated with a lotus neck molding, while the spire consists of tiered miniature chedis. This structure serves as important evidence of the transmission of artistic traditions from the Lan Xang Kingdom to the Chao Phraya River basin.

The temple grounds are spacious and shaded, filled with large trees that create a cool and peaceful atmosphere. Chiang Nga Temple also functions as a community center, featuring local shops and a relaxation area by the pond. Visitors can experience the quiet and distinctive lifestyle of the Tai Phuan community, including their language, cuisine, and traditional attire, especially the famous Ban Mi handwoven textiles.

For those interested in cultural tourism, Chiang Nga Temple offers valuable insight into the cultural migration of ethnic groups within Thailand. Walking among the ancient chedi while gentle breezes flow across the rice fields and Tai Phuan villages is a simple yet deeply meaningful experience, reflecting the enduring faith that the Tai Phuan people have carried with them across great distances.

Chiang Nga Temple is therefore a worthy destination for visitors seeking to explore history and cultural heritage. It provides an opportunity to understand the roots and identity of the Tai Phuan community of Ban Mi, a land where ancient beliefs and traditions continue to be gracefully preserved to this day.

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How to Get There

Private Car:

• From Lopburi city, take Highway 311 (towards Tha Wung), then turn right onto Highway 3028 towards Ban Mi District. Once in Chiang Nga Subdistrict, the temple is located near the local community area.

Public Transport:

• Take a Lopburi-Ban Mi bus to Ban Mi District, then use a local songthaew or motorcycle taxi to reach Chiang Nga Subdistrict.

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Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit:

• Morning is the best time to see the beauty of the main pagoda under soft sunlight and observe the morning activities of the locals.

Activities:

• After paying respects, take a walk around the village to see the traditional "Mud Mee" silk weaving, a wisdom passed down through generations of Thai Puan people.

Etiquette:

• Dress modestly and ask for permission before taking photos of local houses or personal daily activities.

Souvenirs:

• Do not miss buying hand-woven Mud Mee silk and local Thai Puan delicacies from the area.

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Admission Fee

• Thai Visitors: Free

• Foreign Visitors: Free

Opening Hours

• Open daily from 07:00 – 17:00.