Wat Phra That Pha Ngao

Wat Phra That Pha Ngao in Chiang Saen District is an important ancient temple in Chiang Rai Province. Its name comes from “Phra That Pha Ngao” located in the temple grounds, which is situated on top of a large rock. The word “Pha Ngao” means the shadow of a cliff or a large rock that looks like a pagoda and provides good shade. Therefore, the locals call it Phra That Pha Ngao. It is believed that this pagoda was built between 494-512 CE by Khun Pha Ping, the 23rd ruler of Yonok. On March 17, 1976 at 2:00 PM, when the devotees had finished clearing the area, everyone was excited and delighted when they found a very beautiful Buddha statue. Antiquities experts analyzed that this Buddha statue was between 700-1,300 years old. The entire group therefore named this Buddha statue “Luang Pho Pha Ngao” and changed the name of the temple to “Wat Phra That Pha Ngao” from then on. (Wikipedia) Apart from Phra That Pha Ngao, there are many other interesting places in the temple, such as the Chedi Chet Yot and Chedi Chom Chan. The temple is the place where the Buddha image, Luang Pho Pha Ngao, Phra That Phutthanimit and the Phra That Pha Ngao archway are enshrined, which have very beautiful patterns. Wat Phra That Pha Ngao is located on the bank of the Mekong River on the west side, opposite Laos, in Ban Sop Kham, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Chiang Saen, approximately 3 kilometers south of Chiang Saen District or approximately 15 kilometers from the Golden Triangle. It has a total area of ​​743 rai. Most of the area is small hills, stretching down from Ban Doi Champi, passing Ban Doi Chan and ending at Ban Sop Kham. Previously, this hill was called “Doi Chan”. Later, the villagers called it “Doi Chan”.