Wat Phra That Pha Ngao, Amphon Chiang Saen

Around one hour drive from Chiang Rai is this sacred wat. On top of the hill where the wat is situated is a large white chedi (Phra Boroma That Puttha Nimit Chedi). It is fairly a new construction, built in 1980's so is not that significant.

Before visiting the main attraction of this place--- a chedi on top of large boulder and also the remnants of Sukhothai art influenced image of Buddha, we decided to go to hilltop to see Phra Boromma That Phutta Nimit Chedi.

view of chedi

the above information says that Buddha's relics are kept here

Laos on the other side with white buildings in background. Mekong, which separates Thailand and Laos.

When you look from above, you can imagine where Wat Song Pee Nong or Wat Sob Kham must have been situated near the banks

History of temple:

• Wat Phra That Ngao was ealier known as Wat Sop Khum and was located by close to river Mekong. Due to erosion over a period of time or overflooding , the temple was forced to be relocated.
• A search for appropriate place was undertaken. Hunting for a new location, they came across an almost deserted temple.
• Wat Phra That Pha-Ngao used to be a very active place in early Yonok Nakhon period which thrived between thirteenth and fourteenth century A.D. As time passed by, the place was deserted and became a forest. The cave temple was shut for a very long time until it was accidentally discovered in 1976 after which the building was renovated.
• The ancient Buddha image, Luang Por Pha Ngao was in Sukhothai style which was in bhumisparsh mudra or subduing Mara posture.  A new viharn has been constructed in that place now.
• Three more stupas were discovered which were in dissipated condition. Phra Boromma That Putta Nimit chedi was built in 1980 to cover the old ones.

Information on the board above: "This Buddhist practices area covers an area of 22.88 hectares. It is believed to be built in 462 A.D. The new vihara is intently built at the place that uncovered the principal Budda image (Lung Phor Pha Ngao). While on the hilltop is Phra Borom That Nimit chedi. Here, the city view of Chiang Saen, Mekhong river, Mae Kham river including Laos can be admired."

Phra Boromma That Phutta Nimit Chedi

image on entrance

monk blessing a family

wall to wall mural on one side depicting day today life

Buddha etiquette in South-Asian countries

another image in bhumisparsh mudra

another mural

Various postures of Buddha

Buddha in dhyaan mudra or  meditative posture

Buddha in bhumisparsh mudra or calling the earth to witness his enlightenment

These were the images when I moved clockwise

a room on the side with Lanna antiquities

There are said to be three disipated chedis here.  A new chedi has been built around the bricks from remains of original chedis to preserve them.

We now drive down to see the wat which has a only the bust of Buddha visible.