Wat Si Khom Kham (Wat Phra Chao Ton Luang)

History & Significance

Wat Si Khom Kham, commonly referred to as Wat Phra Chao Ton Luang, is a Third-Class Royal Temple located in Phayao Province. Built during the reign of King Yot Chiang Rai, the 10th monarch of the Mangrai Dynasty, the temple grounds span approximately 74 rai along the edge of Kwan Phayao (Phayao Lake). It received royal status on April 17, 1980, making it the first and only royal temple in Phayao Province.

Following periods of war, the temple fell into ruin and was left deserted along with the city of Phayao. Restoration efforts took place gradually, culminating in 1923 under the leadership of Phraya Prathet Udonthit and Kruba Srivichai, the revered monk from Lamphun. The old viharn covering the main Buddha image was dismantled and replaced with new structures within a single year, celebrated with a month-long festival in 1924.

Highlights & What to See

• Phra Chao Ton Luang: The temple's principal Buddha image enshrined inside the viharn. Created between 1491 and 1524 (BE 2034–2067), it is a gold-leaf stucco Buddha statue in the Mara-vijaya posture. Representing classic Chiang Saen craftsmanship, it stands as the largest Buddha statue of its kind in Northern Thailand, with a lap width of 14 meters and a height of 16 meters.
• Ubosot Middle of the Water: Built in 1985 in applied Lanna architecture, this ordination hall extends into Kwan Phayao. Its interior is adorned with murals painted by Thai National Artist Angkarn Kalayanapong. The ubosot opens to visitors specifically on Buddhist Holy Days and during major temple events.
• Ho Watanatham Nithat (Cultural Exhibition Hall): A local history museum displaying historical artifacts, ancient records, literature, and cultural lifestyle exhibits of Phayao.
• Kwan Phayao Sunset Viewpoint: Located at the rear of the temple along the lake, providing scenic views of the Phi Pan Nam Mountain Range, waterbirds, and sunset vistas over Kwan Phayao.
• Eight Peng Festival: Held annually in May during Visakha Bucha week, featuring day-to-day religious ceremonies celebrating Phra Chao Ton Luang alongside evening fairs and local market stalls.

Visitor Information

Wat Si Khom Kham is open daily from 06:00 to 18:30. Admission is free of charge. The Ubosot Middle of the Water is accessible on Buddhist Holy Days and major event days. The Ho Watanatham Nithat museum operates from 09:00 to 16:00 and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

How to Get There

The temple is located at 692 Phahonyothin Road, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Phayao District, Phayao Province, situated directly along the banks of Kwan Phayao.