Wat Phan Tao is one of the attraction with the goodly of peaceful in our central city of Chiang Mai.
Visit one of the most talked temple for practice the Dhamma as well at the Wat Phan Tao.
Among the many revered temples nestled within Chiang Mai’s ancient city walls, Wat Phan Tao may not be as renowned as Wat Phra Singh or Wat Chedi Luang, but it offers a quiet, powerful charm that’s just as unforgettable. With a centuries-old teakwood viharn built entirely of golden teak and adorned with Lanna architectural flourishes, this temple is more than a place of worship—it’s a living monument to northern Thai heritage.
🕰 A Deeply Rooted Lanna History
The name “Phan Tao” is steeped in symbolism. Some believe it comes from the phrase “Phan Tao Fai,” referring to the numerous furnaces used for casting Buddha images in the area. Another theory links it to the original wooden palace known as Ho Kham Phan Tao, once the royal residence of Chao Mahotaraprathet, the fifth ruler of Chiang Mai (reigned 1846–1854).
Around 1876, the original palace was dismantled and reconstructed as the temple’s viharn, or main hall. This makes Wat Phan Tao one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in Chiang Mai, preserved in remarkable condition. The architecture features 28 tall teak pillars supporting the elevated roof, while intricate wood carvings—such as a glass-inlaid peacock and a sleeping dog representing the king’s zodiac sign—adorn the entrance.
🙏 A Lanna Teakwood Masterpiece
The viharn made entirely from golden teak is Wat Phan Tao’s centerpiece, measuring approximately 21 meters in length and 11 meters in width. It represents one of the finest examples of Lanna wooden architecture still standing. Inside, the sacred image of Phra Chao Phan Tao is enshrined in a serene seated posture. Behind the viharn lies a bell-shaped chedi surrounded by smaller pagodas, creating a serene and sacred courtyard that whispers of the past.
🪔 Candlelight Ceremonies & Faith in Motion
What sets Wat Phan Tao apart is its mesmerizing “Phang Prateep” candlelight ceremonies, held on major Buddhist holidays like Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Loy Krathong. On these nights, hundreds of tiny clay lanterns are lit around the pond and temple grounds, casting a golden glow that reflects the deep spiritual traditions of the Lanna people.
The ritual is deeply rooted in northern Thai culture and symbolizes mindfulness, reverence, and the lighting of the path to enlightenment. The sight of hundreds of glowing candles under the night sky makes Wat Phan Tao a magnet for both worshippers and photographers from around the world.
📷 A Photogenic Gem in Chiang Mai
Whether it’s the glowing candlelit nights or the warm golden hues of the teakwood at dusk, Wat Phan Tao is a favorite for photographers and quiet travelers alike. The temple’s location in a leafy corner of the old city also makes it an ideal stop for a calm and meditative walk, especially in the late afternoon.
🛕 Practical Tips for Visitors
Phan Tao temple is a public temple with free entry and a peaceful atmosphere. While there’s a small area for bicycle and motorbike parking, the surrounding area also has plenty of shops and cafés for refreshments. Visitors should dress modestly and speak quietly out of respect for the temple’s spiritual significance. Do not climb onto the altar or touch sacred statues.
The best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to February, or during the rainy season when the temple grounds are green and lush. Evening visits are especially magical, as the setting sun casts a golden light on the wooden walls of the viharn.
🗺 Getting There
Wat Phan Tao is located on Phra Pok Klao Road in Chiang Mai’s Old City, directly next to Wat Chedi Luang. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from Tha Phae Gate or a quick ride on one of Chiang Mai’s famous red songthaew taxis. For drivers, limited street parking is available around the old moat area.