Visiting the Pa-O Community Temple in Chiang Mai

🏘 Wat Nong Kham was established in 1837 by a group of Pa-O (Tong Su) laymen and laywomen, along with Shan and Thai people in Chiang Mai.
🏞 The temple's name originates from its location, which was once a forest with a large, deep pond to the north behind the temple. It is said that there was a great amount of gold beneath the pond, hence the name "Wat Nong Kham" (Temple of the Golden Pond).
📚 During the time of Phra Santila, a Pa-O monk who served as the abbot, Wat Nong Kham was under the administration of the Burmese Sangha. This led the general public to refer to it as the "Burmese Temple." However, in truth, it is a Pa-O temple that was merely governed by the Burmese Sangha.

Key attractions and significant features within the temple include:
🏠 The Ubosot (ordination hall): While its construction date is unknown, it was granted the Wisungkhama Sima (ordination boundary) in 1902. The hall features a hybrid architectural style and houses three plaster Buddha images as the principal statues.
⛺ The Viharn (assembly hall): Though its construction date is also unknown, it underwent its most recent renovation in 1928. It is a two-story structure with a concrete base and wooden upper parts, showcasing a hybrid architectural style crafted by Pa-O artisans. The viharn houses a large principal Buddha image and serves as a residence for monks and novices.
🛕 The Stupa (Chedi): This stupa has a high two-tiered base and includes small rooms for storing scriptures and various ancient texts.
🏡 Wat Nong Kham: Located at 182 Chang Moi Road, Chang Moi Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province.
⛳ Coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yWzbtXUbiKium6Jd9
🕕 Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

Post by the old traveler | Aug 16, 2025