Wat Pha Lat

When visiting Chiang Mai, the first place that comes to mind is usually Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. However, before reaching Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, there is another hidden temple along the way. This temple offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, with the sound of flowing waterfalls and lush green nature, providing a sense of purity and peace unlike any other. Today, I would like to introduce you to another significant temple that tourists often visit: Wat Pha Lat. The name 'Pha Lat' comes from the word 'Pha Loet,' which means 'slippery,' due to the sloping area where the temple is built, making it easy for visitors to slip and fall. Hence, the temple was named after this characteristic. The temple's name appears in historical documents and chronicles alongside Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It is recorded that during the reign of King Kuena, he brought a relic of the Buddha from Sukhothai, carried on the back of an elephant, to be enshrined at Doi Suthep. During this journey, he stopped at the area of Pha Lat, which was then an abandoned temple. The Ministry of Education declared it no longer a monk's temple on March 2, 1981, and it has since been restored and revived as a temple and meditation center. The temple is easy to find, located about 5 kilometers up from the Kruba Monument at the base of Doi Suthep. The architecture, including buildings and pagodas, is designed in Burmese style. This location was also used as a scene in the drama 'Rak Nakara.' If you visit Chiang Mai, don't forget to pay homage to the Buddha relics here. There are many beautiful photo spots, and you might not be able to see everything in one day. For more detailed and accurate information, check out the 'Aew Dee Review' page. Location: Ban Huay Pha Lat, 101 Sriwichai Road, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province. Phone: 053-263-001 Open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.