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Wat Phrathat Chom Thong

Wat Phrathat Chom Thong

Wat Phrathat Chom Thong is located on the Doi Chom Thong, or the mountain named Chom Thong, opposite to Wat Sikhomkham or called the Wat Phra Chao Tonluang which is an archeological site of Phayao Province for a long time. It is about 3 kilometers from the city center of Phayao Province, situated in Tambon Wiang, Mueang of Phayao Province.For its history, in the old days, the Lord Buddha visited in order to spread Buddhism at Phu Kamyao town. After having passed the town, he realized that the area was suitable for constructing the temple. Thus, he gave Venerable Ananda a strand of the Lord Buddha’s hair, then the venerable passed it to Phraya Asok. After that, Phraya Asok and Phraya Inn put it in a den which was 70 was or 140 meters deep. Later, after the passing away of the Lord Buddha,the relics of the Lord Buddha’s right hand bones were put with the strand of the Lord Buddha’s hair covered by the chedi which was built by both of them.If you travel by car, when arriving nearby the temple, there is a road in front of the stairs, leading to the temple. So you can also take the road to the top of the mountain that is convenient for the Buddhists who respect the temple. There are many attractions in the temple, for example, the Phrathat Chom Thong which is the Lanna-styled chedi with its height of 30 meters is situated on the three-layer square base, of which each side is 9 meters wide, supporting the bell with tiered umbrella on its top. The under base is covered with sheets of metal and carved with patterns of 12 Chinese zodiacs and exquisite Thai pattern. Inside the chedi are the relics of a strand of the Lord Buddha’s hair and the relics of the Lord Buddha’s right hand bones enshrined. The architecture of the Phrathat Chom Thong chediis similar to that of Phrathat Hariphunchai chedi located in Lamphun Province. In addition to the Phrathat Chom Thong chedi, there are other the presiding Buddha images in the Buddha image hall such as the Than Chai guardian spirit. After paying respect to Buddha images, the visitors can also walk around to appreciate the Botanic garden as well as see the clear panoramic scenery of the town of Phayao province and Kwan Phayao or Phayao Lake which are the very beautiful surrounding. Then, you can buy One Tambon One Product (OTOP) Products as well.For those who are interested to pay respect the sacred and to appreciate beauty of the temple can visit here by car by travelling from the Victory Wall intersection. Then, you have to take the highway 1 leading to Mae Jai about 2.5 kilometers. There, you have to turn left, and after arriving at National Library of Thailand, you have to continue about 300 meters to reach the temple at the right side.